Are Water Flossers HSA Eligible? What the Rules Say

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) offer a tax-advantaged way to save and pay for qualified medical expenses. This article clarifies the eligibility of water flossers for HSA reimbursement.

Understanding HSA Eligible Expenses

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) establishes guidelines for HSA-eligible medical expenses. These are costs incurred primarily for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or for affecting any structure or function of the body. Common examples include doctor visits, prescription medications, dental treatments, and vision care. Expenses for general health improvement or cosmetic purposes are not eligible unless a specific medical necessity is present.

Water Flossers and Eligibility Requirements

Water flossers are generally considered eligible for HSA reimbursement when used to address a specific medical condition related to oral health. They are not automatically eligible as a general hygiene product, similar to a standard toothbrush or dental floss.

For items that are not explicitly defined as medical devices, such as water flossers, a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a qualified healthcare professional is often required. An LMN is a written statement from a dentist or other licensed practitioner confirming that the water flosser is medically necessary for your specific condition. It must clearly state the diagnosed medical condition, how the water flosser will treat or mitigate it, and the duration for which it is needed. Conditions that might warrant medical necessity include gum disease (gingivitis, periodontitis), specific orthodontic needs, or other oral health issues that prevent effective manual cleaning.

Documentation for Water Flosser Purchases

Maintaining meticulous records is crucial when using your HSA for qualified medical expenses, including water flossers. Retain itemized receipts that clearly show the product purchased, the date of purchase, and the cost. These receipts serve as proof of the expense if your HSA administrator or the IRS requests verification.

If a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) was required, this document must be kept alongside your purchase receipt. The LMN substantiates the medical necessity of the purchase for tax purposes or in an IRS audit. It is advisable to keep these records for at least seven years, corresponding to the period an income tax return remains open for audit.

Using Your HSA for Qualified Medical Expenses

Once you have confirmed the eligibility of your water flosser and gathered all necessary documentation, there are two main ways to use your HSA funds. One method is to use an HSA debit card directly at the point of purchase for immediate payment.

Alternatively, you can pay for the water flosser out-of-pocket and seek reimbursement from your HSA. This process usually involves submitting a reimbursement claim through your HSA administrator’s online portal or mobile app, often by uploading copies of your itemized receipt and, if applicable, the Letter of Medical Necessity. There is no time limit for requesting reimbursement for qualified expenses incurred after your HSA was established.