No, fish oil it not a universally eligible Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) expense. However, it may be eligible when accompanied by a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN).
How to Purchase Fish Oil With an FSA/HSA
If you have a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from your healthcare provider, fish oil may be eligible for reimbursement with an FSA or HSA account. You will first need to consult your doctor to obtain such a letter. Ask them if fish oil could support you with your condition, such as arthritis, hypertension, etc.), and if so, ask for a letter motivating why you need it.
Once you have the letter, contact your FSA or HSA provider for further confirmation. As soon as they approve the expense, you can buy fish oil supplements with your FSA or HSA card. If you prefer, you can buy them with a regular credit card and request reimbursement from your provider later. You’ll need to send them a copy of your LMN and the purchase receipt to accomplish this.
The receipt must contain the following information:
Name of the provider
Date of purchase or service rendered (the services rendered must be within the FSA’s plan year)
Description of items/services rendered
Itemized list of products purchased with UPCs (if procuring items at a retailer that doesn’t accept FSA cards or if using a regular credit card)
Total amount of purchase
However, it’s important to note that some products marketed as "natural" or "herbal" cough drops without active medicinal ingredients might not qualify. To ensure eligibility, choose products labeled with therapeutic benefits and retain itemized receipts to facilitate smooth reimbursement if required.
