Since federal rules loosened for over-the-counter drugs and menstrual care products, participants rightly expect the FSA/HSA card to work at the pharmacy. Allergy season is when expectations meet the vitamin aisle.
Generally eligible without a prescription
- Many OTC medicines and medicines for cold, allergy, pain
- Menstrual care products
- Equipment and supplies that are primarily medical (bandages, contact lens solution, etc.)
Still usually not eligible
- Most vitamins and supplements (unless recommended by a provider for a medical condition and properly substantiated)
- Cosmetic items
- General health gadgets with a wellness pitch and no medical care purpose
- Soft drinks and grocery food just because they were in the same bag as Advil
Why denials spike in spring
Warehouse clubs and online marketplaces bundle eligible and ineligible SKUs on one receipt. IIA merchants help, but they aren’t magic. Itemized receipts save everyone time.
If you send one seasonal nudge a year, April is a contender: short list of yes/no examples, link to your administrator’s eligible-expense tool, and a reminder to keep receipts when the card asks.