Are Adult Diapers FSA Eligible? Use Yours by Dec 31!

Are adult diapers & briefs FSA eligible? Yes, if you use them to manage a diagnosed medical condition like urinary or bowel incontinence. That single detail matters because FSAs are meant for qualified healthcare expenses. If you've got funds sitting in your account, the clock is ticking toward the December 31 deadline. Let's make sure you know what counts, how to use your card, and how to avoid leaving money behind.

What is FSA?

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is an employer-sponsored benefit that lets you set aside pre-tax dollars for healthcare costs. For 2025, most healthcare FSAs allow up to $3,300, which can lower your taxable income and stretch your budget. You usually get an FSA card to pay right at checkout, and your plan may ask for receipts or documentation. Here's the catch: FSAs are generally "use it or lose it" by December 31, though some employers allow a small carryover or a short grace period.

FSAs differ from HSAs in a few ways. Your employer has to offer the FSA, and enrollment typically happens during open enrollment or after a qualifying life event. The company sets the rules for carryover or grace periods, and those rules can vary. That's why it's smart to check your Summary Plan Description for the fine print before year-end.

What Can you Purchase With an FSA Card

Plenty of everyday health costs can qualify. This includes doctor visit copays, deductibles, coinsurance, prescriptions, certain medical devices, and many over-the-counter items when prescribed or allowed by your plan. Items like first aid supplies, thermometers, and pain relievers often qualify too. Dental and vision costs, like cleanings, glasses, and contacts, are usually allowed under a standard healthcare FSA.

Quick list you can review right now:

• Medical products: bandages, first aid kits, thermometers

• OTC medications (per plan rules), plus prescriptions

• Health services: copays, deductibles

• Dental and vision: exams, glasses, contacts

• Incontinence supplies when medically necessary

One more note. Dependent Care FSAs are separate and cover things like daycare, after-school programs, or elder care, not medical items. Keep your receipts and any letters your plan requires so reimbursements go through without delays.

Are Adult Diapers & Briefs FSA Eligible?

Good news, adult diapers & incontinence briefs can be FSA-eligible when used to treat a diagnosed medical condition such as incontinence. Plans often ask for a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) or similar documentation from your clinician. That letter explains why you need the product for a health condition, and it's what turns a simple purchase into a qualified medical expense. If they're bought for comfort or convenience without medical need, they typically don't qualify.

Here's how to make it easy: pay with your FSA card at checkout if your plan allows it, then keep the receipt and your LMN on file. If your plan doesn't allow direct card payments for certain merchants, you can still buy, submit a claim, and request reimbursement. Insurance, Medicaid, and Medicare coverage varies by plan, so check your benefits first. Many people choose to purchase and then seek reimbursement from their insurer if eligible.

Looking for high-capacity protection that qualifies? TREST Elite Briefs are HSA- and FSA-eligible and built for serious performance day or night. They feature an absorbent core up to 9500 mL, strong odor control, moisture-wicking, and a soft plastic-backed shell for comfort. Sizes range from Small (24–34 in) to X-Large (46–58 in), and shipping is discreet.

How Can You Apply for an FSA Account

You sign up for an FSA through your employer. Enrollment usually happens during open enrollment or after a qualifying life event, like a new baby or job change. You pick a contribution amount based on what you expect to spend next year, and the money comes out of your paycheck before taxes. After that, your plan sends an FSA debit card or offers a claims portal.

What's next? Use your card for eligible purchases, save your receipts, and upload any documents your plan requests. Many expenses can be auto-approved at checkout, but some will need follow-up proof. Set reminders to spend down your balance as the year wraps up. A little planning now means you won't scramble in December.

Shop TREST Elite Briefs Before the December 31 Deadline!

As the year winds down, this is the perfect moment to put any remaining FSA dollars to good use—especially on essentials you already rely on. If you use incontinence products for a diagnosed medical condition, TREST Elite Briefs are a qualifying, high-performance option that checks every box: exceptional absorbency, all-day comfort, and discreet shipping right to your door. Just remember, most FSA funds expire on December 31, and once they're gone, they're gone. Shopping now ensures you stay stocked, stay protected, and—most importantly—keep every dollar working for you before the deadline hits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are adult diapers & incontinence briefs FSA eligible?

Yes—adult diapers are FSA eligible when used to treat a diagnosed medical condition like urinary or bowel incontinence. FSAs cover qualified medical expenses, and plans may request documentation. Purchases for comfort or convenience, without medical necessity, typically don’t qualify. Check your plan rules before year-end deadlines to avoid forfeiting funds.

Do I need a Letter of Medical Necessity for FSA-eligible adult diapers & briefs?

Often, yes. Many FSA administrators require a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from your healthcare provider stating you need adult diapers or briefs to manage incontinence. Keep the LMN and receipts on file. This documentation helps ensure your adult diaper and incontinence brief purchase is treated as a qualified medical expense if your plan requests proof.

How do I use my FSA card to buy adult briefs and get reimbursed?

If your plan allows, pay with your FSA debit card at checkout and save the receipt plus your LMN. If a merchant isn’t auto-approved, purchase normally, then submit a claim with documentation for reimbursement. Watch your FSA deadline — most plans are ‘use-it-or-lose-it’ at year-end, though some allow a small carryover or a grace period.

Are adult diapers & briefs HSA eligible, or only FSA eligible?

Adult diapers for a medically diagnosed incontinence condition are generally eligible under both HSAs and FSAs. An LMN isn’t always required by law, but your HSA/FSA administrator may ask for documentation. As with FSAs, purchases for non-medical comfort typically don’t qualify. Keep receipts and any provider letters to support your records.

Can I use my FSA for incontinence supplies for dependents, and does shipping qualify?

Yes. You can use your healthcare FSA for eligible incontinence supplies for yourself, your spouse, and qualifying dependents when medically necessary. Many plans also reimburse reasonable shipping costs and taxes associated with eligible items, but rules vary by administrator. Save itemized receipts and any LMN to ensure smooth reimbursement.