Did the CARES Act expand the list of HSA qualified medical expenses?

Yes. 

The CARES Act repealed the prescription requirement for over-the-counter (OTC) drug and medicines to be considered HSA qualified medical expenses. Now OTC drugs and medicines not prescribed by a physician can be reimbursed pre-tax. 

In addition, menstrual care products now qualify for reimbursement. The CARES Act adds tampons, pads, liners, cups and sponges as qualified medical expenses. 

The addition of OTC medication and menstrual care products became effective 1/1/2020 and has no expiration date. 

Claremont HSA partner Sterling Administration provides this advice to HSA accountholders: 

“We expected merchants to start adopting changes for OTC items around April 15 and menstrual care products around May 15. However, merchants may take up to a month to complete the changes that will allow consumers to purchase these items with a card swipe. 

If consumers try to purchase these items with their benefits card before systems have been updated and the transaction is denied, they can submit a claim for reimbursement.” 

Helpful resources 

SHRM: How are HSAs, FSAs and HRAs affected by the CARES Act? 

Claremont Insurance Services and its affiliates do not provide tax, legal or accounting advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for, tax, legal or accounting advice. You should consult your own tax, legal and accounting advisors before engaging in any transaction.