As families prepare for a new school year, most shopping lists focus on notebooks, backpacks, and lunch boxes. But your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) can help you save on important health-related essentials that students use throughout the year.
Here are the top five HSA/FSA-eligible items to add to your back-to-school shopping list and maximize your healthcare dollars.
1. First Aid Kits and Supplies
Be Prepared for Everyday School-Year Bumps and Scrapes
From playground mishaps to sports practices, accidents happen. A well-stocked first aid kit can help you handle minor injuries quickly, and many first aid supplies are HSA/FSA eligible.
Eligible first aid essentials include:
- Adhesive bandages
- Antiseptic wipes
- Antibiotic ointments
- Gauze pads and tape
- Digital thermometers
Why it’s a smart buy: Keep a kit at home, in the car, and in your student’s backpack to stay prepared wherever the day takes them.
👉 Shop HSA/FSA-Eligible First Aid Kits and Supplies
2. Over-the-Counter Medications
Stock Up Before Cold and Flu Season
The start of the school year often means increased exposure to germs. Thanks to the CARES Act, many over-the-counter medications can be purchased using HSA/FSA funds without a prescription.
Popular eligible products include:
- Pain relievers
- Cold and flu medications
- Cough suppressants
- Fever reducers
- Digestive health remedies
Why it’s a smart buy: Having these essentials readily available can save time and reduce unnecessary trips to the pharmacy.
👉 Shop HSA/FSA-Eligible Over-the-Counter Medications
3. Contact Lenses and Contact Lens Solution
A Must-Have for Students Who Wear Contacts
Vision care costs can add up quickly during the school year. Fortunately, contact lenses and contact lens care products are typically HSA/FSA eligible.
Eligible vision expenses may include:
- Contact lenses
- Contact lens solution
- Contact lens cases
- Prescription eyeglasses
- Eye exams
Why it’s a smart buy: Using pre-tax dollars for vision expenses can significantly reduce annual costs for families.
👉 Shop HSA/FSA-Eligible Contact Lenses and Contact Lens Solution
4. Sunscreen
Protect Students During Outdoor Activities
School may be back in session, but outdoor sports, recess, and after-school activities continue throughout the fall. Broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher is generally HSA/FSA eligible.
Look for:
- Broad-spectrum protection
- SPF 15 or higher
- FDA-regulated sunscreen products
Why it’s a smart buy: Sunscreen helps protect against sunburn and long-term skin damage, making it an important year-round health essential.
👉 Shop HSA/FSA-Eligible Sunscreen
5. Allergy Relief Products
Help Students Stay Focused and Comfortable
Seasonal allergies can make it difficult for students to concentrate in class or participate in extracurricular activities. Many over-the-counter allergy medications qualify for HSA/FSA reimbursement.
Eligible allergy products may include:
- Antihistamines
- Allergy tablets
- Nasal sprays
- Allergy eye drops
- Sinus relief medications
Why it’s a smart buy: Keeping allergy relief products on hand can help students manage symptoms and stay focused throughout the school year.
👉 Shop HSA/FSA-Eligible Allergy Relief Products
Back-to-school shopping isn’t just about supplies for the classroom. It’s also the perfect time to stock up on health essentials that can support your family’s wellness throughout the school year. By using your HSA or FSA funds on eligible items like first aid supplies, OTC medications, contact lens care products, sunscreen, and allergy relief products, you can make the most of your pre-tax healthcare dollars while keeping your students healthy, comfortable, and ready to learn.
👉 Click here to shop all HSA/FSA-eligible products and complete your back-to-school checklist.