Yes, drug sensitivity testing is eligible for reimbursement with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) when used to guide treatment and prevent adverse reactions to prescribed medications.
Why Is Drug Sensitivity Testing FSA/HSA Eligible?
Drug sensitivity testing (also known as pharmacogenetic testing or drug allergy testing) is used to evaluate how an individual’s body responds to specific medications. This type of testing helps healthcare providers choose the safest and most effective treatments and is particularly useful for patients with a history of adverse drug reactions or complex medication regimens.
Under IRS Code Section 213(d), diagnostic services that assist in the prevention or treatment of a medical condition are eligible medical expenses. According to IRS Publication 502, the cost of medical tests performed to detect or evaluate illnesses or guide treatment—including drug sensitivity tests—is reimbursable with FSA or HSA funds.
FSA- and HSA-eligible drug sensitivity testing may include:
Pharmacogenetic testing ordered by a healthcare provider
Allergy testing for specific drug intolerances
DNA-based testing to predict medication response
Testing for known risks associated with medications (e.g., HLA-B*5701 for abacavir)
Follow-up consultations related to interpreting test results
What’s Not Covered?
The following are not eligible:
At-home drug sensitivity tests purchased without medical supervision
DNA testing for non-medical purposes (e.g., ancestry, general wellness)
Tests used to determine recreational drug tolerance or preference
Testing not ordered or recommended by a licensed healthcare provider
To qualify, the testing must be prescribed or recommended by a healthcare provider and used to guide or support a treatment plan.
How to Use Your FSA or HSA for Drug Sensitivity Testing
You can use your FSA or HSA card to pay for medically necessary testing at clinics, hospitals, or authorized labs. If you pay out of pocket:
Request an itemized receipt showing the type of test performed and the date of service
Ensure the testing was conducted as part of a clinical evaluation or prescription plan
Submit documentation to your FSA or HSA administrator if needed for reimbursement
For more details on eligible diagnostic procedures, refer to IRS Publication 502.
