Yes, Nitrile gloves are typically eligible for reimbursement with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) when they are used for medical or disease-prevention purposes.
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 qualify as medical supplies when purchased for health-related purposes.
According to the SIGIS Eligible Product List Criteria, personal protective equipment (PPE) intended to prevent the spread of disease—including disposable medical gloves—is eligible for FSA/HSA reimbursement.
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 are generally eligible without 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
Most nitrile gloves used for medical or disease-prevention purposes do not 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.