Yes, expectorants are eligible for purchase with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA).
Why Are Expectorants FSA/HSA Eligible?
Expectorants are used to treat productive coughs by loosening and thinning mucus, making it easier to clear from the airways. They are commonly recommended to manage symptoms of respiratory conditions such as the common cold, bronchitis, or chest congestion. Because they are used to treat a specific medical condition, expectorants qualify as eligible medical expenses under IRS Code Section 213(d).
Following the CARES Act of 2020, over-the-counter (OTC) expectorants are FSA- and HSA-eligible without a prescription.
FSA- and HSA-eligible expectorant products include:
Guaifenesin-based medications (e.g., Mucinex®, Robitussin® Chest Congestion)
Extended-release and immediate-release tablets or syrups
Combination cold and flu products containing an expectorant
Children’s expectorant formulations for mucus relief
To be eligible, the product must contain an active medicinal ingredient and be marketed as treatment for a medical condition such as chest congestion or mucus-related cough.
What’s Not Covered?
Dietary supplements and herbal remedies are never FSA/HSA eligible, even if they contain guaifenesin or are marketed for “respiratory support.” These products do not qualify as medical treatments and are excluded from eligibility.
Homeopathic expectorants are generally eligible if they include an active medicinal ingredient and have a National Drug Code (NDC). These are considered over-the-counter medicines and are not categorized as supplements.
To be eligible, the product must clearly indicate that it is designed to treat a medical condition—not for general wellness or immune enhancement.
How to Buy Expectorants with Your FSA or HSA
You can purchase expectorants directly at buyFSA.com using your FSA or HSA card. Every item listed on buyFSA.com is FSA- and HSA-eligible, so there’s no guesswork or reimbursement hassle.
If purchasing elsewhere:
Use your FSA or HSA card at checkout (in-store or online)
Look for products labeled as expectorants or chest/mucus relief treatments
Save your receipt in case your plan administrator requests documentation
Avoid supplements, herbal products, or general wellness items without a treatment indication
