Yes, Ibuprofen is eligible for reimbursement with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HAS). This over-the-counter (OTC) medication qualifies as a reimbursable expense because it treats pain and inflammation, which are recognized medical conditions.
Why Is Ibuprofen FSA/HSA Eligible?
Ibuprofen is FSA/HSA eligible because it is an over-the-counter medication used to treat specific medical conditions, including pain, inflammation, and fever. According to IRS Code Section 213(d), expenses for products that diagnose, treat, or prevent a medical condition are reimbursable.
The CARES Act of 2020 expanded eligibility for OTC medications like Ibuprofen, making them reimbursable without requiring a prescription. This means you can use FSA/HSA funds to purchase Ibuprofen for conditions such as headaches, muscle pain, arthritis, or post-surgical recovery without additional documentation.
How to Purchase Ibuprofen With an FSA/HSA
To purchase your preferred Ibuprofen product, browse the buyFSA.com website or log in to the buyFSA app. Once you’ve made your selection, add it to your cart by clicking the shopping cart icon below the product image. Click the shopping bag icon at the top right to proceed to your cart.
Check your order and add or delete items if necessary. When you’re ready to pay, click on checkout. Fill out the spaces in the form provided to provide your contact and delivery details. To pay using your FSA/HSA, include the related card information. If making an out-of-pocket payment, enter your regular credit card details. Click the pay now (FSA/HSA) button to make your payment.
To request reimbursement for out-of-pocket payments, upload your payment receipt and submit it to your FSA/HSA provider. For a successful claim, include the following on the receipt:
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
What Other Pain Relief Products Are FSA/HSA Eligible?
In addition to Ibuprofen, several other pain medications are eligible for FSA/HSA reimbursement, including:
- Acetaminophen : Commonly used for pain relief and fever reduction.
Aspirin: Used to manage pain, inflammation, and certain cardiovascular conditions.
Naproxen: A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for managing joint pain, arthritis, and other inflammation-related conditions.
Topical Pain Relievers: Products like Icy Hot and Bengay containing menthol or capsaicin for localized pain relief.
Medicated Patches: Products such as Salonpas or other adhesive pain relief patches.
These medications must be used to treat specific medical conditions rather than for general wellness.
