Yes, cough drops are eligible for reimbursement with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA).
Why Are Cough Drops FSA/HSA Eligible?
Cough drops are FSA/HSA eligible because they are considered a medical expense under IRS Code Section 213(d). Their primary purpose is to provide relief from symptoms associated with colds, coughs, or throat irritation, making them eligible for reimbursement. Medicated cough drops, which contain active ingredients like menthol or eucalyptus, are particularly effective in alleviating these symptoms and are explicitly covered under FSA/HSA guidelines.
However, it’s important to note that some products marketed as "natural" or "herbal" cough drops without active medicinal ingredients might not qualify. To ensure eligibility, choose products labeled with therapeutic benefits and retain itemized receipts to facilitate smooth reimbursement if required.
How to Purchase Cough Drops With an FSA/HSA
Browse cough drops on the buyFSA.com online store or in the buyFSA mobile app and click the button to add your selection to your cart. From your cart, click checkout and enter your FSA/HSA card details in the form fields provided.
When your purchase is confirmed, the total will be drawn from your flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA). You can also charge the payment to your regular credit card and request a reimbursement later.
To pay out of pocket without an FSA/HSA card, enter your credit card details at checkout and send the payment receipt to your provider. For successful reimbursement, all receipts must contain the information below:
Name of the provider
Date of purchase or service rendered (note that services 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/HSA cards or if using a regular credit card)
Total amount of purchase
