Are Shaving Razors HSA Eligible?

A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged savings vehicle for qualified medical expenses. Funds can be set aside on a pre-tax basis. Money deposited into an HSA can be used to pay for deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, reducing out-of-pocket healthcare costs.

HSA Eligibility for Shaving Razors

Shaving razors are generally not eligible for reimbursement through a Health Savings Account. These items are typically classified as personal hygiene products rather than medical necessities. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) maintains specific guidelines for what constitutes an eligible medical expense, and shaving razors do not meet this criteria.

This exclusion stems from the primary purpose of razors, which is cosmetic grooming and general hygiene. They do not meet the strict definition of a qualified medical expense.

Understanding HSA Eligible Expenses

To be considered an HSA-eligible expense, costs must be primarily for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease. This also includes expenses incurred for the purpose of affecting any structure or function of the body. The IRS provides detailed guidance on these qualifications, primarily through Publication 502, “Medical and Dental Expenses.”

Expenses for general health or items that provide a general benefit are typically not eligible unless specifically prescribed by a doctor for a diagnosed medical condition. For instance, cosmetic procedures are usually excluded from eligibility. However, if cosmetic surgery is necessary to correct a deformity from a congenital abnormality, personal injury, or a disfiguring disease, it may qualify.

Even over-the-counter medications and products must meet these criteria. While a prescription is no longer required for most over-the-counter drugs since January 1, 2020, their primary use must still be for medical care. This means they must address a specific illness or condition, rather than merely promoting general wellness.

Common Personal Care Items and HSA Eligibility

Many common personal care items are generally not HSA eligible because they do not meet the IRS definition of medical care. This includes everyday products such as toothpaste, soap, shampoo, and general vitamins or supplements that are not prescribed for a specific medical diagnosis. Cosmetics and items for aesthetic purposes are also typically excluded.

Conversely, some personal care-adjacent items and medical supplies are HSA eligible due to their direct link to health and medical care. Examples include bandages, first-aid kits, and certain feminine hygiene products. Sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher is also typically eligible, as it helps prevent skin disease.

Medical devices such as blood pressure monitors, thermometers, and contact lenses are also commonly eligible expenses. In some cases, an item that is typically ineligible might become eligible with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LOMN) from a healthcare provider. This letter must specifically state that the item is required to treat a diagnosed medical condition.