Are Toiletries HSA or FSA Eligible?

Bidets are a smart, affordable way to invest in your health and hygiene, so it would make sense that they’d be on the list of HSA-eligible expenses alongside crutches or cold medicine. Unfortunately, bidets aren’t currently eligible purchases for individuals using HSA or FSA funds, but it’s worth knowing what products are covered.

Know Your Healthcare Acronym: FSA vs. HSA

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) are regulated healthcare insurance options offered by private insurers. Both benefit individuals looking for more decision-making flexibility in their healthcare plans.

These plans are increasingly popular, with over 37 million HSA plans covering over 61 million Americans in 2023, an increase of 400% since 2013. FSA plans are less popular, with roughly 3.2 million open accounts as of 2022. Combined, more than a third of US adults have an HSA or FSA.

What Is the Difference Between an FSA and an HSA?

HSA and FSA plans offer several tax advantages for individuals and households. Both are pre-tax, meaning the money is taken from your paycheck before taxes are calculated. Depending on income levels and tax brackets, this can significantly impact annual tax liabilities.

However, there are some important differences between HSAs and FSAs. Some major differences are that FSAs can’t be invested and expire each year, while HSAs offer capital gains and don’t expire. But there’s more to it – get the details below.  

What Is An HSA?

A Health Savings Account is an insurance product that allows individuals to set aside income pre-tax to use for recurring or large medical expenses. “Money folks” often say HSAs offer a triple tax advantage:

›              HSA contributions are pre-tax, which lowers your taxable income.

›              Money in your HSA is tax-free, meaning capital gains are not taxed.

›              When you withdraw money to spend on HSA-eligible items, you don’t pay any income tax.  

As of this article’s publication, the IRS caps HSA spending at $4,300 for individuals and $8,550 for families. The cap changes every year, though, so check the IRS’s site for the most recent limits.

Spending HSA funds on ineligible products counts as income and should be included in your annual tax returns. The IRS will look for receipts if you get audited. To qualify for an HSA, you need to be enrolled in a High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP).

Perhaps the biggest difference between HSAs and FSAs is ownership. Your HSA is yours; you can take it with you when you change jobs. HSA funds are investable, and since HSA funds roll over, there’s no “use-it-or-lose” incentive to spend it each year.

Does A Bidet Qualify for HSA Purchases?

Based on the 2024 list of HSA-eligible items, bidets are not approved at this time.

What Is an FSA?

Flexible Savings Accounts are pre-tax healthcare options tied to your employee, so you can’t retain any funds when you change jobs. Unlike HSAs, FSAs require no specific health plan for enrollment, so you won’t need an HDHP.

FSAs aren’t investable and expire each year. In many cases, unspent funds are forfeited at the end of the plan. Like HSAs, FSAs also have an annual contribution limit – for 2024, the limit was $3,200, with the IRS increasing the cap to $3,300 for 2025.

Are Bidets FSA Eligible?

According to the list of FSA-eligible items, bidets are not approved at this time.

HSA vs. FSA Differences, Side-by-Side

	HSA	FSA
Portability?	Yes. Take it with you!	No. Tied to your employer.
Investable?	Yes (tax-free!)	No
Expiration?	No expiration; it’s yours forever.	Yes. It usually expires each year.
Pre-tax?	Yes	Yes
Plan requirements?	Must also have a High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)	No requirements except being insured

 

What Products Are FSA and HSA-Eligible?

While there are minor changes every few years, the list of HSA-approved expenses includes mostly medical necessities and recurring expenses, including:

›              Prescription drugs

›              Over-the-counter medications

›              Doctor and hospital visits

›              Birth control

›              Glasses and contact lenses

›              Wheelchairs and crutches

›              Travel expenses, including travel for medical care, meals, and lodging at a hospital

If you’re unsure if an upcoming purchase qualifies, check out this complete list of HSA-eligible expenses or check with your insurance provider.

Invest In Your Health and Hygiene with Bio Bidet by Bemis

While you may not be able to use your HSA to buy one, bidets offer incredible value. You’ll save money on toilet paper (not to mention save the planet) and enjoy a cleaner, healthier bathroom experience during each and every visit. With a range of models available at competitive price points, you’ll find the right bidet for your home – and our customer service team is here to help! Compare models and find your perfect fit today.