Does an HSA cover allergy medicine?
Over-the-counter and prescription allergy medicines are HSA-eligible, and since 2020 you no longer need a prescription to buy the OTC ones with HSA funds.
What flips the answer
- Covered when
It's an OTC or prescription allergy medicine, or allergy shots — all qualify without a prescription requirement for the OTC ones.
- Not covered when
The product is sold as a dietary supplement rather than a drug and isn't recommended by a provider to treat a diagnosed condition.
Allergy medicine — antihistamines, decongestants, nasal sprays, and eye drops that treat allergy symptoms — is a qualified medical expense. The CARES Act of 2020 permanently restored HSA eligibility for over-the-counter drugs without requiring a prescription, so you can buy these directly.
Prescription allergy medications and allergy shots (immunotherapy) are also covered, along with related out-of-pocket costs your health plan doesn't pick up.
Because OTC allergy medicine is a recognized eligible category, your HSA debit card generally works at pharmacies using the IIAS inventory system. Items marketed as supplements rather than drugs are the ones that fall outside eligibility.
That's the general answer. Yours is written in your actual policy.
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