Can I Buy Face Wash With My HSA?

A health savings account (HSA) is a special savings account that allows you and designated representatives to contribute tax-free money that can be used for healthcare-related expenses. Most people have access to an HSA account through an employer as a workplace benefit. Additionally, contributions to an HSA account are often made directly through paycheck deductions, but employers also contribute a set amount or match a percentage of an employee’s contributions each month, quarter or year.

What Can HSA Funds Be Used For?

HSA funds must be used to make healthcare purchases, but not every purchase that falls under the healthcare category is covered. For the most part, basic medical care costs like doctor visits, prescription medications, and medical procedures can be paid for using HSA funds.

In some cases, there may be a question about whether something qualifies for HSA fund eligibility. In these cases, you can always consult with your account manager or your human resources department representative. These people should be able to provide you with plan details that lay out what is covered and what is not covered.

Purchasing Face Wash With HSA Funds

Although HSA funds are often used for expensive medical care, they can also be used for some over-the-counter healthcare products, including medicated face wash. Face wash is considered a healthcare product under HSA guidelines for most people, but you may need to have a qualifying medical condition to prove that the expense is medical and not merely for cosmetic purposes. You won’t need to prove this when making a purchase of face wash with HSA funds, but you may need to prove it if your purchase is audited and rejected.

How Do You Spend HSA Funds?

Most HSA accounts will come with a credit or debit card that is connected to the user’s account. When you make a healthcare purchase, you simply use your HSA card like a normal credit or debit card.

In most cases, there will not be a personal identification number (PIN) associated with your card, so you may need to run the card as a credit card for it to process properly. Keep in mind that purchases may be audited, so if you purchase a non-covered item using HSA funds, you could be issued a penalty and be required to pay back the money that was spent.

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