Q.- I am trying to use up my health FSA balance before the end of the year. Someone suggested that I go to the drug store and buy a lot of aspirin, bandages, shampoo and contact lens solution and then submit my receipts. Can I do this?
A.- Partially yes, partially no. Over-the-counter medicines and drugs (such as aspirin, cold relief medicine, headache medicine) may not be reimbursed from a health FSA without a prescription. So, you will need to show a prescription from your doctor if you wish to be reimbursed for your medicine purposes. All other purchases must be for medical care, and not for general health or cosmetic purposes. An eligible health FSA expense must be directly related to the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease or illness.
Bandages provide a medical purpose, as does contact lens solution. However, shampoo is not a medical item and may not be reimbursed from a health FSA (except for certain shampoos prescribed by a physician).