No, non-medicated face wash is not eligible for reimbursement through a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA). However, medicated face washes specifically designed to treat diagnosed medical conditions, such as severe acne, eczema, psoriasis, or very dry skin, are eligible without requiring a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) if they contain active ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or prescription-strength formulations.
Why Is Face Wash Not FSA/HSA Eligible? What Exceptions Exist?
Most everyday face washes are considered personal care items and are not eligible for FSA/HSA reimbursement. According to IRS Code Section 213(d) and SIGIS guidelines, only products that directly treat, diagnose, or manage a specific medical condition qualify as reimbursable medical expenses. Non-medicated face washes, even those marketed for sensitive skin or other minor concerns, do not meet these criteria as they are primarily for hygiene and general skincare.
On the other hand, medicated face washes containing active ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or other therapeutic agents are specifically formulated to address diagnosed skin conditions. These products are inherently eligible for FSA/HSA funds without an LMN because they serve a medical purpose rather than being classified as general cosmetic or hygiene items.
How to Purchase Medicated Face Wash Using Your FSA/HSA
If your condition requires medicated face wash, follow these steps to ensure your purchase aligns with FSA/HSA guidelines:
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Identify an Eligible Product:
Look for medicated face washes specifically designed for treating conditions like severe acne, eczema, psoriasis, or very dry skin.
Verify that the product contains active medical ingredients, such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or other therapeutic agents.
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Purchase the Product:
Visit an eligible retailer like buyFSA.com or a pharmacy that accepts FSA/HSA cards.
Add the face wash to your shopping cart, review your order, and proceed to checkout.
Use your FSA/HSA card to pay for the purchase. If the retailer does not accept FSA/HSA cards, use a personal card and save your receipt for reimbursement.
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Submit for Reimbursement (if needed):
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If you pay out-of-pocket, submit the receipt to your FSA/HSA provider. Ensure the receipt includes:
Name of the retailer/provider.
Date of purchase (must fall within the FSA plan year).
Description of the product purchased.
Total purchase amount.
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Maintain Documentation:
While an LMN is not required for eligible medicated face washes, keep receipts and purchase records for future reference in case of an audit or additional verification.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your purchase complies with FSA/HSA guidelines and secure reimbursement for medicated face wash.
