Do you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)? If so, you can buy vitamins and dietary supplements using FSA dollars, although there are a few rules. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act of 2020) repealed the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirement that over-the-counter drugs and medicines had to be prescribed in order to be reimbursable through FSAs and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) has permanently restored over-the-counter medications and supplies as qualified medical expenses retroactive to January 1, 2020. Sadly, while this update means over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin and Advil and non-prescription allergy meds can now be purchased without a physician’s prescription, the act did not extend to all vitamins and dietary supplements.
Regarding nutritional supplements, the IRS states, “you can’t include in medical expenses the cost of nutritional supplements, vitamins, herbal supplements, “natural medicines,” etc., unless they are recommended by a medical practitioner as treatment for a specific medical condition diagnosed by a physician. These items are taken to maintain your ordinary good health and aren’t for medical care.”
Custom Formulated Nutritional Supplement with Glucosamine Sulfate (2KCI), Chondroitin Sulfate, and Bromelain.
Certain medical conditions can improve with a healthy diet and the right nutritional supplements. Fortunately, using FSA money for these purchases can be an easy way to use the current year’s money. Specifically, prenatal vitamins and supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin (found in Cooper Complete Joint Health) are eligible for over-the-counter purchases without a prescription.
In general, the IRS states, “You can’t include in medical expenses the cost of nutritional supplements, vitamins, herbal supplements, ‘natural medicines,’ etc., unless they are recommended by a medical practitioner as treatment for a specific medical condition diagnosed by a physician.” So, what does it take to buy vitamins and supplements using an FSA account?
First, schedule an appointment with your physician. If you have a health condition a physician feels can improve with a vitamin or supplement, he or she simply needs to write you a prescription. Then, place an order and complete your purchase.
Below, we have matched Cooper Complete vitamins and supplements with conditions a physician may recommend natural supplements and a healthy diet to improve a patient’s health.
These are a few possible situations that may qualify. Ultimately, visiting with your physician will help you determine what is best for your situation.
Talk with your physician about your specific health issues, and request a note or letter detailing the medical necessity of the vitamin or supplement. Then, purchase the vitamin or supplement recommended, and submit the itemized receipt along with a copy of the doctor’s note for reimbursement to your FSA plan.
Cooper Complete February 12, 2021
