25 Advanced Eligible Expenses Tips for Health Savings

Don't forget to track and claim mileage for all trips to doctors, specialists, pharmacies, and even medical supply stores. The IRS sets a specific rate annually for medical transportation, which adds up quickly.

Vision therapy, often prescribed by ophthalmologists for conditions like amblyopia or strabismus, is a qualified medical expense, even if traditional eyeglasses are not sufficient for treatment.

Premiums paid for IRS-qualified long-term care insurance policies are eligible HSA expenses, up to age-based limits that change annually. This is a powerful retirement planning tool for future healthcare needs.

Expenses related to obtaining and maintaining a service animal primarily for medical care (e.g., guide dog for vision impairment, seizure alert dog) are eligible, including food and veterinary care.

Modifications to your home for medical care, such as ramps, wider doorways, grab bars, or even specialized air filtration systems for severe allergies, can be eligible if primarily for medical purposes.

Inpatient treatment for alcoholism or drug addiction at a specialized center, including meals and lodging provided by the facility during treatment, is a qualified medical expense.

Expenses related to fertility treatments, including IVF, IUI, egg freezing, and related medications, are generally eligible, provided they are for medical reasons to conceive.

Weight loss programs are eligible if prescribed by a physician to treat a specific disease, such as obesity, heart disease, or hypertension. General wellness programs are not covered.

Tuition and tutoring for a child with learning disabilities due to neurological conditions, if the school provides special resources for medical care, can be eligible.

Breast pumps and supplies for lactation support, including bottles and storage bags specifically for pumped milk, are considered medical care and are fully eligible, even without a prescription.

These alternative therapies are eligible if used to treat a specific medical condition, often requiring a doctor's recommendation or a Letter of Medical Necessity to substantiate the expense.

Hearing aids, their maintenance, and replacement batteries are all qualified medical expenses, making them a significant and often overlooked use for HSA funds for those with hearing loss.

Orthodontic treatments, including braces, retainers, and clear aligners, for cosmetic or corrective purposes, are qualified dental expenses, regardless of age.

Beyond eyeglasses, contact lenses, cleaning solutions, and related supplies are all eligible vision expenses, providing complete coverage for vision correction needs.

If you must travel away from home for medical care, lodging expenses (up to $50 per night per person) for the patient and a necessary companion are eligible, but cannot include meals.

Any diagnostic tests, screenings, or lab work not fully covered by your HDHP, or for which you haven't met your deductible, are eligible, including proactive health assessments.

Therapy, counseling, psychiatric care, and prescribed medications for mental health conditions are fully eligible, just like physical health care, supporting holistic well-being.

Programs and prescribed medications designed to help you stop smoking are eligible expenses, recognizing the significant health benefits of quitting tobacco.

The cost of special books, equipment, and training for visually impaired individuals, specifically designed to mitigate their condition, can be HSA eligible.

If hair loss is due to a medical condition like chemotherapy or alopecia, the cost of a wig is an eligible expense, helping to manage the psychological impact of treatment.

Fees paid to a 'health institute' or specialized clinic for medical care, not just general health improvement, can be eligible. Requires clear medical purpose and oversight.

Medical equipment necessary for mobility or recovery from an injury or illness is always an eligible expense, including rental costs for temporary needs.

Expenses for in-home care services for a chronically ill individual, including personal care services like bathing and dressing, can be eligible if medically necessary.

The cost of admission and transportation to medical conferences related to a chronic disease affecting the HSA owner, spouse, or dependent is eligible for educational purposes related to care.

At-home diagnostic kits, such as COVID-19 tests, blood pressure monitors, glucose meters, and cholesterol testing kits, are eligible expenses for monitoring health conditions.