Is a Thermometer HSA Eligible Under Current Rules?

A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged savings account for qualified medical expenses. These accounts offer a triple tax advantage: contributions are tax-deductible, earnings grow tax-free, and withdrawals for eligible medical expenses are also tax-free. This article aims to clarify the rules surrounding the eligibility of thermometers for purchase with HSA funds.

General Rules for HSA Eligibility

For an expense to be eligible for HSA reimbursement, it must primarily be for “medical care” as defined by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This definition includes amounts paid for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or for the purpose of affecting any structure or function of the body. Expenses for general health, such as vitamins, are generally not included unless deemed medically necessary by a healthcare provider.

A significant change occurred with the CARES Act, which made most over-the-counter (OTC) medical items eligible for HSA reimbursement without requiring a prescription. This change became effective retroactively to January 1, 2020, and is a permanent expansion of eligible expenses. This means common items like pain relievers, cold and flu products, and allergy medications can now be purchased with HSA funds without a doctor’s note.

Thermometer Eligibility Details

Thermometers are generally eligible for reimbursement with Health Savings Account funds. They qualify as medical devices used to monitor body temperature and detect fever, a key symptom of many illnesses. Their primary purpose aligns with the IRS definition of medical care, as they are used for the diagnosis or monitoring of medical conditions.

This eligibility extends to various common types of thermometers. Digital, ear, forehead, and basal thermometers are covered, provided their use is for medical purposes rather than general wellness. The medical utility of thermometers in aiding early diagnosis and supporting health management makes them a qualified expense.

Using Your HSA for Purchases

When using your HSA for eligible purchases, several methods are available to access your funds. Many HSA providers offer a linked debit card, which can be used directly at the point of sale, similar to a regular bank card. This provides a convenient way to pay for qualified medical expenses, including thermometers.

Alternatively, you can pay for eligible expenses out-of-pocket using personal funds and then reimburse yourself from your HSA. This process typically involves submitting a claim to your HSA administrator, usually through an online portal. Regardless of the payment method, it is important to maintain detailed records, such as receipts, for all HSA-funded purchases. These records serve as substantiation in case the IRS requests verification of the medical expense eligibility.