What reproductive health products can I use my HSA for?

Did you know that many reproductive health products are covered through a Health Savings Account (HSA)? Here we explain exactly what an HSA is, how it works, who's eligible and which products are covered.

What is an HSA?

An HSA is a health savings account that, according to HealthCare.gov, “lets you set aside money on a pre-tax basis to pay for qualified medical expenses, as defined by the tax law.”¹ By using pre-tax dollars to purchase reproductive health products and services, an HSA plan can save you money.² A couple of things to keep in mind: HSA plans may have monthly premiums but your deductible is often higher.¹ There are yearly limits to how much money you can set aside, adjusted annually for inflation.³ Any money you don’t use from your HSA rolls over year to year and may earn interest, which is not subject to taxes.¹ Pretty great, right?

Are you eligible for an HSA?

Now you’re probably wondering if you’re eligible. You must have an HSA-eligible plan, which is sometimes called a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP).² Often these are plans that only cover preventive services before you reach your deductible.² You may have an HSA plan through your employer, directly through a health insurance company, or through the federal or your state government’s Health Insurance Marketplace®.^1,4

Navigating health insurance plans and coverage isn’t always easy. If you have questions, contact your health insurance company, talk to your employer or visit HealthCare.gov.

What can I use my HSA for?

Many things! According to HealthCare.gov, your HSA can be used for “deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and other qualified expenses, including some dental, drug, and vision expenses.”¹ You may be surprised by all the reproductive health products that fall under the “other expenses” umbrella. Let’s take a look:

Are tampons HSA eligible?

Yes! Thanks to the passage of the 2020 CARES Act, menstrual products are now covered, including tampons, pads, liners, sponges and other similar products.⁵

Are condoms HSA eligible?

What about other forms of contraceptives and birth control? Yes! Contraceptives and birth control that are prescribed (such as birth control pills, an IUD or a diaphragm) or purchased over the counter (such as condoms or spermicide) are eligible.^6,7,8

Does an HSA cover Plan B?

Yes! According to the U.S. Food & Drug Administration, “Plan B One-Step (1.5 mg levonorgestrel) is an emergency contraceptive, a backup method of birth control.”⁹

Are pregnancy tests HSA eligible?

Yes! According to the IRS, “you can include in medical expenses the amount you pay to purchase a pregnancy test kit to determine if you are pregnant.”⁶ This includes any Clearblue® pregnancy test !

Are ovulation tests HSA eligible?

Probably; however, check with your insurance provider to be sure your ovulation test doesn’t require a prescription. Some insurance companies cover an “ovulation monitor”¹⁰ and some specifically say it’s OK if it’s purchased over the counter.⁸ Others might say an “ovulation kit” is covered when it’s prescribed by a physician for infertility, in which case you will be required to hold onto the prescription for tax purposes.⁷

Are prenatal vitamins HSA eligible?

Yes! Prenatal vitamins are HSA eligible as an exception. According to the IRS, “You can’t include in medical expenses the cost of nutritional supplements, vitamins, herbal supplements, ‘natural medicines,’ etc., unless they are recommended by a medical practitioner as treatment for a specific medical condition diagnosed by a physician.”⁶ Prenatal vitamins are eligible as long as you’re taking them during your preconception and pregnancy journey.¹⁰ You may also need to check with your insurance provider to see which prenatal vitamins are eligible.¹¹

Are breast pumps HSA eligible?

Yes! Breast pumps are HSA eligible as well as “supplies that assist lactation,” according to the IRS.⁶ However, “excess bottles for food storage” are not eligible.⁶

How to organize and track your HSA purchases

The first thing you need to do is make sure your purchase qualifies. Check with your insurance provider – many have detailed lists online. It’s also important you keep all your receipts and statements.¹² Some insurance plans offer access to a portal to easily store receipts – however, just keep in mind that if you change jobs, you will lose that access.¹² Keep everything organized. Spreadsheets can be super helpful –track how much you’ve spent and contributions you’ve made.¹² Note the date, type of purchase, store and item. Keep digital and physical versions and file your receipts and statements.¹² Keep these records for three years.¹³

How and when to submit your HSA expenses

Every health insurance plan has its own system for how and when to submit HSA expenses. If you use an HSA card provided by your insurance provider to make HSA-eligible purchases, the money is taken directly from the funds you already set aside. If you use another form of payment, insurance companies generally require you to provide a receipt for proof of purchase.

You will need to note your HSA contributions and spending on your taxes, which are typically due April 15.¹⁴ Be sure to provide this information (and those receipts!) to your tax provider. If you are new to HSAs, don’t worry – submitting your expenses typically is not as complex as it might seem. Your insurance plan will likely have tools to educate and make tracking your expenses easier. And in the meantime, enjoy a bit of money saved the next time you purchase tampons or a pregnancy test !

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• “What is family planning?” 
• “Announcing your pregnancy at work: When and how”
• “Am I ready to have a baby? 12 questions to ask”