What Can You Really Buy with an FSA or HSA? (You Might Be Surprised!)

When it comes to saving money on health care, there are two types of accounts that can really help: FSA (Flexible Spending Account) and HSA (Health Savings Account). If you’ve heard of them before but still aren’t quite sure how they work—or what you can actually use them for—you’re not alone. 

At ACNB Insurance Services, we help people across Maryland, Virginia and Pennsylvania understand their benefits every day. One of the most common questions we get is, “Wait, I can use my FSA for THAT?” The answer is often yes, let us explain how.

FSA vs. HSA

Let’s start with the basics and learn the differences between these two accounts:

FSA: Flexible Spending Account

This is a special account that your job might offer. You decide annually how much money to put into it (up to the IRS determined maximum). That money comes out of your paycheck before taxes are taken, which means you save money right away. One of the biggest advantages to an FSA is that your entire election amount is available to you on day one.

You can use it for lots of health-related expenses, but here’s the catch: you have to use most or all of it before the year ends, or it might disappear. Some plans let you roll over a small amount, but many don’t.

HSA: Health Savings Account

This is similar, but you must be enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) to qualify. Like the FSA, you put in money tax-free, but with an HSA, the money rolls over from year to year. Unlike an FSA the money accrues per paycheck deduction, so the only funds available to you are what you have elected per pay check. But, it’s your money. If you change jobs, your HSA comes with you.

Both accounts can save you hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars each year if you know how to use them wisely.

So What Can You Use These Accounts For?

Now here’s the fun part. Everyone knows you can use your FSA or HSA for things like doctor visit copays, prescriptions, and costs that go towards your deductibles. But you might not know about all the other things that count.

Let’s look at some of the surprising things you can use these accounts for:

1. Home Healthcare Supplies

You don’t need a prescription for these, and they’re great for everyday health.

• Thermometers
• Blood pressure monitors
• Blood sugar test kits
• Pain relief – OTC medicine, wraps and devices.
• Medical alert systems

These are the kinds of items you might already have at home, but now you can buy them with FSA or HSA funds.

2. Over-the-Counter Medications (No Prescription Needed!)

Thanks to some recent changes in the law, you can now use your FSA or HSA to buy many medications right off the shelf:

• Cold and flu medicine
• Allergy relief like antihistamines
• Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and aspirin
• Sleep aids and motion sickness pills
• Eye drops and nasal sprays

Next time you're in the pharmacy, check the price label for an OTC marker. Many common items are covered.

3. Baby and Child Supplies

If you have a little one at home, your FSA/HSA can help with those expenses too.

• Breast pumps and accessories
• Baby monitors (including those that track breathing)
• Children’s pain relievers
• Teething gels and diaper rash creams

If it’s related to your baby’s health, it’s likely covered.

4. Skin Care and Sun Protection

Yes! Skin care counts too, especially when it protects your health.

• Sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher
• Lip balm with SPF
• Acne treatments
• Wart removers

These products are important for keeping your skin healthy, and now they’re FSA/HSA eligible.

5. Eye Care Products

Even if you don’t wear glasses, there are eye-related items that may be covered:

• Contact lenses (and solution!)
• Eye drops for dryness or allergies
• Prescription glasses
• LASIK eye surgery (for HSA users)

So go ahead and stock up. Your account can help you see clearly and save money.

6. Foot Care

Yep! Taking care of your feet matters, and the following items may be covered:

• Orthotic shoe inserts
• Foot creams
• Callus and corn removers

If it’s for comfort, relief, or a medical reason, your FSA/HSA may help.

7. Digestive Health Products

Heartburn and tummy troubles? Covered.

• Antacids
• Laxatives
• Digestive aids

These are easy to find in stores and easy to pay for using your benefit account.

8. Vitamins and Supplements (With a Doctor’s Note)

While you can’t use your account for any random vitamin, some do qualify, especially if your doctor recommends them.

• Prenatal vitamins
• Iron supplements
• Other nutritional support (with a Letter of Medical Necessity)

Ask your doctor for a Letter of Medical Necessity, and you may be able to get reimbursed.

9. First Aid Supplies

Great for home, the car, or sports bags.

• Bandages and wraps
• Ice packs
• Antibiotic ointments
• Full first aid kits

Pro tip: If you’re putting together an emergency kit, use your FSA or HSA to do it.

10. Menstrual and Sexual Health Products

Thanks to updates in federal law, a whole range of products are now covered.

• Pads and tampons
• Menstrual cups
• Birth control (OTC or prescription)
• Condoms
• Fertility tests
• Erectile dysfunction medications (with a prescription)

These products are often private and personal—but they don’t have to cost more than they should.

11. Incontinence Products

If you or a loved one deals with incontinence, your benefit account can help.

• Incontinence pads
• Disposable undergarments
• Cleaning wipes

This category includes adult care items and supports people of all ages.

12. Smoking Cessation Aids

Trying to quit smoking? Good news. Your FSA/HSA supports that too.

• Nicotine gum and patches
• Prescription quit aids
• Stop-smoking programs and counseling

Your health plan wants to help you quit. These funds can help make it easier.

How Much Can You Contribute?

In 2025, here’s what you’re allowed to put in:

• FSA: Up to $3,200 per year
• HSA: Up to $4,300 (individual) or $8,550 (family)

These numbers can change each year, so be sure to check with your employer or your insurance advisor.

Tips to Make the Most of Your Account

1. Estimate your needs before you enroll. Think about doctor visits, prescriptions, and surprise costs.
2. Use your FSA before the year ends or see if your employer offers a grace period or rollover - if your employer does offer a rollover amount, take that into consideration when electing for your next deductions! You may not need to contribute as much in the upcoming year.
3. Save receipts! Especially for OTC or less common items.
4. Ask your doctor for a Letter of Medical Necessity if needed for supplements or specialty items.
5. Check what’s eligible using your FSA/HSA provider’s website or app. Many have searchable lists.

Still Have Questions?

At ACNB Insurance Services, we love helping individuals and families make the most of their benefits. Whether you live in Maryland or Pennsylvania, our team is here to make things simple.

We’ll help you:

• Understand if an HSA or FSA is right for you
• Pick the right contribution amount
• Learn what qualifies and how to save the smart way

Because taking care of your health shouldn’t be confusing—and saving money should feel easy.

Want to learn more? Contact ACNB Insurance Services today. We’re here to help you stretch every health dollar a little farther.

*Looking for a complete list of what’s covered? Click here to see the IRS complete list.