What Can I Buy With My FSA in 2026?

Your FSA (Flexible Spending Account) gives you pre-tax dollars to spend on healthcare — but a lot of people don't realize just how many things qualify. From everyday items at CVS to prescription glasses, the list is longer than most people think. Here's everything you can buy with your FSA in 2026.

Everyday Health Products

Thanks to the CARES Act, over-the-counter medications are now FSA eligible without a prescription. That means you can use your FSA card at the drugstore on items you already buy regularly.

• ✓Pain relievers — Tylenol, Advil, Aleve
• ✓Cold and flu medicine
• ✓Allergy medication — Zyrtec, Claritin, Benadryl
• ✓Antacids and digestive aids
• ✓First aid supplies — bandages, antiseptic, gauze
• ✓Thermometers and blood pressure monitors
• ✓Heating pads and ice packs
• ✓Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher)
• ✓Hand sanitizer and face masks

Vision and Eye Care

Vision expenses are one of the most valuable FSA categories. If you wear glasses or contacts, your FSA can cover a significant portion of your annual costs.

• ✓Prescription eyeglasses and frames
• ✓Contact lenses and contact lens solution
• ✓Eye exams
• ✓LASIK eye surgery
• ✓Reading glasses (over-the-counter)
• ✓Eye drops for dry eyes

Dental Care

Dental expenses beyond what insurance covers are a great use of FSA funds. Many people use their FSA balance at the end of the year to cover dental work they've been putting off.

• ✓Dental exams and cleanings
• ✓Fillings, crowns, and root canals
• ✓Orthodontics and braces
• ✓Dentures
• ✓Teeth whitening (with a dentist prescription)
• ✓Electric toothbrushes (with a letter of medical necessity)
• ✓Dental floss and mouthwash (not eligible without prescription)

Mental Health

Mental health care is fully FSA eligible, and this is an area many people underutilize.

• ✓Therapy and counseling sessions
• ✓Psychiatric care
• ✓Prescription mental health medications
• ✓Addiction treatment programs
• ✓Stress relief products (with letter of medical necessity)

Women's Health

• ✓Menstrual care products — tampons, pads, menstrual cups
• ✓Pregnancy tests and fertility monitors
• ✓Prenatal vitamins
• ✓Breast pumps and lactation supplies
• ✓Birth control (with prescription)

Surprising Items That Qualify

These are the items most people don't know about — and they can make a big difference in how much of your FSA you actually use.

• ✓Acupuncture treatments
• ✓Chiropractic care
• ✓Physical therapy
• ✓Compression socks and orthopedic insoles
• ✓CPAP machines and supplies for sleep apnea
• ✓Hearing aids and batteries
• ✓Wigs (for hair loss from medical treatment)
• ✓Service animal costs
• ✓Weight loss programs (if prescribed by a doctor for a specific condition)

What Is NOT FSA Eligible

Just as important as knowing what qualifies is knowing what doesn't — so you don't accidentally use your FSA card on an ineligible item and face a tax penalty.

• ✓Cosmetic procedures (Botox, teeth whitening without prescription)
• ✓Gym memberships (unless prescribed for a specific condition)
• ✓Vitamins and supplements (unless prescribed)
• ✓Toiletries — shampoo, soap, toothpaste
• ✓Insurance premiums
• ✓Healthy food or diet foods