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Are Orthopedic Shoes HSA/FSA Eligible?

Category: Fitness & Wellness · Updated 2026-11-11
PARTIALLY ELIGIBLE
The Ruling

Only the amount above the cost of a comparable regular shoe is eligible, and it usually needs a podiatrist's note tying it to a condition.

Note: some plan administrators may still request documentation.

Medical careIRC §213(d) · IRS Pub. 502, "Orthopedic Shoes"
Typical price$80-200
Letter of Medical NecessityRequired

How the rule applies

Orthopedic shoes are eligible only for the extra cost over a comparable regular pair, and only when they treat a condition. A podiatrist's note ties the purchase to that condition.

What to keep for your records

Keep the receipt and a note from your podiatrist. Ask the shop for the price of a regular pair of the same style so you can work out the difference.

Watch out for

Do not submit the full price. Only the amount above what a normal shoe would cost is eligible, so the paperwork matters.

Where to buy it HSA/FSA-eligible

Pay with your HSA or FSA card directly, or buy elsewhere and save the receipt to submit for reimbursement.

Shop on FSA Store → Shop on HSA Store →

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Letters of Medical Necessity

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This ruling applies the HSA/FSA account rules (IRC §223, IRS Pub. 969), the medical-care definition they rely on (IRC §213(d), IRS Pub. 502) and any later statutory change or IRS guidance listed above. It is for informational purposes only. Eligibility can vary slightly by plan administrator — when in doubt, confirm with yours before purchasing.

Your next step

Learn what applies to you, run your own numbers, then act on it.

1 · LearnReimburse yourself laterNo HSA deadline: pay now, claim years from nowRead the guide 2 · AssessContribution CalculatorYour exact 2026 HSA or FSA limit, catch-up includedOpen the tool
3 · ActBuy Orthopedic Shoes with HSA/FSA fundsFSA Store sells items it lists as HSA/FSA eligible, so you can pay with your HSA or FSA card.Shop FSA Store Partner link. We may earn a commission; it never changes a ruling. How we make money
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