Ever find yourself at the pharmacy counter, frantically googling “can I use my HSA for this?” while the cashier gives you that impatient look? Been there. That’s why I’m breaking down exactly what you can buy with your Health Equity card – so you can swipe with confidence.

Your Health Equity card isn’t just another piece of plastic in your wallet. It’s your ticket to tax-free healthcare spending. Whether it’s linked to your HSA, FSA, or HRA, this magical little card lets you tap into those pre-tax dollars you’ve been stashing away.

Let’s dive into what you can buy, where you can use it, and how to avoid those awkward “your card was declined” moments.

What Can You Buy With Your Health Equity Card?

Think of your Health Equity card as having special powers at healthcare providers and certain stores. But like any superhero, it has its limits. Here’s what you need to know:

Eligible Purchases You Can Make

Medical Provider Services

• Doctor visits (primary care, specialists)
• Dental appointments (cleanings, fillings, braces)
• Vision care (eye exams, glasses)
• Chiropractor visits
• Therapy sessions

Medications & Pharmacy Items

• Prescription drugs (the obvious one)
• Over-the-counter medications (thanks to the CARES Act!)
• Menstrual care products (tampons, pads, cups)
• First aid supplies
• Pain relievers

Fun fact: Before 2020, you needed a prescription to buy Tylenol with your HSA. Now you can just grab it off the shelf!

Vision Products

• Eyeglasses
• Contact lenses and solutions
• Prescription sunglasses
• Reading glasses
• Eye exams at major retailers

Medical Equipment & Supplies

• Blood pressure monitors
• Thermometers
• Crutches and walkers
• Bandages and wound care
• Diabetes testing supplies

Health-Related Products

• Sunscreen (SPF 15+)
• Pregnancy tests
• Breast pumps and supplies
• CPAP machines and supplies
• COVID-19 tests and masks

Where Can You Use Your Card?

Not all stores are created equal when it comes to your Health Equity card. You’ll want to shop at IIAS-certified merchants (fancy term for “stores that know what’s HSA-eligible”).

These include:

• Major pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid)
• Superstore pharmacies (Walmart, Target)
• Warehouse clubs (Costco, Sam’s Club)
• Grocery store pharmacies (Kroger, Publix)
• Online HSA stores (they only sell eligible items)

When you shop at these places, their systems automatically separate eligible from non-eligible items. Magic!

How Your Health Equity Card Actually Works

Your card might look like a credit card, but it behaves differently:

1. Swipe at checkout – Always select “credit” even though it’s not a credit transaction
2. Automatic verification – The store’s system checks if items are eligible
3. Split transactions – Eligible items get charged to your card, anything else you’ll pay separately
4. Balance check – If you don’t have enough in your account, the card will be declined

If your card gets declined or you forget it, don’t panic! You can always:

• Pay out of pocket
• Save your receipt
• Submit a claim for reimbursement through the Health Equity app or website

Important Things to Remember

Keep those receipts! Even though the transaction might be approved instantly, the IRS requires you to have documentation for all HSA/FSA purchases. Health Equity might randomly ask you to verify purchases, and you’ll need proof.

Your account type matters:

• HSA funds never expire (it’s your money forever)
• FSA funds typically expire at year-end (use it or lose it!)
• HRA funds follow your employer’s rules

Not sure if something’s eligible? Check the IRS Publication 502 or use Health Equity’s eligibility checker in their app.

Pro Tips for Health Equity Card Users

• Set up direct deposit for any manual reimbursements
• Download the mobile app for quick receipt uploads and balance checks
• Shop online HSA stores for guaranteed eligible items
• Use the online calculator to estimate how much to contribute next year

Remember, your Health Equity card isn’t just for emergencies or sick days. It’s for everyday health maintenance too! Vitamins, bandages, sunscreen – these small purchases add up, and using pre-tax dollars means keeping more money in your pocket.

So next time you’re at the pharmacy counter, swipe with confidence. And if the cashier gives you that “is this going to work?” look, you can just wink and say, “Trust me, I read an article about this.”