HSAcenter - Health Savings Accounts - Health Care and Savings for You and Your Family


Health Savings Account (HSA)
Eligible/Ineligible Expenses

Funds you withdraw from your HSA are tax-free when used to pay for qualified medical expenses as described in Section 213(d) of the Internal Revenue Service Tax Code. The expenses must be primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental defect or illness, including dental and vision. A list of these expenses is available on the IRS Web site, www.irs.gov in IRS Publication 502, “Medical and Dental Expenses."

Any funds you withdraw for non-qualified medical expenses will be taxed at your income tax rate plus 10% tax penalty if you're under 65.

The following list provides examples of eligible and ineligible medical expenses. This list is not all-inclusive. Remember, the IRS may modify its list of eligible expenses from time to time. As always, consult your tax advisor should you require specific tax advice.

Eligible medical expenses may include:
  • Acupuncture
  • Alcoholism treatment
  • Ambulance
  • Artificial limb
  • Artificial teeth
  • Breast reconstruction surgery (mastectomy-related)
  • Chiropractor
  • Contact lenses and solutions
  • Cosmetic surgery (if due to trauma or disease)
  • Dental treatment (X-rays, fillings, braces, extractions, etc.)
  • Diagnostic devices (such as blood sugar test kits for diabetics)
  • Doctor’s office (including physicians, surgeons, specialists or other medical practitioners) visits and procedures
  • Drug addiction treatment
  • Drugs, prescription
  • Eyeglasses and exams (for medical reasons)
  • Eye surgery (such as laser eye surgery or radial keratotomy)
  • Fertility enhancements
  • Hearing aids (and batteries for use)
  • Hospital services
  • Laboratory fees
  • Long-term care (for medical expenses and premiums)
  • Nursing home
  • Nursing services
  • Operations/surgery (excluding unnecessary cosmetic surgery)
  • Osteopath
  • Over-the-counter (OTC) medical expenses for items used solely to treat a medical condition (such as aspirin, pain relievers, decongestants, cough suppressant, etc)
  • Physical Therapy
  • Psychiatric care
  • Psychologist
  • Special education (for learning disabilities)
  • Speech Therapy
  • Stop-smoking programs (including nicotine gum or patches)
  • Vasectomy
  • Weight-loss program (to treat a specific disease diagnosed by a physician)
  • Wheelchair
Ineligible medical expenses may include:
  • Advance payment for future medical care
  • Amounts reimbursed from any other source (such as other health coverage or a Flexible Spending Account)
  • Babysitting, child care and nursing
    services for a normal, healthy baby
  • Betting (including lottery, gaming, chips, or track wagers)
  • Cosmetic surgery (unless due to trauma or disease)
  • Diaper service
  • Electrolysis or hair removal
  • Funeral expenses
  • Gasoline
  • Health club dues
  • Household help
  • Illegal operations and treatments
  • Maternity clothes
  • Meals
  • Nutritional supplements
  • Over-the-counter drugs and medicines other than those used exclusively for medical purposes
  • Personal use items (such as toothbrush, toothpaste)
  • Swimming lessons
  • Teeth whitening
  • Weight loss program (unless prescribed to treat a specific disease)


This site is presented as general information by Golden Rule Insurance Company, and not as an advertisement of, or solicitation for any health insurance product. Precise HSA tax effects depend on federal law. We recommend that you see your tax advisor for specific tax advice.

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