Eligible Expenses

Use your benefit accounts to save money on eligible expenses.

What kind of plan/account do I have?

You may have a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), or Commuter Benefits made available to you through your employer. Refer to your employee benefits information from your Human Resources department if you’re newly eligible for benefits or log into your online account to verify which plans you currently have.

  • Flexible spending accounts (FSAs): A portion of your paycheck is deposited into the account on a pre-tax basis. You can then use these funds to pay for out-of-pocket health or dependent care eligible expenses, depending on which type FSA(s) you have available – a health care FSA, limited health FSA, or dependent care FSA.
  • Health savings account (HSA): Set aside money on a pre-tax basis to pay for qualified medical expenses. You own your HSA and have the flexibility to choose whether you spend, save, or invest your HSA dollars.
  • Health reimbursement arrangement (HRA): Your employer gives you funds to help cover out-of-pocket costs not covered by an employer’s insurance plans. Your employer decides which expenses are eligible and how much the HRA pays. So make sure to log into your online account and access My Company Plan for details about your HRA.
  • Commuter Benefits: Set aside pre-tax funds to pay for certain transportation expenses for your commute to or from your regular workplace.

This list of eligible expenses gives you examples but is not meant to be all inclusive. For specific questions about eligible expenses for your plan, log into your online account and refer to My Company Plan or email ParticipantServices@ebcflex.com.

FSA, HSA, and HRA Eligible Expenses

Check out eligible expenses in the table below or download the list by account type.

Expense Type Limited Health FSA Standard Health FSA HSA Section 213 HRA

Dental Expenses

  • Dental X-Rays
  • Exams/Teeth Cleanings, Gum Treatments
  • Fillings, Crowns/Bridges
  • Oral Surgery, Extractions, Dentures
  • Orthodontia/Braces

Vision Expenses

  • Contact Lenses, Contact Lens Solution and Cleaners
  • Eye Examinations
  • Eyeglasses, Reading Glasses, Prescription Sunglasses
  • Laser Eye Surgeries, Radial Keratotomy/LASIK

Out-of-Pocket Uncovered Medical Care Expenses

  • Copays, Coinsurance, Deductible expenses
  • Prescribed Medication, including insulin and birth control
  • Prescribed Vitamins

Lab Exams/Tests

  • Blood Tests, Spinal Fluid Tests, Urine/Stool Analyses
  • Diagnostic Fees, Laboratory Fees
  • Cardiographs
  • X-Rays
  • At-Home COVID-19 Tests

Medical Treatments/Procedures

  • Acupuncture, Chiropractor
  • Hearing Exams, Hearing Aids and Batteries
  • Individual Behavioral or Mental Health
  • Inpatient treatment for addiction to alcohol/drugs
  • Infertility, In-vitro Fertilization
  • Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy
  • Sterilization, Vasectomy, and Vasectomy Reversals
  • Vaccinations and Immunizations
  • Well Baby Care

Medical Supplies and Services

  • Abdominal/Back Supports, Arch Supports/Orthopedic Insoles (not for general comfort) or Diabetic Shoes
  • Blood Pressure Monitors
  • Breast Pumps and Lactation Supplies
  • Compression Hosiery Above 30 mmHg
  • Contraceptives, Norplant Insertion or Removal
  • Counseling (except for Marriage and Family)
  • Crutches, Wheelchair, Oxygen Equipment, Splints/Casts
  • Medic Alert Bracelet or Necklace
  • Hospital and Ambulance Services
  • Insulin Supplies, Syringes
  • Guide Dog (for visually/hearing impaired person)
  • Mastectomy Bras, Prosthesis
  • Medical Miles, Tolls, Parking, or Transportation Expenses (essential to medical care). View current reimbursement rates here
  • Pregnancy Tests, Pre-natal Vitamins

Over the Counter (OTC) Medications and Products

  • Allergy, Anti-Itch, Antihistamine Medicines, Eye Drops
  • Digestive Tract Relief Medications, Antacids, Anti-Diarrhea Medications, Laxatives
  • Anti-Nausea Medications, Motion Sickness Pills
  • Contraceptives (Learn more about contraceptive reimbursement here)
  • Cold and Flu Medications, Cough Drops & Syrups, Decongestants, Nasal Sinus Sprays, Sore Throat Spray, Sinus Medications, Throat Lozenges, Vapor Rubs
  • First Aid Creams, Diaper Rash Ointments, Calamine Lotion, Bug Bite Medication, Wart Remover Treatments, Special Ointments/Burn Ointments, Rubbing Alcohol
  • Menstrual Pain and Cramp Relief Medication
  • Menstrual Products, including Tampons and Pads
  • Pain Relievers, Analgesics, Aspirin, Fever Reducers, Muscle/Joint Pain Relievers
  • Smoking Cessation Products, Nicotine Gum/Patches
  • Sunscreen with at least SPF 15
  • Athletes Foot Creams and Powders, Cold Sore Remedies, Hemorrhoid Medications, Lice and Scabies Treatments, Yeast Infection Treatments

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to Prevent Spread of COVID-19

  • Face masks (disposable or cloth), with multiple layers of material and with nose wire
  • Hand sanitizer rubs and hand sanitizing wipes with at least 60% alcohol content
What kinds of expenses are not eligible?

We’re commonly asked which expenses are not eligible for payment from an FSA, HSA, or HRA. Here are some examples, but again, it is not all inclusive.

  • Canceled appointment fees
  • Drugs or treatments that are illegal
  • Cosmetic surgery, treatments, or procedures
  • Toiletries or sundry items
  • Vitamins or supplements for general health
  • Food and meals that replace regular nutritional requirements
  • Household cleaning products, including surface cleaning wipes
  • Face shields, neck gaiters, or face masks with vents/valves

Personal care items or services for general health are not usually eligible, but if your health care provider recommends an otherwise personal product or service to treat a specific diagnosis, you can submit the expense for reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity. This is a letter from your health care provider that includes a recommendation of the item or service to treat your diagnosis, and the duration of the recommendation. Depending on the expense, you may have to provide additional documentation to show the expense would not have been incurred “but for” the medical condition. Sometimes a personal or general use item may be specialized for the specific purpose of treating or alleviating a medical condition. In this case, only the excess cost of the specialized item over the non-specialized item can be reimbursed. A Letter of Medical Necessity may be requested for these items as well.

Where can I buy items that are eligible expenses?

You can purchase eligible expenses anywhere that sells them. Here are some tips for where to shop, getting the most out of your benefit, and easily paying for eligible expenses.

  • Consider online retailers. Many of your favorite retailers sell these items on their websites. Some retailers specialize in products marked as FSA or HSA eligible items on their site and clearly mark them on your receipt/invoice.
  • Use your Benefits Card! The easiest way to purchase an eligible expense is to use your Benefits Card at a retailer that approves eligible expenses at the point of sale with their electronic payment system. When you use your Benefits Card at these retailers, you pay directly from your benefit account without having to pay out-of-pocket and then submit a claim for reimbursement.
  • Submit claims online and use direct deposit. Don’t have a Benefits Card? No problem. Save your expense documentation and submit your claim for reimbursement online. Sign up for direct deposit and your funds are automatically deposited in your savings or checking account.
Are over-the-counter contraception obtained without a prescription eligible for reimbursement?

If the plan or insurer does not cover the entire cost of an over-the-counter (OTC) contraceptive, participants may seek reimbursement from their standard health FSA, health savings account (HSA), or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) that considers OTC expenses as eligible. Participants should not seek reimbursement for expenses that will be paid for or reimbursed by any other plan or coverage.

Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account Eligible Expenses

Child Care Expenses

  • Child care at home or at a day care facility
  • Sick child care center or facility
  • 3K or 4K
  • Nursery or preschool
  • Before and after school programs
  • Day camp (may include sports camp, computer camp, etc.)
  • Au pair or nanny
  • FICA and FUTA payroll taxes of daycare provider
  • Miscellaneous fees related to dependent care (i.e. agency fees, application fees, hold the spot fees, late fees, registration fees, etc.)
  • Transportation fees provided by the dependent care provider for transportation to/from where care is provided.

Adult Care Expenses

  • Adult day care center
  • Custodial elder care (in-home or away from home)
  • Transportation fees provided by the dependent care provider for transportation to/from where care is provided.

Commuter Benefits Eligible Expenses

Transit Account

  • Mass transit (such as train, bus, subway, or ferry)
  • Commuter highway vehicle (such as vanpools)

Parking Account

  • At or near your regular place of employment
  • At a location from which you commute to work by carpool, commuter highway vehicle, or mass transit