Can You Use Your HSA for Sunglasses?

Can You Use Your HSA for Sunglasses?

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Can You Use Your HSA for Sunglasses?

You can use your health savings account (HSA) to purchase medically necessary devices, such as eyewear that corrects your vision. Since prescription sunglasses and reading sunglasses are designed to improve your sight, they are HSA-eligible.


Why Are Sunglasses Important?

The most critical reason to wear sunglasses — with or without vision correction — is to protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Shades with 100% UVA-UVB lens protection are crucial for combating the effects of long-term sun exposure, helping to prevent:

  • Macular degeneration


  • Cataracts


  • Early signs of aging


  • Other health issues

Plus, the tinting of the lenses can help reduce eye irritation and squinting from the sun’s bright light.


Other HSA-Eligible Vision Care Expenses

Your HSA can help you save money on eligible vision care expenses that aren’t covered by your insurance. In addition to prescription and reading sunglasses, these expenses may include:

  • Eye exam co-pays


  • Prescription eyeglasses


  • Prescription contact lenses


  • Contact lens solution and cases


  • Glasses cases and repair kits

Are Non-Prescription Sunglasses HSA Eligible?

While most non-prescription eyewear is not HSA-eligible, HSA plans do cover sunglasses if they are medically necessary. For example, non-prescription reading sunglasses are HSA-eligible because they improve your near vision.

If you have light sensitivity (photophobia), non-corrective sunglasses may be considered HSA-eligible because they provide relief for a specific condition. In a case like this, you would need a note from your eye doctor explaining why the sunglasses are medically necessary.


Are Polarized Sunglasses HSA Eligible?

Polarized sunglasses are HSA-eligible if they have prescription lenses to correct your vision.

The same concept applies to other sunglass lens options, such as mirrored lenses and anti-reflective (AR) coating. As long as the sunglasses have corrective lenses, they should be considered eligible HSA expenses.

How Do You Buy Sunglasses with Your HSA?

Many retailers and optometry practices accept HSA debit cards as payment. If it’s accepted, you can use your HSA card to pay for eligible products and services the same way you would use a personal debit card or credit card.

If a store does not accept HSA debit cards, or if you don’t have your HSA card available, you can apply for reimbursement after your purchase. Just send a copy of your receipt and any other requested documentation to your insurance provider to get the process started.


Can You Use Your HSA Card to Pay at Foster Grant?

We currently do not accept HSA cards for payment at checkout. However, our SunReaders® reading sunglasses and reading glasses are eligible for reimbursement with HSA funds. Make sure to save a copy of your receipt so you can submit it to your insurance provider.

If you need reading sunglasses, shop our wide variety of SunReaders® eyewear in bifocal style and full magnification. We know you’ll find your perfect pair!

PLEASE NOTE: This article is for informational purposes only. You should review the IRS rules regarding qualified medical expenses and consult your HSA provider to confirm the eligibility of specific products. You can also visit HealthCare.gov for more information about setting up a health savings account.

SOURCES:

  1. What can I spend my HSA on? All About Vision. September 2019.*
  2. Publication 502 (2023), medical and dental expenses. Internal Revenue Service (IRS). January 2024.
  3. Do sunglasses actually protect your eyes? Health Essentials. Cleveland Clinic. June 2023.
  4. What is an HSA, and how does it work? All About Vision. September 2019.*
  5. Use flexible spending & health savings accounts for prescription eyewear. FramesDirect. Accessed July 2024.*
  6. Can I buy eyeglasses with my FSA or HSA? Glasses.com. May 2023.*

The sources listed here have been provided for informational purposes only. The citation of a particular source does not constitute an endorsement or approval of EssilorLuxottica products, services, or opinions by such source.

*Like Foster Grant, All About Vision, FramesDirect, Glasses.com, and AAV Media, LLC are affiliates of EssilorLuxottica.


Proofed by Jacob Roz