Has anyone else had items denied at the register when using your HSA card? My wife went to a Walgreens to buy some medicine and stuff for my sick daughter, and some of the items were denied? Its been a couple weeks so I forget what all it was, but it was all like cough drops, bandaids (not cold related), and stuff like that. Maybe things like a salt bath or something. Certainly all "health" related.

I guess they have items listed as qualified or not in the registers now? I don't mind it, I just didn't know they started doing this.

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Posted by b-rab2

N. Louisiana

Member since Dec 2005

12575 posts

Posted on 11/17/16 at 10:19 am to baldona

Happens all the time. I don't use it because of that. I would rather use my venture card and get the points and reimburse myself. It's a win win if you're willing to put in an extra 5 min of work.

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Posted by Salmon

On the trails

Member since Feb 2008

83516 posts

Posted on 11/17/16 at 11:00 am to baldona

I've never had my HSA card denied and I'm pretty sure I have snuck Oreos on there a few times

Who is your HSA with?

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Posted by Brummy

Central, LA

Member since Oct 2009

4496 posts

Posted on 11/17/16 at 11:41 am to baldona

quote:
cough drops, bandaids (not cold related), and stuff like that. Maybe things like a salt bath or something. Certainly all "health" related.

Technically, non-prescription meds are not HSA eligilble. That said, I've never heard of the card denying specific items. After all, you could theoretically buy whatever you want with HSA funds as long as you pay the taxes and penalties at the end of the year for ineligible purchases.

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Posted by LG2BAMA

Texas

Member since Dec 2015

1180 posts

Posted on 11/17/16 at 12:07 pm to Brummy

That's what I was thinking. I'm pretty sure its up to you what you wanna spend it on. After 65 you are able to spend it on whatever you want so I'm not sure how its being denied.

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Posted by Powerman

Member since Jan 2004

162190 posts

Posted on 11/17/16 at 12:18 pm to baldona

I've used an HSA account to make credit card payments before

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Posted by AnonymousTiger

Franklin, TN

Member since Jan 2012

4863 posts

Posted on 11/17/16 at 12:47 pm to Brummy

quote:
Technically, non-prescription meds are not HSA eligilble. That said, I've never heard of the card denying specific items. After all, you could theoretically buy whatever you want with HSA funds as long as you pay the taxes and penalties at the end of the year for ineligible purchases.

Some stores, like Walgreens, will not apply the HSA to non-eligible products. You should use your HSA card first to pay for the eligible items, then the cashier will tell you to pay with something else for the remaining items.

I prefer it this way.

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Posted by baldona

Florida

Member since Feb 2016

20384 posts

Posted on 11/17/16 at 6:29 pm to AnonymousTiger

I'm not saying I've not ever bought anything that didn't apply to 'medical' related because I probably have.

But the last 2-3 times my wife has been denied have been legit like band aids, neosporin (sp?), cough drops, or something along those lines.

I didn't realize non-prescript stuff doesn't apply? I understand why but that's also ridiculous as it can literally prevent a doctors visit.

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Posted by AnonymousTiger

Franklin, TN

Member since Jan 2012

4863 posts

Posted on 11/17/16 at 6:47 pm to baldona

Some non prescription medications and supplies will be covered. But it's weird what does and doesn't.

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Posted by Breadcrumbs

Baton Rouge