Can I Buy an Air Purifier with My HSA? A Guide to Eligibility and Restrictions

Last Updated on: 6th September 2023, 08:34 pm

When maintaining good indoor air quality, air purifiers are a popular choice. They are designed to remove pollutants, allergens, and other harmful particles from the air. But can you use your Health Savings Account (HSA) to purchase an air purifier?

An HSA is a tax-advantaged savings account that individuals can use to pay for qualified medical expenses. It is available to those with a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). The funds in an HSA can be used to pay for a wide range of medical expenses, including doctor visits, prescription medications, and medical equipment.

Air purifiers may be considered a qualified medical expense if a doctor prescribes them to treat a specific medical condition. However, not all air purifiers may qualify for reimbursement under an HSA. Understanding the rules and regulations surrounding using HSAs to purchase air purifiers is important.

Table of Contents

Does HSA Cover Air Purifiers?

air purifier with HSA

What is an HSA?

A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged savings account used to pay for qualified medical expenses. An HSA is available to individuals enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). The funds in an HSA can be used to pay for various medical expenses, including doctor visits, prescription medications, and medical equipment.

What is an air purifier?

An air purifier is a device used to remove contaminants from the air. These contaminants include dust, pollen, pet dander, and other allergens. Air purifiers are commonly used by individuals with allergies or asthma or those who want to improve the air quality in their homes or offices.

While air purifiers are not typically considered a medical expense, they may be eligible for reimbursement through an HSA if prescribed by a doctor. According to the IRS, medical expenses reimbursable through an HSA must be primarily for preventing or alleviating a physical or mental defect or illness.

It is important to note that not all air purifiers may be eligible for reimbursement through an HSA. Air purifiers used for general air quality improvement may not be eligible, while those prescribed for a specific medical condition may be. It is recommended that individuals consult with their HSA provider or tax professional to determine if their air purifier purchase is eligible for reimbursement.

Overall, while air purifiers may be eligible for reimbursement through an HSA under certain circumstances, it is important for individuals to carefully review their HSA guidelines and consult with a professional before making a purchase.

HSA Eligibility for Air Purifiers

What are the HSA-eligible expenses?

HSAs, or Health Savings Accounts, are tax-advantaged accounts that allow individuals to save money for qualified medical expenses. These expenses include medical costs, such as doctor visits, prescriptions, and medical equipment. To be eligible for HSA contributions, an individual must be covered by a high-deductible health plan (HDHP).

Are air purifiers HSA eligible for Expenses?

Air purifiers can be eligible for HSA reimbursement if a doctor prescribes them to treat a specific medical condition. For example, if an individual has asthma or allergies, a doctor may prescribe an air purifier to help alleviate symptoms. In this case, the cost of the air purifier would be considered a qualified medical expense and could be paid for with HSA funds.

However, if an individual purchases an air purifier for general air quality improvement, it would not be considered a qualified medical expense and would not be eligible for HSA reimbursement.

What are the requirements for HSA eligibility?

To be eligible for a Health Savings Account (HSA), you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be covered under a qualified high-deductible health plan (HDHP) on the first day of a certain month.
  • Not be enrolled in Medicare (Part A and Part B) or Medicaid.
  • Not be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.
  • Be 18 years of age or older.
  • Have no other healthcare coverage.

The maximum contribution amounts for 2022 are $3,650 for individual coverage and $7,300 for family coverage, and for 2023, the maximum amounts are $3,850 for individuals and $7,750 for families.

Conclusion

In conclusion, purchasing an air purifier with an HSA can be a viable option for improving indoor air quality. However, it is important to understand the limitations and requirements of using an HSA for this purpose.

One of the main considerations is ensuring that the air purifier meets the requirements of the HSA. This means that it must be considered a medical expense by the IRS and must be prescribed by a physician to treat a specific medical condition. Additionally, keeping all documentation and receipts for the purchase in case of an audit is important.

Another factor to consider is the cost of the air purifier. While HSAs can be used to pay for medical expenses, they are not unlimited funds. It is important to stay within the allotted amount and compare prices to ensure that the air purifier is a reasonable expense.

Overall, purchasing an air purifier with an HSA can be beneficial for those looking to improve their indoor air quality. However, it is important to carefully consider the requirements and limitations before making a purchase.