Ever wondered if you can use your Health Equity card to buy bandages, pain relievers, or other over-the-counter health stuff?

I used to be so confused about what I could and couldn’t buy with my HSA card. I’d stand in the checkout line at CVS, staring at my card, wondering if it would work for the Tylenol in my basket.

Sound familiar?

The good news is: Yes, you can use your Health Equity card for many OTC items. But there are some important details you need to know about what’s covered and how the card works.

Let’s break it down together – with none of the confusing jargon but all of the useful information.

Using Your Health Equity Card for OTC Purchases

Your Health Equity card is connected to accounts like HSAs (Health Savings Accounts), FSAs (Flexible Spending Accounts), or HRAs (Health Reimbursement Arrangements). These accounts let you pay for qualified medical expenses with pre-tax money – which is awesome for your wallet!

But not everything with “health” in the name qualifies. Let’s figure out what does.

What OTC Items Can You Actually Buy?

Good news: Since 2020, the list of eligible items has gotten bigger and easier to use! Here’s what you can typically buy with your Health Equity card:

• Band-Aids, bandages, and first aid supplies
• Braces and supports for your body
• Contact lens solutions and supplies
• Contraceptives and family planning items
• Denture adhesives
• Blood pressure monitors and other diagnostic tests
• Diabetic supplies and testing kits
• Pain medications like Tylenol and Advil (no prescription needed anymore!)
• Pregnancy and ovulation tests
• Menstrual care products

But here’s what you cannot buy (unless you have a doctor’s note):

• Shampoo and conditioner
• Toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Makeup
• General hygiene products

Think of it this way: if it treats a specific medical condition or injury, it’s probably covered. If it’s just for regular hygiene or looking good, probably not.

How Using Your Card Actually Works in Stores

Your Health Equity card works like a debit card, but it’s smarter.

When you shop at stores with IIAS certification (that’s a fancy way of saying “stores with systems that know what’s HSA-eligible”), the checkout system automatically figures out which items in your cart qualify.

These IIAS-certified stores include:

• Walgreens
• CVS
• Walmart
• Target
• Sam’s Club

Here’s what happens at checkout:

1. You put all your items on the counter (both eligible and non-eligible)
2. The system automatically separates what’s eligible
3. Your Health Equity card only pays for the eligible stuff
4. You’ll need another payment method for the non-eligible items

If you try to buy more than what’s in your account balance, the transaction might be declined. In that case, you can pay with another card and submit a claim for reimbursement later.

The Big Change: No More Prescriptions for OTC Meds

Before 2020, if you wanted to use your HSA/FSA for something like Advil or cold medicine, you needed a doctor’s prescription.

But thanks to the CARES Act that took effect in January 2020, you can now buy OTC medications and menstrual care products without a prescription using your Health Equity card.

This is a huge improvement that makes these cards much more useful for everyday health needs!

Tips for Smooth Shopping with Your Health Equity Card

After using my card for years, here are some pro tips:

• Shop at IIAS-certified stores whenever possible. The transaction goes much smoother. (The Inventory Information Approval System automatically identifies eligible products)
• If shopping at a non-IIAS store, separate your eligible and non-eligible items before checkout
• Always keep your receipts! You might need them for verification or in case of an audit
• For items that aren’t automatically approved, you might need a doctor’s note or to submit for manual reimbursement
• Be careful about using your card for non-eligible purchases – your card can be suspended if used improperly

What To Remember

Your Health Equity card is a powerful tool for saving money on health expenses if you use it right. Since the 2020 CARES Act changes, it’s become even more useful for everyday OTC purchases.

The key is knowing what’s eligible before you shop. When in doubt, check the Health Equity eligible expenses list or their mobile app.

And remember – just because something seems “healthy” doesn’t mean it’s HSA-eligible. The IRS is picky that way!

But for those first aid supplies, pain relievers, and many other common health items? Your Health Equity card is good to go!