Why You Can Buy Pads With Your HSA/FSA To Save Money
Yulia Derdemezis
Head of Marketing at Flex
🚀 Fast Facts: Are menstrual pads HSA/FSA eligible?
Menstrual pads are eligible to be purchased using your HSA or FSA
Thanks to recent regulation changes, pads automatically qualify, so they don’t require a Letter of Medical Necessity
HSA and FSA pads are a great way to spend HSA/FSA funds that you have available
Menstrual care is one of those everyday necessities that still isn’t free — and for many people, the so-called pink tax makes it feel even more frustrating that period products are treated like optional purchases instead of essentials. While HSA and FSA coverage doesn’t make menstrual care free, it does make these products more accessible by letting you pay with pre-tax dollars.
If you have money sitting in your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you may be wondering if you can use those funds to buy everyday necessities like menstrual pads. The short answer is yes: menstrual pads are HSA and FSA eligible in most cases.
Thanks to recent regulatory changes as part of the 2020 CARES Act, many common menstrual care products now qualify as eligible medical expenses. That means you can use your pre-tax dollars to purchase pads, tampons, and other period products without paying out of pocket.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly when and how pads qualify as HSA and FSA eligible, what other menstrual products are eligible, and how you can buy them conveniently online using your HSA or FSA. Here’s a summary of what we’ll cover below:
What other period and menstrual health products are HSA/FSA eligible?
How to buy menstrual pads using your HSA or FSA directly or through reimbursement
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how to use your HSA or FSA dollars to buy menstrual pads and other period care products without confusion. Now let’s start with the most important question.
Are pads HSA and FSA eligible?
Menstrual pads are HSA and FSA eligible expenses automatically, thanks to federal legislation passed in 2020 that recently made period care products designated as medical expenses, allowing you to use pre-tax funds to purchase them without restrictions.
The eligibility change came from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which updated IRS HSA/FSA eligibility rules to include menstrual care products as qualified medical expenses under Section 213(d) of the tax code. This update made a wide range of period products eligible for purchase with HSA and FSA funds.
Because pads are classified as menstrual care products, you can generally buy them with your HSA or FSA without needing any medical documentation or special approval. That means you can use your benefits dollars to cover routine menstrual care items you already purchase regularly.
Many people still assume these products require reimbursement paperwork or doctor notes. In reality, the rule change made menstrual care items straightforward over-the-counter eligible expenses, similar to bandages or first aid supplies.
Do you need a Letter of Medical Necessity to buy pads with your HSA/FSA?
No, you don’t need a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) to purchase menstrual pads using your HSA or FSA. A Letter of Medical Necessity is typically required only for dual-purpose items, for products that may have both medical and general wellness uses. Examples include things like gym memberships or supplements.
Menstrual pads do not fall into that category because their only use is for healthcare. They are categorized by the IRS as menstrual care products, which means they are automatically eligible medical expenses. Because of that classification, you can purchase them with your HSA or FSA funds just like any other over-the-counter health item.
What other period and menstrual health products are HSA/FSA eligible?
Many menstrual health products in addition to pads now qualify to be purchased with Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts. Since the 2020 CARES Act expanded eligibility, you can now use your benefits funds for several types of period care products you may already buy regularly. Here are several period and menstrual health products that are typically HSA and FSA eligible:
Tampons: Tampons qualify as HSA and FSA eligible because they are classified as menstrual care products under IRS rules. You can use your benefits funds to buy standard, compact, organic, or applicator tampons.
Liners: Liners are eligible when used for menstrual hygiene or light flow protection. They serve the same menstrual care purpose as pads, which makes them an approved expense.
Menstrual cups: Menstrual cups collect menstrual fluid and function as a reusable alternative to pads or tampons. Because they provide menstrual hygiene protection, they qualify for HSA and FSA spending.
Period underwear: Period underwear contains absorbent layers designed for menstrual protection. When marketed for menstrual use, period underwear qualifies as an HSA/FSA eligible menstrual care item.
Menstrual discs: Menstrual discs are internal menstrual products that collect menstrual fluid. Both disposable and reusable versions are generally eligible because they serve the same purpose as tampons or cups.
This change made menstrual care items easier to purchase with pre-tax dollars. Instead of paying out of pocket, you can apply your HSA or FSA balance to cover common menstrual products that support your hygiene and comfort during your cycle.
How to buy menstrual pads using your HSA or FSA directly or through reimbursement
Once you know menstrual pads qualify as eligible expenses, the next step is understanding how to actually pay for them using your benefits. Most people use one of two simple methods: paying directly with their benefits card or purchasing the product first and submitting a reimbursement claim.
Both options work to use your HSA/FSA funds, and the method you choose often depends on the retailer, your account administrator, and how you prefer to manage your healthcare spending. Here’s how to use each method:
1. Pay for pads using your HSA/FSA directly at checkout
The easiest way to buy menstrual pads with your benefits is to pay directly with your HSA or FSA card at a checkout. Many HSA and FSA accounts provide a card that works like a standard credit or debit card and pulls funds from your benefits account. When the product qualifies as an eligible medical expense, the transaction usually processes automatically.
Here is how the process typically works:
Choose a retailer that sells HSA/FSA-eligible menstrual pads (like one online)
Add the products to your cart
Select your HSA or FSA card at checkout as your payment method
Complete the purchase using your HSA/FSA account
Because menstrual pads are categorized as menstrual care products under IRS rules, they generally qualify for direct purchase without requiring additional verification. Many people prefer this method because it removes the need for reimbursement paperwork, and it means you don’t have to pay out of pocket for the pads first.
Check out the Women’s Health stores in the Flex Marketplace, many of which sell pads and other period products online where you can pay using your HSA/FSA account right at checkout online. No out of pocket expenses. No waiting for reimbursement. See how easy it is to do with Lola:
2. Make a reimbursement claim for pads after purchasing them
If a store does not accept HSA or FSA cards directly, you can still purchase menstrual pads and request reimbursement from your account provider. This method involves paying out of pocket first and then submitting documentation to your HSA or FSA administrator.
The typical reimbursement process looks like this:
Purchase eligible menstrual pads using any regular payment method
Save the itemized receipt showing the product and purchase date
Log into your HSA or FSA provider’s portal
Submit a reimbursement claim with your receipt
Wait to receive reimbursement from your account balance
Most administrators allow you to submit claims through their mobile app or online dashboard. While reimbursement works well, it takes more time than paying directly with your benefits card. That is why many shoppers prefer retailers or marketplaces that support direct HSA or FSA payments.
11 HSA & FSA approved pads and menstrual products
Menstrual pads are widely available, but not every product listing clearly states whether the product is HSA/FSA eligible. Choosing products that fall under the menstrual care category helps ensure your purchase meets eligibility requirements.
Fortunately, many trusted brands sell menstrual pads and feminine hygiene products that meet HSA and FSA guidelines. These products serve a clear menstrual hygiene purpose, which is why they qualify as eligible expenses under IRS rules.
Here are ten popular menstrual pad brands you can typically purchase using your HSA or FSA funds:
Product | Description |
 | Lola produces organic cotton menstrual products, including pads, tampons, and liners made without synthetic additives or fragrances. Their pads qualify for HSA and FSA purchases because they are designed for menstrual hygiene and protection. Lola emphasizes transparency and simple ingredients in its feminine care products. |
 | Flex creates modern menstrual products, including disposable menstrual discs and related feminine care items. Their discs are designed to collect menstrual fluid, making them eligible for HSA and FSA spending under menstrual care product guidelines. Flex focuses on innovative alternatives to traditional pads and tampons. |
 | Viv produces plant-based menstrual care products designed with sustainable materials. Their pads are made with organic cotton and biodegradable components, and they qualify for HSA and FSA purchases because they function as menstrual hygiene products used during a menstrual cycle. |
 | Tampon Tribe offers organic menstrual care products designed with sustainability and body-safe ingredients in mind. Their lineup includes organic cotton tampons, reusable menstrual pads, and menstrual cups, all designed for menstrual hygiene. Because these products serve a menstrual care purpose, many of them qualify for HSA and FSA spending. |
 | nixit is known for its reusable menstrual disc made from soft medical-grade silicone. The disc collects menstrual fluid and provides an alternative to pads or tampons, which makes it eligible for HSA and FSA purchases under menstrual care product guidelines. nixit focuses on reusable menstrual solutions designed for comfort and long-term use. |
 | The Period Company specializes in reusable menstrual care products, especially absorbent period underwear designed to replace or supplement pads. Because these garments provide menstrual protection, they can qualify as menstrual care products eligible for HSA and FSA purchases. |
 | jovi creates wearable devices designed to support menstrual comfort during your cycle. Their wearable patch uses magnet technology and is designed to be worn during periods as a non-medicated menstrual support product. Because it is designed to support menstrual health, it may qualify for HSA or FSA purchases depending on the product listing. |
 | The Good Patch produces topical wellness patches designed to deliver plant-based ingredients through the skin. Some patches are categorized as HSA/FSA eligible because they are designed to support specific health needs. Their HSA/FSA collection includes products intended for wellness support that may qualify depending on the product type. |
 | Mixhers creates nutritional drink mixes formulated to support women’s health, including hormonal balance and menstrual wellness. While many supplements are not automatically eligible, certain products may qualify for HSA or FSA reimbursement when purchased for specific health purposes. |
 | Sundaze produces supplements and wellness products designed to support hormonal health and daily wellness. Some products may qualify for HSA or FSA spending when purchased for medical care purposes and supported by appropriate documentation. |
 | Kindra produces menopause-focused wellness products designed to support vaginal health, hydration, and hormonal comfort. Some of their products address specific intimate health concerns and may qualify for HSA or FSA reimbursement depending on the item and documentation requirements. |
 | Stripes Beauty focuses on vaginal and menopause-related care products designed to support intimate health. Their vaginal care collection includes products aimed at supporting vaginal comfort and wellness, some of which may qualify for HSA or FSA spending depending on the product and intended medical use. |
You can also purchase menstrual pads and other women’s health products in the Flex Marketplace using your HSA or FSA card, making it simple to spend your benefits funds online while shopping for everyday menstrual care products.
Menstrual pads are now widely recognized as HSA and FSA eligible expenses, and thanks to updated federal guidance, you can use your pre-tax healthcare funds to purchase pads and other menstrual care products without needing special approvals, prescriptions, or an LMN.
That means everyday essentials like pads, tampons, liners, menstrual cups, and period underwear can often qualify as eligible purchases. Using your HSA or FSA balance for these products can help reduce out-of-pocket costs while making the most of your available healthcare funds.
Instead of researching eligibility rules for each product, you can explore curated collections of approved health items and spend your benefits funds instantly. The easiest way is to browse and purchase eligible menstrual products online, the Flex Marketplace provides a convenient solution, connecting you to hundreds of online stores that sell HSA and FSA-eligible products, including menstrual pads and other feminine hygiene essentials.
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