Senators Push to Expand HSA/FSA Use for Vitamins and Supplements

Senators Advocate for Broader HSA/FSA Use for Vitamins and Supplements

Recent efforts by U.S. senators aim to expand the types of health-related purchases eligible for reimbursement through Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Specifically, Senators Tim Scott and Kyrsten Sinema have urged the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to allow these tax-advantaged accounts to cover the cost of vitamins and dietary supplements, particularly those with specific health or structure/function claims. This push, alongside legislative action, could offer individuals more flexibility in using their healthcare funds.

The Push for Vitamin and Supplement Eligibility

Senators Scott and Sinema sent a request to IRS Commissioner Charles P. Rettig, asking that nutritional and dietary supplements with health or structure/function claims be recognized as eligible “medical expenses” under current tax rules for HSAs and FSAs. This request targets a specific area of tax policy that defines what qualifies as a health-related purchase when using tax-advantaged dollars. The current regulations for HSAs and FSAs have limitations on what expenses are considered eligible.

The senators’ letter specifically seeks to broaden the definition for products that already make health or structure/function claims. This approach focuses on a subset of the broader campaign, which aims to make all vitamins and dietary supplements eligible for HSA and FSA coverage, regardless of specific claims. This ongoing debate highlights the challenge of distinguishing between general consumer goods and necessary health-related expenses within tax law.

Legislative Action Supports Broader Coverage

In parallel with the administrative request to the IRS, legislative efforts are also underway. On May 20, 2026, Senators Kevin Cramer and John Curtis introduced the Dietary Supplements Access Act. This bill proposes to amend the Internal Revenue Code directly, which would establish a clear legal basis for HSAs and FSAs to cover dietary supplements.

The combined approach—one seeking an administrative reinterpretation of existing rules and the other proposing new legislation—demonstrates a coordinated effort to expand the purchasing power of tax-free health accounts. While the senators’ letter asks the IRS to interpret current rules for supplements with specific claims, the Dietary Supplements Access Act aims to change the law itself to include dietary supplements more broadly.

Potential Impact on Account Holders and Employers

If these efforts are successful, individuals with HSAs and FSAs could see a reduction in their out-of-pocket healthcare costs. By allowing tax-free dollars to be used for a wider range of supplements, account holders could save money compared to purchasing these items with after-tax income. This would provide greater financial relief for managing personal health and wellness.

Employers and plan administrators would also need to adapt to these changes. They would likely be required to update their lists of eligible expenses and revise communications to employees about what can be reimbursed. This adjustment would ensure that participants are aware of the expanded coverage options available to them.

A Coordinated Effort for Expanded Benefits

The movement to include vitamins and dietary supplements in HSA and FSA eligibility has gained bipartisan support and is pursuing multiple avenues. Whether the change comes through an IRS ruling or through new legislation passed by Congress, the ultimate goal is to broaden the definition of medical expenses. This would allow individuals to use their tax-advantaged health savings accounts for a wider array of health-related products, including vitamins and dietary supplements.