Cranberry Pills: FSA Eligibility

What are cranberry pills?

Cranberry pills are oral supplements which are made typically of dried cranberries in powder form, but can contain other ingredients depending on the pill. Cranberries contain powerful antioxidants that destroy free radicals, or single electrons looking for a pair that can damage cells and DNA inside your body (Healthline), and have been linked to ailments like heart disease, autoimmune diseases and central nervous system diseases (Medical News Today).

How do cranberry pills help treat urinary tract infections (UTIs)?

Cranberry contains a certain type of anti-adhesion property that prevents harmful bacteria, such as E-coli, from sticking to the urinary tract, which would otherwise cause a UTI. However, cranberry pills cannot do anything about the bacteria already stuck to the urinary tract, making them more useful for preventative measures and not for healing UTIs (LIVESTRONG).

While cranberry pills generally will not qualify for reimbursement with a consumer-directed health care account, there may be cases in which the supplement is recommended for mitigation or treatment of a medical condition. In this instance, speak with your benefits administrator about whether or not the expense may qualify and ask what type of supporting documentation, such as a letter of medical necessity, may be required.Cranberry can also be found in other forms, such as cranberry juice or as actual cranberries.