Can You Buy a Thermometer With an HSA?

A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged savings account established to help individuals manage healthcare costs. This account allows you to save and pay for qualified medical expenses using pre-tax dollars. Funds within an HSA can grow tax-free, and withdrawals for eligible expenses are also tax-free. The primary purpose of an HSA is to provide a dedicated resource for healthcare expenditures, offering financial benefits for those enrolled in a high-deductible health plan.

Thermometers as Qualified Medical Expenses

Thermometers are considered qualified medical expenses and can be purchased using an HSA. These devices are eligible because they serve a diagnostic purpose, aiding in the detection and monitoring of illness. This eligibility extends to various types of thermometers, including oral, temporal, ear, and forehead models. Under Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidelines, medical equipment used for diagnosing, treating, or preventing disease generally qualifies. This classification ensures that essential health monitoring tools are accessible through HSA funds.

Understanding HSA-Eligible Expenses

Beyond specific items like thermometers, the IRS defines qualified medical expenses broadly as costs incurred for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, including treatments affecting any structure or function of the body. Common eligible expenses encompass a wide range of services and products, including doctor visits, prescription medications, dental care, and vision care. Certain over-the-counter (OTC) medications and products are also eligible, such as pain relievers, cold and cough medicines, and some first-aid supplies. It is important that expenses are primarily for medical care, not for general health improvement or cosmetic purposes. Additionally, expenses that are reimbursed by other health coverage or insurance typically do not qualify for HSA reimbursement.

Using Your HSA for Purchases

Many HSA providers offer a dedicated debit card, which can be used directly at the point of purchase, similar to a regular bank card. This allows for immediate payment at pharmacies, medical offices, and online retailers that accept HSA cards. Alternatively, you can pay for eligible expenses out-of-pocket using personal funds and then reimburse yourself from your HSA. This involves submitting a claim to your HSA administrator, who will transfer the funds to your personal bank account. Regardless of the payment method, maintaining detailed records, such as receipts and Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statements, is important. These records serve as documentation for tax purposes and in the event of an IRS audit, confirming that funds were used for qualified medical expenses.