It is critical to stay nourished while pregnant and during the postpartum months (and, really, any other time!). Diet alone isn't enough for many women, so staying consistent with a high-quality prenatal vitamin is important. However, the cost of supplements on top of their other medical care can feel like a lot, so you may wonder if these vitamins are covered by your flexible spending account (FSA).
We’re exploring whether it's possible to use an FSA account for prenatal vitamins and supplements. We'll provide tips for navigating the process, alternative options, and more.
Understanding Your FSA-Eligible Expenses
FSAs are tax-advantaged health savings accounts usually offered as part of employer-sponsored health insurance plans. The accounts have the benefit of reducing healthcare costs by allowing you to use pre-tax income on certain out-of-pocket health-related expenses.
To figure out if you're eligible for an FSA, you'll need to confirm if your health insurance plan offers it as an option. Once you confirm whether it is an option, you must opt-in with a chosen amount to deduct from each paycheck. These elections are usually permitted during a period called "open enrollment," which takes place towards the end of the previous calendar year. It’s important to note that the funds you set aside don’t roll over from year to year –use them or lose them!
FSAs are meant to cover “qualified medical expenses,” as defined by the IRS. These include prenatal appointment copayments, deductibles, and other health-related expenses.
Check the latest IRS publication or your employer’s benefits guide for more information.
Are Prenatal Vitamins FSA Eligible?
A number of pregnancy-related expenses are FSA-eligible, including breast pumps, ovulation and pregnancy tests and prescribed medications. And, yes, vitamins "recommended by a medical practitioner as treatment for a specific medical condition" are FSA-eligible.
In other words, prenatal vitamins can be FSA eligible if they meet the criteria as a medical expense. If a product is marketed specifically as a prenatal vitamin and recommended by a healthcare provider, it is more likely to be eligible.
Note: Some plans may require a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) or a prescription to confirm eligibility.
FSA Eligible Vitamins and Supplements: What to Look For
Not all prenatal vitamins are created equal. Formulations, dosages and nutrients can vary widely. These variations can have a significant impact on your prenatal health. Everyone's situation is different, so your nutritional needs may vary. Check out Needed’s comprehensive guide, What to Look for in a Prenatal Vitamin. It is also important to consider what is not included in your prenatal vitamin. Unnecessary fillers and certain nutrients are best taken separately or at different phases of the perinatal journey.
Tips for Using Your FSA for Prenatal Vitamins
To use your FSA dollars for prenatal vitamins, follow the below steps (keep in mind, your FSA may function differently, so consult with your healthcare plan administrator):
- Check your plan details: we recommend reviewing your FSA plan documents or contacting your benefits administrator to verify the required documentation.
- Get documentation: get a letter of necessity or other documentation from your OB, midwife, or other healthcare provider, if necessary.
- Make your purchase: we suggest Needed!
- Save your receipt: save a PDF or printed receipt.
- Submit the claim: Many insurance plan administrators have a portal or system where you can submit claims. Don't forget the receipt!
If you are unsure about required documentation or eligibility, don’t hesitate to reach out directly to your FSA provider.
Can You Buy Vitamins With a Health Savings Account (HSA)?
An HSA is another type of tax-advantaged healthcare savings account available for people enrolled on eligible high-deductible health insurance plans. HSA rules differ from FSA and may cover a broader range of supplements and over-the-counter medications.
You can choose how much to set aside for medical expenses like an FSA. Unlike an FSA, self-employed taxpayers with high-deductible insurance policies can also create an account - you don’t need to rely on an employer to offer this benefit. Also, unlike an FSA, funds placed into an HSA account can roll over from one year to the next. Note that if you are eligible for Medicare or Medicaid or are claimed as a dependent on another person’s tax return, an HSA will not be available to you.
Alternatives if Prenatal Vitamins Aren’t FSA Eligible
If your prenatal vitamins don't qualify as an FSA-eligible expense, there may be other ways to save on them. For example, some employers offer additional wellness benefits that cover nutritional supplements. Some supplement companies may also offer ways to save by buying in bulk or subscribing. Needed offers a monthly subscription service that offers savings and a discount on multi-month purchases and product bundles.
Bottom Line
While prenatal vitamins can be FSA eligible, you should confirm your health insurance plan’s requirements and get any required documentation from your healthcare provider before making any purchases. Take some time to review your plan and verify eligibility to help save some money while getting the prenatal support you need.
