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Is Cold and flu medicine FSA/HSA eligible?

Eligible

Yes. Over-the-counter cold, flu, and cough medicines are FSA and HSA eligible with no prescription.

Why

What the IRS rules say

Cold and flu remedies are OTC drugs. The CARES Act removed the prescription requirement in 2020, so decongestants, cough syrup, and cough drops all qualify at the register or by reimbursement.

Based on CARES Act (2020), Section 3702.

How to pay with FSA/HSA

You have two options. Swipe your FSA or HSA card at checkout and it comes straight out of your benefits, or pay your own way, keep the receipt, and file for reimbursement. Either works.

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