Yes, Tylenol is a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) eligible brand.
Tylenol is considered an over-the-counter (OTC) medication for pain relief and is explicitly listed as an eligible expense under IRS Code Section 213(d).
Why Is Tylenol FSA/HSA Approved?
Tylenol is FSA/HSA approved because it is classified as an over-the-counter medication that serves a medical purpose by treating or alleviating specific medical conditions. According to IRS guidelines, expenses for OTC medications like Tylenol are reimbursable if they are used to manage medical issues such as headaches, fever, joint pain, or inflammation. The active ingredient in Tylenol, acetaminophen, is recognized for its effectiveness in reducing pain and fever, meeting the criteria for eligible medical expenses.
Furthermore, the CARES Act of 2020 expanded eligibility for OTC medications without requiring a prescription, allowing Tylenol and similar products to be covered under FSA/HSA accounts. This change simplifies access to pain relief products for individuals managing their healthcare expenses.
How to Purchase Tylenol With An FSA/HSA
Browse buyFSA’s website or open the buyFSA app to browse the FSA/HSA approved Tylenol products available. To choose the product or products you wish to buy, click on the shopping cart icon for each. When you’re ready to complete your purchase, open your cart by clicking on the shopping bag icon on the top right corner to proceed to a screen displaying the details of your order and the total amount due.
After confirming your order details, click the checkout button to complete the payment. On the payment screen, complete the online forms provided with your FSA/HSA card number and contact details, then press pay now (FSA/HSA) to make your payment.
To make an out of pocket payment using a regular credit card, fill out the same form with your credit card information, and click the pay now (FSA/HSA) button to finish. With your payment complete, submit a request to reimburse the purchase amount. You’ll need your payment receipt, including the following purchase details:
Name of the provider
Date of purchase/service rendered (note that for services, they must be rendered within the plan year for FSAs)
Description of items/services rendered
Itemized list of products purchased with UPCs (if purchasing 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?
Many pain relief products are FSA/HSA eligible as long as they are used to treat medical conditions. Oral pain relievers, such as Tylenol, Advil, and Aleve, qualify because they contain active ingredients like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen. These are commonly used to manage conditions like headaches, muscle pain, or fever.
Topical pain relievers, including Icy Hot, Bengay, and Aspercreme, are also eligible if they contain therapeutic ingredients like menthol or capsaicin. Medicated pain relief patches and air-activated heat patches designed for muscle aches or back pain are included as well. Devices like TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) units, specifically marketed for pain relief, may also qualify.
Products intended primarily for relaxation, wellness, or cosmetic purposes, such as general heating pads or massage oils, are not eligible. Some dual-purpose items may require a letter of medical necessity from a licensed healthcare provider to qualify for reimbursement.
