A complete list of expenses eligible for reimbursement with an HRA
Through a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), you can get reimbursed for all of the items outlined in IRS Publication 502, which includes over 200 eligible expenses! The type of expenses that are eligible depends on the type of HRA you have.
For example, if you have a qualified small employer HRA (QSEHRA) or an individual coverage HRA (ICHRA), individual health insurance premiums can be reimbursed. If you have an integrated HRA, also known as a group coverage HRA (GCHRA), your insurance premiums aren’t eligible for reimbursement. However, you may submit your copayments, coinsurance, and deductible amounts for reimbursement.
With an HRA, you can purchase the expenses that make sense for you and your family’s health. Check out our interactive list below to see what items are eligible for reimbursement so you can get the most out of your health benefit.
PeopleKeep makes launching and managing an HRA more accessible and intuitive for employers by automating all the most time-consuming tasks and providing award-winning customer support to employees.
Items that are eligible for reimbursement
Items that are eligible with a prescription from your doctor
Items that are eligible with a note from your doctor
Items that are not eligible for reimbursement
Expense |
Eligible |
HSA Compatible |
Tags |
Acne medicines and treatments | Y | N | Over-the-counter, medications, over the counter, OTC |
Acupuncture | Y | N | Alternative |
Adoption (associated medical expenses) | Y | N | |
Adoption fees | N | N | |
Alcoholism treatment | Y | N | therapy, rehabilitation, alcoholics |
Allergy and sinus medicine and products | Y | N | Over-the-counter, medications, over the counter, OTC, pills |
Alternative dietary supplements | Y+NOTE | N | |
Alternative healers | Y+NOTE | Y | |
Ambulance and emergency health services | Y | N | transportation |
Anesthesia for dental treatments | Y | Y | surgery, operation |
Anesthesia for medical treatments | Y | N | surgery, operation |
Anesthesia for vision treatments | Y | Y | surgery, operation |
Antacid | Y | N | Over-the-counter, medications, over the counter, OTC, Pharmacy, Prescription |
Antibiotic ointment | Y | N | Over-the-counter, medications, over the counter, OTC, Pharmacy, Prescription |
Artificial limb | Y | N | Prosthetics |
Aspirin or other pain reliever | Y | N | Over-the-counter, medications, over the counter, OTC, pills |
Asthma medicines or treatments (over-the-counter) | Y | N | contraceptive, contraception |
Bandages and related items | Y | N | |
Birth control (over-the-counter) | Y | N | contraceptive, contraception, |
Blood pressure monitor | Y | N | |
Body scans | Y | N | hospital, doctor, x-ray |
Braille books and magazines (extra cost only) | Y | Y | vision |
Breastfeeding classes | Y | N | Maternity, lactation, breastfeeding, nursing |
Breast Pumps & Accessories | Y | N | Maternity, lactation, breastfeeding, nursing |
Breast reconstruction surgery (following mastectomy) | Y+NOTE | N | operation |
Cancer insurance premiums (Premiums are only reimbursable with a QSEHRA or ICHRA, not a GCHRA) | N | N | accident, sickness, illness, lump-sum, lump sum, indemnity |
Canker and cold sore treatments (over-the-counter) | Y | N | Over-the-counter, medications, over the counter, OTC, medicine |
Car modifications | Y+NOTE | N | Transport, Transportation, wheelchair, handicap, disability |
Childbirth classes (charges for mother only) | Y | N | Maternity, lamaze |
Child or newborn care instruction | N | N | Maternity |
Chiropractic care | Y | N | Chiropractor |
Cholesterol test kits and supplies | Y | N | |
Christian Science practitioners | Y | N | |
COBRA premiums (COBRA premiums are only reimbursable with a QSEHRA, not an ICHRA or a GCHRA) | Y | Y | Insurance, policy, MEC |
Cold and flu medicine | Y | N | Over-the-counter, medications, over the counter, OTC, medicine |
Compression or anti-embolism socks, stockings or hose | Y+NOTE | N | |
Concierge medical fees (for future services) | N | N | |
Concierge medical fees (for services received) | Y | N | |
Contact lenses and solutions | Y | Y | Vision, eye, glasses |
Contraceptives | Y | N | Over-the-counter, medications, over the counter, OTC, prescription |
Cord blood storage | Y+NOTE | N | |
Cord blood storage (for unidentified future use) | N | N | |
Corn and callus remover | Y | N | Over-the-counter, medications, over the counter, OTC, prescription |
Corneal keratotomy | Y | Y | Vision, eye, myopia, nearsightedness |
Cosmetic procedures for birth defects or injury | Y+NOTE | N | reconstructive, operation, surgery |
Cosmetic procedures or surgery | N | N | |
Cough drops and sore throat lozenges | Y | N | Over-the-counter, medications, over the counter, OTC, |
Cough syrup | Y | N | Over-the-counter, medications, over the counter, OTC, prescription |
Counseling (marriage) | N | N | therapy |
CPR classes | N | N | education |
Dental and oral pain products (over-the-counter) | Y | Y | tooth |
Dental care (non-cosmetic) | Y | Y | Dentist, teeth, tooth, copay, co-pay, dentist, xrays, x-rays |
Dental insurance premiums (Premiums are only reimbursable with a QSEHRA or ICHRA, not a GCHRA) | Y | Y | policy |
Dental products for general health | N | N | teeth, tooth |
Dental surgery | Y | Y | surgery, teeth, dentist, implants |
Dental veneers | Y+NOTE | Y | Dentist, teeth, tooth |
Dentures, bridges, etc. | Y | Y | Dentist, Dental, teeth, tooth |
Dermatologist | Y | N | skin |
Dermatology products | Y+NOTE | N | skin care |
Diabetic monitors and supplies | Y | N | diabetes |
Diaper rash creams (over-the-counter) | Y | N | newborn, pediatric, ointment |
Diapers and diaper services | N | N | newborn, pediatric |
Dietary supplements | Y+NOTE | N | |
Dietitian / nutrition services | Y+NOTE | N | |
Doctor supervised weight loss program | Y+NOTE | N | Obesity |
Doctor visits (medical) | Y | N | health, doctor, co-pay, copay |
Doula or birthing coach | Y+NOTE | N | Maternity |
Drug addiction treatment | Y | N | therapy, rehab, rehabilitation |
Drugs (imported) | N | N | prescriptions, RX |
Drugs and medicines (over-the-counter) | Y | N | prescriptions, rx, Over-the-counter, medications, over the counter, OTC, pills |
Dyslexia treatment | Y+NOTE | N | therapy, rehab, rehabilitation, mental health |
Ear drops and wax removal (over-the-counter) | Y | N | Over-the-counter, medications, over the counter, OTC |
Electrolysis | N | N | cosmetic |
Exercise equipment | Y+NOTE | N | weight loss, weight-loss, obesity |
Eye drops and treatments | Y | Y | Over-the-counter, medications, over the counter, OTC, vision |
Eye examinations | Y | Y | Vision, office visit |
Eyeglasses (prescription) | Y | Y | Vision, glasses, contacts |
Eye related equipment/materials | Y | Y | Vision |
Eye surgery or treatment | Y | Y | Vision, operation |
Face lifts | N | N | Cosmetic |
Face masks for COVID-19 protection | Y | Y | For COVID-19 |
Feminine hygiene products (see menstrual care products below) | Y | Y | |
Fertility monitor | Y | N | pregnancy |
Fertility treatment | Y | N | |
First aid kits | Y | N | bandages, bandaids |
Fitness programs | Y+NOTE | N | wellness, obesity, weight loss, weight-loss, exercise |
Fluoride treatments | Y | Y | Dental, Teeth, Dentist |
Flu shots | Y | Y | Preventive, vaccine, immunization |
Funeral expenses | N | N | |
Guide dog (dog, training, care) | Y | Y | Vision |
Hair regrowth products | N | N | Cosmetic |
Hair removal | N | N | Cosmetic |
Hair transplant | N | N | Cosmetic |
Hair treatments | N | N | Cosmetic |
Hand lotion | N | N | Over-the-counter, medications, over the counter, OTC |
Hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes for COVID-19 protection | Y | Y | For COVID-19 protection |
Health club dues | Y+NOTE | N | wellness, obesity, weight loss, weight-loss, gym |
Health insurance premiums (Premiums are only reimbursable with a QSEHRA or ICHRA, not a GCHRA) | Y | Y | policy, medical insurance, MEC |
Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions | N | N | |
Hearing aids and batteries | Y | N | |
Herbal or homeopathic medicines | Y+NOTE | N | over-the-counter |
Home modifications | Y+NOTE | N | wheelchair ramp, lift, inclinator |
Hospital insurance premiums (Premiums are only reimbursable with a QSEHRA or ICHRA, not a GCHRA) | N | N | indemnity, lump-sum, lump sum |
Hospital services and fees | Y | N | ER, emergency room |
Household help | N | N | |
Humidifier, air filter and supplies | Y+NOTE | N | allergy, allergies, cold, asthma |
Immunizations | Y | Y | Vaccines, preventive, wellness |
Incontinence supplies | Y | N | diapers, adult diapers |
Infertility treatment | Y | N | fertility |
Insulin, testing materials and supplies | Y | N | Diabetes |
In vitro fertilization | Y | N | fertility |
Laboratory fees | Y | N | Lab, tests |
Lactation items and devices (for convenience) | N | N | bra, bras, tank top, maternity, breastfeeding, nursing |
Lactose intolerance medication | Y | N | Over-the-counter, medications, over the counter, OTC, pills |
Lamaze classes (charges for mother only) | Y | N | Maternity, childbirth, pregnancy |
Laser / Lasik eye surgery | Y | Y | Vision |
Late payment fees | N | N | |
Laxatives | Y | N | Over-the-counter, medications, over the counter, OTC, pills |
Learning disability treatments | Y | N | therapy |
Lice treatment (over-the-counter) | Y | N | Over-the-counter, medications, over the counter, OTC |
Listening therapy | Y | N | hearing |
Lodging for dental or vision care | Y | Y | hotel, motel, room |
Lodging for medical care | Y | N | hotel, motel, room |
Long-term care premiums (Premiums are only reimbursable with a QSEHRA or ICHRA, not a GCHRA) | Y | Y | policy, insurance |
Long-term care services | N | N | |
Magnetic therapy | Y+NOTE | N | Alternative, Over-the-counter, medications, over the counter, OTC |
Massage therapy | Y+NOTE | N | Alternative |
Mastectomy-related special bras | Y | N | breast, reconstructive |
Maternity clothes | N | N | |
Medicaid/CHIP insurance premiums (Premiums are only reimbursable with a QSEHRA or ICHRA, not a GCHRA) | Y | Y | policy, MEC |
Medical abortion | Y | N | |
Medical diagnostic services | Y | N | |
Medical equipment and repairs | Y | N | |
Medical literature, books, pamphlets or audio | N | N | Education |
Medical monitoring and testing devices | Y | N | |
Medical operations | Y | N | surgery |
Medical records charges | Y | N | |
Medical X-ray fees | Y | N | Hospital, Doctor, x-rays, xrays |
Medicare Part A, Part B insurance premiums (Premiums are only reimbursable with a QSEHRA or ICHRA, not a GCHRA) | Y | Y | policy, MEC |
Medicare supplement insurance premiums (Premiums are only reimbursable with a QSEHRA or ICHRA, not a GCHRA) | Y | Y | policy, MEC |
Menstrual care products (tampons, pads, liners, cups, sponges, and other similar products) | Y | Y | Tampons, pads, liners, cups, sponges, and other products |
Mental health counseling | Y | N | therapy |
Midwife | Y | N | Maternity, childbirth |
Modified equipment (extra cost only) | Y+NOTE | N | capital expense, improvement |
Monitors and test kits | Y | N | Over the counter, Over-the-counter, OTC |
Motion sickness medication | Y | N | Over the counter, Over-the-counter, OTC |
Multiplan insurance premiums (Premiums are only reimbursable with a QSEHRA or ICHRA, not a GCHRA) | Y | Y | policy, health, vision, prescription, dental, medical, MEC |
Nasal sprays | Y | N | RX, Over the counter, Over-the-counter, OTC, medication, nose, prescription |
Nasal strips | Y | N | RX, Over the counter, Over-the-counter, OTC, medication, nose, prescription |
Norplant insertion or removal | Y | N | birth control, contraceptive |
Nursing services (wages and taxes) | Y | N | Nurse |
Nutritional supplements | Y+NOTE | N | Over the counter, Over-the-counter, OTC, medication, vitamins |
OB/GYN fees | Y | N | Doctor, Hospital, Childbirth, Maternity, wellness |
Occlusal guards to prevent teeth grinding | Y | Y | Dental, Dentist |
Occupational therapy (for medical / disability) | Y | N | rehabilitation, rehab |
Optometrist or ophthalmologist fees | Y | Y | Vision, eye, office visit |
Organ transplants (recipient and donor) | Y | N | Hospital |
Orthodontia (braces and retainers) | Y | Y | Dental, Dentist, teeth |
Ortho keratotomy | Y | Y | Vision |
Orthopedic and surgical supports | Y | N | equipment, braces |
Orthopedic shoes and inserts | Y+NOTE | N | |
Orthotics | Y | N | |
Ovulation monitor | Y | N | Fertility, Maternity, Pregnancy |
Oxygen | Y | N | CO2 |
Physical exams | Y | Y | Wellness, Preventive |
Physical therapy | Y | N | rehabilitation |
Physical therapy supplies | Y | N | |
Physician retainer fee | N | N | |
Pregnancy tests | Y | N | Maternity, pregnancy, fertility, childbirth |
Prescription drugs | Y | N | Rx, medicine, pharmacy, script, copay, co-pay |
Prescription drugs for cosmetic purposes | N | N | |
Prescription insurance premiums (Premiums are only reimbursable with a QSEHRA or ICHRA, not a GCHRA) | Y | Y | policy |
Psychiatric / therapy | Y | N | counseling, mental health |
Radial keratotomy | Y | Y | vision, cornea, surgery, operation, RK |
Reading glasses | Y | Y | Vision, eye |
Short term medical insurance premiums (Premiums are only reimbursable with a QSEHRA or ICHRA, not a GCHRA) | Y | Y | Insurance |
Sleep aids and sedatives (over-the-counter) | Y | N | RX, Over the counter, Over-the-counter, OTC, medication, pills |
Smoking cessation (programs/counseling) | Y | N | therapy, rehab |
Smoking cessation drugs, gum or patches | Y | N | RX, Over the counter, Over-the-counter, OTC, medication, prescriptions |
Special equipment | Y+NOTE | N | |
Special foods | Y+NOTE | N | diet, dietary |
Special school (for mental and physical disabilities) | Y+NOTE | N | Education |
Speech therapy | Y | N | |
Spermicidals | Y | N | Contraceptive, contraception, birth control |
Splints, supports, and braces | Y | N | |
Sterilization | Y | N | Contraceptive, contraception, birth control |
Sunglasses (prescription) | Y | Y | Vision |
Sunscreen and creams with SPF 15+ | Y | N | Over the counter, Over-the-counter, OTC, medication |
Sunscreen with SPF <15 or suntan lotion | N | N | Cosmetic, OTC, Over the counter, Over-the-counter |
Surgery (non-cosmetic) | Y | N | |
Swimming lessons (for therapy) | Y+NOTE | N | therapy, rehabilitation |
Take-home urinary tract infection test | Y | N | OTC, Pharmacy |
Teeth bleaching or whitening | N | N | Cosmetic, Dental |
Toothpaste, medicated (difference in cost only) | Y+RX | Y | Dental |
Toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, etc. | N | N | Personal Use |
Transgender treatments/surgery | Y+NOTE | N | |
Transportation and parking (to dental or vision care) | Y | Y | miles, mileage, travel |
Transportation and parking (to eligible medical care) | Y | N | miles, mileage, travel |
TRICARE insurance premiums (Premiums are only reimbursable with a QSEHRA or ICHRA, not a GCHRA) | Y | Y | policy, MEC |
Tubal ligation | Y | N | |
Tuition or educational classes | Y+NOTE | N | |
Urological products | Y | N | catheters |
UV protection clothing | N | N | Personal Use Item |
Vaccinations | Y | Y | Preventive, Wellness, flu, shots |
Varicose vein removal surgery (for medical care) | Y | N | Surgery, Operation |
Vasectomy | Y | N | Infertility, surgery, operation, hospital, birth control |
Vision care | Y | Y | Eye, optomologist, co-pay, copay |
Vision insurance premiums (Premiums are only reimbursable with a QSEHRA or ICHRA, not a GCHRA) | Y | Y | policy, eye, plan |
Vision operations | Y | Y | eye, surgery |
Vision products | Y | Y | Eye |
Vitamins | Y+RX | N | Rx, prescription |
Vitamins (for general health) | N | N | |
Walking aids (canes, walkers, crutches) | Y | N | Durable Medical equipment |
Wart removal treatments | Y | N | Over the counter, Over-the-counter, OTC, medication |
Weight loss drugs | Y+RX | N | Obesity, Rx, prescription |
Weight loss foods | N | N | |
Weight loss program (for general health) | N | N | |
Wheelchair and repairs | Y | N | |
Wound care | Y | N | Over the counter, Over-the-counter, OTC, medication, bandaids, bandages, wraps |
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is general in nature and does not apply to any specific U.S. state except where noted. Health insurance regulations differ in each state.
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