No, Nitrile gloves are not eligible for reimbursement with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA).
Why Are Nitrile Gloves FSA/HSA Eligible?
Under IRS Code Section 213(d), medical expenses include amounts paid for the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of disease. Disposable gloves used to prevent the transmission of illness or contamination may qualify as medical supplies when purchased for health-related purposes and include a Letter of Medical Necessity.
According to the SIGIS Eligible Product List Criteria, nitrile gloves are considered Dual-Purpose (meaning they have both general health and medical uses).
Nitrile gloves are commonly used in:
Medical or home healthcare settings
Caregiving for an ill family member
Wound care or infection prevention
Cleaning and disinfecting in disease-control contexts
When used for these medical purposes, they may be eligible with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN).
What’s Not Covered?
Gloves purchased for non-medical industrial use
Disposable gloves used exclusively for food preparation or cleaning unrelated to illness
Specialty work gloves for automotive, construction, or hobby use
Reusable household cleaning gloves
LMN and Exceptions
Nitrile gloves used for medical or disease-prevention purposes require a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN).
To ensure reimbursement:
Purchase gloves marketed for medical or infection-control use.
Retain itemized receipts.
Submit documentation to your FSA/HSA administrator if requested.
If gloves are purchased for general household tasks unrelated to medical care or disease prevention, they are not eligible for reimbursement.
Looking for something else? Check our full list of FSA and HSA eligible items and services to find out what's approved.