Can I Use My HSA for Blue Light Glasses?

A Health Savings Account (HSA) provides a tax-advantaged way for individuals to manage healthcare costs. Funds can be set aside on a pre-tax basis for qualified medical expenses. The primary purpose of an HSA is to help individuals with eligible high-deductible health plans save and pay for a range of health-related services and products.

Understanding Qualified Medical Expenses

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) defines what constitutes a “qualified medical expense” for HSA purposes. These are generally costs incurred for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and for treatments affecting any part or function of the body. The expense must be primarily for the alleviation or prevention of a physical or mental defect or illness, rather than merely beneficial to general health.

Common examples of qualified medical expenses include doctor visits, prescription medications, and dental care. Vision care is also typically included, covering items like eye examinations, prescription eyeglasses, and contact lenses. Non-prescription items usually do not qualify unless specifically allowed by IRS regulations or if they are prescribed by a healthcare professional for a medical condition.

Determining Eligibility for Blue Light Glasses

When considering blue light glasses for HSA eligibility, the key distinction lies between prescription and non-prescription options. Prescription blue light glasses are generally considered qualified medical expenses, similar to other prescription eyewear, because they address a diagnosed vision need. These are typically used to correct vision while also incorporating blue light filtering technology.

Non-prescription blue light glasses, however, are not automatically eligible for HSA use. For these to qualify, there must be a documented medical necessity. This often requires a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a licensed healthcare professional, such as an ophthalmologist or optometrist. The LMN must state that the blue light glasses are primarily for the prevention or alleviation of a specific medical condition, like digital eye strain, headaches, or sleep disruption caused by blue light exposure.

Without a prescription that incorporates blue light filtering or a valid Letter of Medical Necessity detailing a diagnosed condition, non-prescription blue light glasses are generally not considered a qualified medical expense. It is important to obtain this documentation before purchasing to ensure eligibility.

Making a Purchase or Seeking Reimbursement

Once eligibility for blue light glasses has been determined, there are typically two primary methods for utilizing HSA funds. The first method involves using an HSA debit card for direct payment at the point of sale, whether in-store or online.

Alternatively, individuals can pay for the qualified expense out-of-pocket and then seek reimbursement from their HSA. This process involves submitting a claim to the HSA administrator for the amount paid. For reimbursement, it is essential to retain proper documentation, including an itemized receipt from the vendor. If the purchase of blue light glasses required a prescription or a Letter of Medical Necessity, these documents should also be kept as proof of eligibility.

Maintaining thorough records of all qualified medical expenses and their corresponding documentation is important for tax purposes. The IRS may request proof that expenses were qualified, and failure to provide adequate documentation for non-qualified distributions can result in income tax and a 20% penalty if the account holder is under 65 years old. There is generally no time limit to request reimbursement for qualified expenses, provided the expense was incurred after the HSA was established and was not reimbursed from another source or claimed as a tax deduction.