Yes, thumb braces are eligible for purchase with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA).
Why Are Thumb Braces FSA/HSA Eligible?
Thumb braces are used to treat and manage medical conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis, skier’s thumb, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, and thumb sprains or fractures. Under IRS Code Section 213(d), medical devices that are used to treat or alleviate a physical condition qualify as eligible medical expenses.
Thumb braces are considered a type of durable medical equipment (DME), and they qualify for FSA and HSA reimbursement whether used for injury recovery or chronic joint support. No prescription is required for over-the-counter thumb braces.
FSA- and HSA-eligible thumb braces include:
Rigid or semi-rigid thumb stabilizers
Wrap-style thumb splints
Combination thumb and wrist braces
Post-injury or post-surgical thumb supports
These devices qualify as long as they are intended to treat a medical condition, not simply to improve grip or prevent fatigue during activities.
What’s Not Covered?
Braces or supports marketed solely for athletic performance, general grip enhancement, or comfort may not qualify. Products without clear medical intent or labeling—such as gloves with thumb compression or gear worn only for repetitive task support—are typically not eligible.
If the brace includes features beyond medical use (such as integrated fitness tracking or ergonomic enhancements unrelated to treatment), only the medical portion may qualify, and additional documentation could be required.
How to Buy Thumb Braces with Your FSA or HSA
You can purchase thumb braces 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 braces labeled for medical use or injury treatment
Save your receipt in case your plan administrator requests documentation
Avoid items labeled only for sports performance or fatigue prevention
