24 often overlooked HSA & FSA eligible items for baby and mom

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One thing we all know to be true? Having a baby is expensive! And while your bundle of joy is worth every penny, it is helpful to know that mamas can get some extra help with essentials.
If you’re enrolled in an FSA (Flexible Spending Account) or HSA (Health Savings Account), you are entitled to a ton of eligible expenses for tax-free purchase like prescriptions and health insurance deductibles. Beyond basic medical care, you can also use these accounts to purchase HSA approved items like postpartum underwear, breast pumps, period care and more, all untaxed. Yup, amazing.
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What’s not so amazing? Scrambling to use dollars that expire (unused FSA dollars risk being turned back over to employers if not spent before December 31) while also sweating other budget issues, and ever-changing rules. That said, you may be able to shop anywhere you want, depending on your policy, and send your receipts for reimbursement.
What is FSA eligible?
To be FSA eligible, items have to be considered “qualified medical expenses” by the IRS. That means it must be used to treat, diagnose, cure, mitigate or prevent a medical condition for yourself, your spouse or your dependent.
Unfortunately most of that pricey skincare and vitamins you love probably don’t qualify, but sunscreen and prenatal vitamins do.
Regardless, be sure to check your insurance policy to see which items qualify before making your purchases.
Are diapers FSA eligible?
It’s a common question. Are diapers FSA eligible items? Here’s the scoop: Generally, diapers are not covered by FSAs unless there’s a specific medical necessity. This means that standard baby diapers, as essential as they are, usually don’t make the cut for FSA reimbursement. However, if diapers are needed for specific medical reasons or conditions and prescribed by a healthcare provider, they might be eligible.
It’s a similar story with adult diapers and incontinence pads – they’re typically FSA eligible because they’re considered a medical necessity. So, if your little one requires special medical-grade diapers, you might just have a green light for FSA. On the other hand, once you hit the potty training phase, overnight training pants (among other bedwetting aids) are considered FSA eligible.
Where to buy FSA eligible items
Armed with receipts, you can purchase FSA eligible items anywhere and be reimbursed. Some places will even accept FSA debit cards if you have one. Alternatively, you can make it super easy and purchase through FSAstore.com where all products are FSA-approved and shop with your FSA card (most everything is auto-approved).
Ready to shop? Here are some FSA and HSA approved baby items you can buy with pre-tax dollars, so that you can sleep a little easier.
Fertility
Maternity and postpartum support
C-Section recovery
Period care
Breastfeeding supplies and support
Pregnancy and postpartum supplements
Personal care
A version of this story was published August 8, 2021. It has been updated.