Is Magnesium an HSA Eligible Expense?

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) offer a tax-advantaged way to save and pay for qualified medical expenses. HSAs help individuals with high-deductible health plans manage healthcare costs through tax-deductible contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for eligible expenses. Not all health-related purchases automatically qualify for reimbursement from an HSA. Understanding permissible expenses is important for account holders to maximize these benefits.

General Rules for HSA Eligible Expenses

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) defines what constitutes a qualified medical expense for HSA purposes. Generally, these include amounts paid for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or for treatments affecting any structure or function of the body. This broad definition covers services and products like doctor visits, prescription medications, and medical equipment. The primary purpose of the expense must be to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental illness or disability, rather than simply promoting general health.

A distinction exists between prescribed medications and many over-the-counter (OTC) items, including dietary supplements. While many OTC medicines and drugs became eligible without a prescription after 2020, general health items like vitamins or supplements are typically not automatically covered. For an OTC item or supplement to be eligible, it often requires a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a qualified healthcare provider. This document explains the medical condition, the specific treatment needed, and how the item will alleviate the condition.

Magnesium and HSA Eligibility

Magnesium supplements are used for general wellness, supporting muscle function, bone health, or energy. As over-the-counter dietary supplements, they are generally not automatically eligible for HSA reimbursement. Their use for general health maintenance does not meet IRS criteria for medical necessity.

Magnesium can become an eligible HSA expense when prescribed by a healthcare provider to treat a diagnosed medical condition. For instance, if a doctor determines a patient has a magnesium deficiency (hypomagnesemia) or another specific health issue, such as certain types of migraines or muscle cramps, and prescribes magnesium as part of a treatment plan, it may then qualify. The expense must be primarily for the treatment or prevention of that specific medical condition.

To qualify, an LMN from a licensed healthcare provider is required. This links the magnesium supplement directly to the treatment of a specific diagnosed condition, not general dietary supplementation. Without such documentation, magnesium supplements purchased for general wellness purposes are not considered qualified medical expenses.

Required Documentation for Reimbursement

Proper documentation is essential for HSA reimbursement of magnesium. This includes a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a qualified healthcare provider. The LMN must clearly state the patient’s medical condition, the specific magnesium supplement recommended, and the duration for which it is medically necessary.

Detailed receipts for the magnesium supplement purchase are also required. Receipts should include the date, vendor, product name, and amount paid. Proof of payment, like a bank statement or credit card record, is advisable. These documents demonstrate medical necessity and can be provided if requested by the HSA administrator or IRS.