Make vitamins and supplements FSA/HSA eligible
Millions of Americans turn to daily multivitamins, and other dietary supplements to improve their health, as well as prevent and treat a wide range of medical conditions. But for the 70+ million Americans who use flexible spending accounts (FSAs) and health savings accounts (HSAs), they cannot use their tax-free healthcare dollars on most vitamins and dietary supplements.
We want to change that!
Currently, there are only two types of vitamins widely accepted as eligible for use with an FSA/HSA without documentation from a doctor: prenatal vitamins and glucosamine. We believe this should be expanded to include vitamins and other dietary supplements that help Americans live healthier lives and help control the rising costs of healthcare.
Research has shown that 77% of Americans take at least one dietary supplement, spending close to $30.2 billion on supplements each year. Additionally, according to a recent joint survey by the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) and the Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN), nearly 8 out of 10 consumers (78%) with an FSA/HSA support eligibility for dietary supplements. Additionally, in a recent survey of FSA and HSA account holders conducted by Health-E Commerce, 88% think health expenses such as vitamins and dietary supplements should be eligible.
How to take action
Now for the good news. Congress has taken notice! A bipartisan bill called the Dietary Supplements Access Act (HR 4794) has been introduced in the US House of Representatives by Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL), with co-sponsors Brendan Boyle (D-PA), John Curtis (R-UT) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ) in July 2023. The bill would make vitamins and other dietary supplements FSA and HSA eligible for the American healthcare consumers that need them.
In October 2023, a similar bill was introduced in the senate by Senator Kevin Cramer (R-ND). S.3172 would make over-the-counter dietary supplement products and foods for special dietary uses FSA & HSA eligible. The introduction of these bills in both chambers of Congress recognizes the importance of vitamins and supplements in promoting the health and well-being of Americans while reducing health care costs.
But change at the legislative level starts with your voice! Contact your member of Congress today to voice your support for HR 4794, S. 3172, and the expansion of FSA and HSA eligibility to include vitamins and other dietary supplements!