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Direct Answer (Quick Summary)
Yes, you can use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for most allergy care expenses. This includes telemedicine consultations, allergy blood tests, prescription medications, and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) allergy drops. Using pre-tax dollars can save you 20–35% on out-of-pocket allergy care costs.
Key Takeaways
- Most allergy expenses qualify — Doctor visits, allergy testing, prescriptions, immunotherapy, and telemedicine consultations are typically HSA/FSA eligible.
- SLIT allergy drops are eligible — HeyPak® allergy drops prescribed by a board-certified allergist qualify as a medical expense.
- Telemedicine visits count — Virtual allergy consultations are eligible HSA/FSA expenses.
- Over-the-counter allergy meds qualify — Since the CARES Act (2020), OTC medications like antihistamines are HSA/FSA eligible without a prescription.
- Save 20–35% with pre-tax dollars — Using HSA/FSA funds effectively reduces your allergy care costs by your marginal tax rate.
- FSA funds expire—use them or lose them — Plan your allergy spending before your FSA deadline to avoid forfeiting unused funds.
What Are HSA and FSA Accounts?
Health Savings Account (HSA)
An HSA is a tax-advantaged account available to people enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). Contributions are pre-tax, growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free. Funds roll over year to year. There is no "use it or lose it" deadline.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
An FSA is offered through your employer. You contribute pre-tax dollars from your paycheck. The key difference: most FSA funds expire at the end of the plan year. Some employers offer a grace period (up to 2.5 months) or allow you to carry over up to $640 (2024 limit) into the next year. Check your specific plan rules.
Allergy Expenses That Are HSA/FSA Eligible
| Expense Category | Examples | HSA/FSA Eligible? |
|---|---|---|
| Doctor visits | Allergist consultations (in-person or telemedicine) | Yes |
| Allergy testing | Blood allergy panels, skin prick tests | Yes |
| Prescription medications | Nasal sprays, inhalers, epinephrine auto-injectors | Yes |
| OTC allergy medications | Antihistamines (Zyrtec, Claritin), decongestants, nasal saline | Yes (since CARES Act 2020) |
| Immunotherapy | Allergy shots, SLIT allergy drops (HeyPak) | Yes |
| Telemedicine visits | Virtual allergist consultations via HeyAllergy | Yes |
| Lab work | Blood draws for allergy panels | Yes |
| Air purifiers | HEPA air purifiers (with Letter of Medical Necessity) | Yes (with LMN) |
What Is NOT Eligible
Some items that seem allergy-related may not qualify. General vitamins and supplements (unless prescribed for a specific medical condition), cosmetic treatments, and general household cleaning products are typically not eligible. Humidifiers and air purifiers may require a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from your doctor to qualify.
Step-by-Step: Using HSA/FSA for HeyAllergy Services
Step 1: Check Your Account Balance and Deadlines
Log into your HSA or FSA portal and confirm your available balance. If you have an FSA, note the plan year deadline and any grace period. This helps you plan how much allergy care you can cover with pre-tax dollars.
Step 2: Book Your Telemedicine Allergy Appointment
Schedule your online allergy consultation with a HeyAllergy board-certified allergist. When you check out, you can typically pay with your HSA/FSA debit card directly. If your provider does not accept the card at checkout, save your receipt for reimbursement.
Step 3: Pay for Allergy Testing
After your consultation, your allergist may order a blood allergy panel. The lab will bill you or your insurance. Any out-of-pocket lab costs are HSA/FSA eligible. Keep the Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurance as documentation.
Step 4: Cover Your Treatment
If your allergist prescribes HeyPak allergy drops, the cost is an eligible medical expense. The same applies to any prescription nasal sprays, inhalers, or other medications. Use your HSA/FSA card at the pharmacy or submit receipts for reimbursement.
Step 5: Save All Documentation
Keep receipts, EOBs, and prescriptions organized. The IRS can request documentation for HSA/FSA withdrawals. Good record-keeping protects you during audits.
Real-World Examples
| Scenario | Expenses | Est. Annual Cost | Tax Savings (25%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| New patient starting SLIT | Telemedicine visit + allergy blood test + HeyPak drops ($47/mo) | ~$800–$1,100 | ~$200–$275 |
| Ongoing SLIT patient | Follow-up visits + monthly HeyPak drops | ~$600–$800 | ~$150–$200 |
| Seasonal allergy management | Telemedicine visit + OTC antihistamines + nasal spray | ~$300–$500 | ~$75–$125 |
FSA Year-End Strategy: Do Not Waste Your Funds
If you have unused FSA funds approaching your plan's deadline, allergy care is a smart way to use them. Consider booking a telemedicine allergy consultation to get a proper diagnosis. Start HeyPak allergy drops and prepay for several months. Stock up on eligible OTC allergy medications. Get allergy blood testing done. These are all legitimate medical expenses that use your pre-tax dollars before they expire.
When to See an Allergist
Using your HSA or FSA makes it even more affordable to get the allergy care you need. Book an appointment if you have been self-treating allergies with OTC medications and want a proper diagnosis, you are interested in long-term treatment like allergy drops (SLIT), you have FSA funds that will expire soon, your allergies affect your daily life and you want a personalized treatment plan, or you have symptoms that could be asthma.
HeyAllergy's telemedicine platform offers fast appointments with no waitlist. Your visit and treatment are HSA/FSA eligible.
The Bottom Line
Your HSA or FSA can cover virtually all allergy care expenses, from telemedicine consultations to allergy testing to HeyPak allergy drops. Using pre-tax dollars saves you 20–35% on these costs. Do not let FSA funds go to waste—invest them in getting a proper allergy diagnosis and starting effective treatment.
What to Do Next
Put your HSA/FSA to work on real allergy relief. Book your online allergy consultation today—your visit is HSA/FSA eligible. Learn about HeyPak allergy drops starting at $47/month, payable with your pre-tax health account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are allergy drops (SLIT) covered by HSA/FSA?
Yes. Sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) allergy drops prescribed by a licensed allergist are a qualified medical expense under HSA and FSA rules. You can pay with your HSA/FSA debit card or submit receipts for reimbursement.
Can I use my HSA/FSA for telemedicine allergy visits?
Yes. Telemedicine consultations with a licensed healthcare provider are HSA/FSA eligible. This includes virtual visits with HeyAllergy's board-certified allergists.
Do I need a prescription for OTC allergy medications to use HSA/FSA?
No. Since the CARES Act of 2020, over-the-counter medications like antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays are HSA/FSA eligible without a prescription. Keep your receipt as documentation.
Can I use my HSA/FSA to buy an air purifier?
Potentially, yes. Air purifiers and humidifiers may qualify if you obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from your doctor stating the device is needed for a specific medical condition like allergic rhinitis or asthma.
What happens if I use HSA/FSA funds for non-eligible expenses?
For HSAs, non-eligible withdrawals before age 65 are subject to income tax plus a 20% penalty. For FSAs, non-eligible expenses must be repaid to the plan. Always verify eligibility before spending.
How do I get reimbursed if I cannot pay with my HSA/FSA card directly?
Pay out of pocket, then submit a reimbursement claim to your HSA/FSA administrator. You will need the receipt showing the provider name, date, amount, and description of the service. Most administrators have online portals or mobile apps for easy submission.
Author, Review and Disclaimer
Author: Krikor Manoukian, MD, FAAAAI, FACAAI — Board-Certified Allergist/Immunologist
Bio: Dr. Manoukian is a board-certified allergist/immunologist specializing in telemedicine-enabled allergy care and personalized SLIT programs. He leads HeyAllergy's clinical team and trains providers in safe immunotherapy.
Medical Review: HeyAllergy Clinical Team (Board-Certified Allergists/Immunologists)
Disclaimer: This article is educational and not a substitute for personalized medical, tax, or financial advice. Always consult your clinician about your treatment options and a tax professional about your specific HSA/FSA eligibility.
References
- IRS Publication 502 (2024): Medical and Dental Expenses. IRS.gov
- CARES Act (2020): Section 3702 — OTC medications eligible for HSA/FSA reimbursement without prescription.
- AAAAI/ACAAI, Sublingual Immunotherapy Practice Parameter Update (2017).
- HealthCare.gov: Using a Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
