✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Thomas Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026
FSA & HSA Eligible Foot Care Products 2026
Use your Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account on podiatrist-recommended foot care. Michigan podiatrists explain what qualifies.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) can be used on a wide range of foot care products — saving you 20–40% depending on your tax bracket. Many patients don’t realize that custom orthotics, diabetic shoes, wound care supplies, and even certain OTC products qualify. Our podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle in Howell and Bloomfield Hills frequently help patients maximize their FSA/HSA benefits before year-end.
Our Top Picks
Custom Orthotics (Prescription)
Why we recommend it: 100% FSA/HSA eligible with a podiatrist prescription — the single highest-value foot care item you can purchase with pre-tax dollars. Our offices provide the necessary documentation.
- ✔ 100% FSA/HSA eligible
- ✔ Requires podiatrist prescription
- ✔ Most significant foot pain relief
- ✔ Covered by many insurance plans too
- ✗ Requires office visit for prescription
- ✗ Takes 2–3 weeks to fabricate
Diabetic Shoes & Inserts (Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Program)
Why we recommend it: Diabetic patients may qualify for FSA/HSA reimbursement AND Medicare coverage for therapeutic shoes — double savings opportunity
- ✔ FSA/HSA eligible
- ✔ May also qualify for Medicare coverage
- ✔ Requires diabetic diagnosis
- ✔ Significant injury prevention value
- ✗ Requires documentation
- ✗ Must be from approved supplier
Wound Care Supplies
Why we recommend it: Bandages, wound dressings, saline wash, and antibiotic ointments are FSA/HSA eligible — essential for diabetic patients managing foot wounds at home
- ✔ Foam dressings: eligible
- ✔ Saline wound wash: eligible
- ✔ Hydrocolloid bandages: eligible
- ✔ Antibiotic ointment: eligible
- ✗ Standard cosmetic bandages may not qualify
- ✗ Check packaging for FSA eligibility mark
OTC Orthotic Insoles (Since 2026 CARES Act)
Why we recommend it: The 2020 CARES Act made many OTC products FSA eligible without a prescription — including pain-relief insoles. Look for “FSA eligible” labeling.
- ✔ No prescription required (post-2020)
- ✔ Wide range of brands qualify
- ✔ PowerStep Pinnacle, PowerStep Pinnacle, PowerStep brands
- ✔ Check for FSA eligibility icon
- ✗ Must be for medical purpose
- ✗ Comfort-only products may not qualify
Compression Socks (Medical Grade)
Why we recommend it: Medically indicated compression socks (20 mmHg+) for edema, varicose veins, or post-surgical care are FSA/HSA eligible with documentation
- ✔ FSA eligible with medical need
- ✔ Doctor recommendation strengthens claim
- ✔ Wide range of brands
- ✔ Significant retail value
- ✗ Fashion compression socks may not qualify
- ✗ Keep receipt and any recommendation letters
Antifungal Medications (OTC)
Why we recommend it: OTC antifungal treatments for athlete’s foot and toenail fungus became FSA eligible under the CARES Act — keep all receipts
- ✔ OTC antifungal: FSA eligible
- ✔ Clotrimazole, miconazole, terbinafine qualify
- ✔ No prescription needed
- ✔ Effective for athlete’s foot
- ✗ Cosmetic nail polish not eligible
- ✗ Must be for treatment of a condition
Frequently Asked Questions
What foot care products are FSA/HSA eligible?
Post the 2020 CARES Act, many more OTC foot care products became eligible. Currently FSA/HSA eligible: custom orthotics (with Rx), diabetic shoes (with Rx), wound care supplies, OTC insoles, medical-grade compression socks, antifungal medications, callus treatments, and blister care. Always look for the FSA Eligible icon or check with your FSA/HSA administrator.
Do I need a prescription for FSA/HSA foot care?
For some products, yes — custom orthotics and diabetic shoes require a prescription to be FSA/HSA eligible. For OTC products (insoles, antifungals, wound care), most are eligible without a prescription since the 2020 CARES Act. For borderline items, a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from your podiatrist can make the item eligible.
Can I use FSA/HSA for a podiatrist visit?
Yes — all podiatrist office visits, diagnostic tests, procedures, and prescription medications are FSA/HSA eligible. This includes bunion surgery, ingrown toenail procedures, cortisone injections, and custom orthotic consultations. Cosmetic procedures (nail polish, non-medical pedicures) are not eligible.
What is a Letter of Medical Necessity for foot care?
A Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) is a document from your podiatrist stating that a specific product or service is medically required for your condition. LMNs can make borderline items like orthotics, compression socks, and specialized shoes FSA/HSA eligible. Ask our office to provide an LMN at your next visit if you need documentation for a reimbursement claim.
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📍 Located in Michigan?
Our board-certified podiatrists treat this condition at two convenient locations. Same-day appointments often available.
Planning a Trip? Protect Your Feet While Traveling
Long flights, extended walking, and unfamiliar terrain can trigger foot problems. Schedule a pre-travel foot check to address any concerns before your trip.
Clinical References
- Backer HD. Foot problems in travelers. Travel Medicine. 2019;4th Ed:481-489.
- Philipp R, et al. Deep vein thrombosis and air travel: risk factors and prevention. Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg. 2020;59(3):339-346.
- Burns J, et al. Effective foot health management for travelers: a clinical guide. J Travel Med. 2018;25(1):1-8.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has reached over one million views.
- Plantar Fasciitis: Diagnosis and Conservative Management (PubMed)
- Plantar Fasciitis (APMA)
- Diagnosis and Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis (PubMed / AAFP)
- Heel Pain (APMA)