Are Tampons and Other Menstrual Products FSA Eligible?
Key takeaways:
The CARES Act expanded the products eligible for flexible spending accounts (FSAs). These now include menstrual products, such as tampons, pads, and liners.
You can use your FSA debit card to buy menstrual products, or you can submit reimbursement claims.
Eligible expenses must be from your FSA coverage period. You need to use FSA funds by the end of the plan year, unless your employer has a carryover option or a grace period.
Menstruation occurs monthly in women of reproductive age, and it typically lasts up to 7 days. For those who experience heavy menstrual bleeding, it can last longer. During this time, many use multiple tampons and other menstrual supplies daily. It’s important to change tampons every 4 to 8 hours and sanitary pads every few hours. This should be done regardless of how light the flow is. For heavy menstruation, they should be changed more frequently.
The cost of managing menstruation can add up. One study found that in New York, a month’s supply of period products averages almost $16. Over a lifetime, this can add up to more than $7,000.
Thanks to the CARES Act, you can save money on tampons and other menstrual products by using money from your flexible spending account (FSA).
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What the CARES Act means for menstrual products
The CARES Act of 2020 included important changes for menstrual care. It expanded the definition of “qualified medical expenses” to include menstrual products. These items can now be reimbursed using tax-advantaged accounts like FSAs, health savings accounts (HSAs), and health reimbursement arrangements (HRAs).
The new rules allow people to use pretax dollars for these essentials. The CARES Act also made certain over-the-counter (OTC) products eligible for reimbursement. This includes OTC medications such as Tylenol and Tums.
Which menstrual products are FSA eligible?
Thanks to the CARES Act, you can use your FSA to buy a variety of menstrual products, including:
Menstrual cups
Pads
Panty liners
Period underwear
Sponges
Not all retailers accept FSA cards. You may need to pay out of pocket for some expenses and submit your receipts for reimbursement.
Why should you use your FSA for tampons and other menstrual products?
Using an FSA to pay for menstrual products maximizes the benefits of your health account. Here’s how an FSA works:
Set aside pretax dollars: You contribute pretax money to your FSA. Then you use it to pay for eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses. These include tampons, pads, and other menstrual products.
Reduce your taxable income: The funds are deducted from your paycheck before taxes, lowering your taxable income. For example, if you earn $60,000 annually and contribute $3,000 to your FSA, your taxable income is $57,000. This means you pay taxes on $57,000 instead of the full $60,000.
Choose your contribution amount: The IRS sets an annual limit for FSA contributions. In 2025, that amount is $3,300. If you don’t anticipate high healthcare expenses for the year, choose an amount that fits your needs.
Buy sunglasses with a flexible spending account (FSA): If you wear prescription sunglasses, you may be eligible to pay for them with FSA money.
Do you need sunscreen? Your sunscreen may be FSA eligible if it meets these requirements.
Other ways to spend your FSA dollars: Here are ways to use your FSA funds for yourself, your spouse, or a qualified dependent.
FSAs operate on a “use-it-or-lose-it” basis, meaning you must spend the funds within the plan year. If you don’t use the money in your FSA by the end of the plan year, you risk losing it. Some employers may offer a grace period or carryover option to give you flexibility.
How to use your FSA to buy tampons and other menstrual products
Since tampons and other menstrual products are now considered medical expenses, you likely won’t need a letter of medical necessity to buy them. But it’s a good idea to confirm eligibility with your FSA plan before you buy items.
When you’re ready to use your FSA for menstrual products, here are a few steps to consider:
Check your FSA balance: You can check your FSA balance online or by calling your benefits provider. This can help you manage your spending and ensure you have enough funds for your purchases. Keep in mind, the full annual contribution amount is available at the start of the plan year. But the money will be deducted from your paycheck throughout the year.
Shop at retailers that accept FSA cards: Many providers issue an FSA card to make it easier to make eligible purchases. The card works like a debit card: It deducts the amount from your FSA balance. Be sure to shop at retailers that accept FSA cards if you want to use yours. If a store doesn’t accept FSA cards, you’ll need to pay out of pocket and submit a reimbursement claim.
Save your receipts: It’s a good idea to keep important documentation, such as receipts, as proof of purchase. If you use your FSA card at a retailer that doesn’t label FSA-eligible expenses, you may need to submit a receipt.
Submit a reimbursement claim: If you paid out of pocket for your expense, you’ll need to submit a reimbursement claim to your provider. Review your FSA guidelines to determine the process for claims and the deadline to submit your receipt. You can submit claims only for expenses that occurred during the plan year.
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The bottom line
The CARES Act expanded the items eligible for flexible spending accounts (FSAs). These include menstrual products, such as tampons and pads. If you have an FSA, you can use the funds in your account to pay for eligible expenses from the plan year. Keep your receipts in case your FSA provider requires verification.
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References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). About heavy menstrual bleeding.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Healthy habits: Menstrual hygiene.
Internal Revenue Service. (2024). IRS outlines changes to health care spending available under CARES Act.
PlushCare. (2024). The cost of having your period in every country and U.S. state.
U.S. 116th Congress. (2020). H.R.748 - CARES Act.
