FSA Eligible Feminine Products

Some of you may have a flexible spending account (FSA) with your health insurance. This is an account to set aside tax-free money to pay for out-of-pocket medical expenses. This could be medications, co-pays, or products that are FSA eligible. As of the beginning of 2020, many feminine products were made FSA eligible by the CARES Act. The products that are included in this are:

Pads, pantiliners, tampons, menstrual cups, intimate cleansing and deodorizing, menstrual and pain relief, bladder health, yeast infection treatment, menopause relief, moisturizers and lubricants, pregnancy and ovulation tests, conception and ovulation tests, and fertility support

Personal hygiene products such as makeup and hair supplies are not FSA eligible.

Not that long ago, you needed a prescription from your healthcare provider to purchase most over-the-counter items with an FSA (flexible spending account). That changed when the CARES Act passed in 2020. Today, you can use the pretax dollars in your FSA to purchase many commonly used over-the-counter treatments, including period products. The ability to roll over FSA contributions from year to year varies from one employer to the next. Many FSA participants have a limited amount of time to utilize their flexible savings accounts before their funds expire. That's why so many women appreciate the recently acquired ability to stock up on feminine care products with their FSA account. At CVS Pharmacy®, you'll find a large assortment of FSA-eligible feminine care products, so it's easy to put your account to good use.

The CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act cleared numerous over-the-counter medications for FSA reimbursement without a prescription. The list of eligible feminine hygiene products includes (but is not limited to) panty liners, feminine hygiene pads, tampons, and menstrual cups. The new guidelines set forth as a covid-relief effort also make it possible to use FSA funds for adult diapers and leak-proof undergarments. Many feminine care products made to help prevent or treat vaginal infections and skin irritation also qualify.

Yes, under the terms of the CARES Act, you can. In most cases, you can use an FSA, HSA (health savings account), or HRA (health reimbursement arrangement) without having to obtain a prescription. The list of eligible over-the-counter period pain relief includes (but is not limited to) products like Midol®, Pamprin®, and Thermacare® Heatwraps. In most cases, you can also use your flexible spending account for products formulated for urinary tract health, PMS relief, and vaginal health while still taking advantage of sale prices and multi-item discounts. 

Menstrual products are not the only feminine care items recently deemed FSA eligible. Under the most recent guidelines, many yeast infection treatments, feminine hygiene wipes, and anti-itch creams also qualify for reimbursement. In most cases, you can also use FSA, HSA, or HRA dollars for vaginal infection screening kits, homeopathic treatment gels, and medicated pads. However, some FSA eligible expenses for OTC treatments still require a prescription or letter of medical necessity (LMN) from your health care provider. If you have questions about item eligibility for any feminine care product, consult your plan administrator for more information.