Feminine Hygiene Products: HSA Eligibility

What made menstrual care products eligible? 

In March 2020, Congress passed the CARES Act, which made menstrual care products such as tampons and sanitary pads qualified medical expenses. That means they’re fully covered by FSAs and HSAs.  

Which types of menstrual care products are HSA eligible? 

According to the CARES Act, menstrual care products covered by your HSA include:  

• Tampons 

• Sanitary pads 

• Liners 

• Menstrual cups 

• Sponges 

• Similar products used for menstruation or other genital-tract secretions 

Medicated products that treat a condition, such as anti-itch creams and antifungal treatments, are also covered by your HSA. 

Which menstrual products are NOT HSA eligible? 

Products used for general feminine hygiene (and not for menstrual care) are not HSA eligible. These include: 

• Hygiene washes and sprays 

• Moisturizers 

• Powders 

• Non-medicated wipes 

Do I need a prescription or receipt for tampons? 

You don’t need a prescription to purchase tampons with your HSA funds. These products are available over the counter and don’t require a prescription. 

Whether you pay upfront with your HSA card or reimburse yourself later, keep a receipt of the purchase for at least 3 years after you file your taxes for the year in which the expense occurred. This is in case you’re audited by the IRS. 

The receipt should include the date of the purchase, the item purchased, the retailer, and the price paid.  

What are menstrual care products? 

Menstrual care products are designed for use by women while caring for their menstrual cycle, vaginal discharge, and other vulva-related bodily functions.  

These products include items such as sanitary napkins (pads), tampons, menstrual cups, panty liners or panty shields, sponges, and period panties. These products are designed to absorb or manage the menstrual flow, and/or the flow of bodily fluids from the vulva, in support of personal hygiene and comfort. 

Menstrual care products are usually designed and labelled according to their ability to accommodate a user's specific needs for absorption based on the expected amount of menstrual flow.  

Reviewed by the Health-E Commerce Compliance Team