Feminine Hygiene Products: FSA Eligibility
Feminine Hygiene Products: eligible with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)FSA Eligible Menstrual Care
What are feminine hygiene products?
Feminine hygiene products are also called menstrual products. Feminine hygiene products are designed for use by women while caring for their menstrual cycle, vaginal discharge, and other vulva-related bodily functions. Feminine hygiene products include items such as sanitary napkins (pads), tampons, menstrual cups ("diva cup"), panty liners (pantiliner or panty shield), period panties and feminine wipes. These products are designed to absorb or manage the menstrual flow, and/or the flow of bodily fluids from the vulva, in support of personal hygiene and comfort (Center for Young Women's Health).
Feminine hygiene products are usually designed and labelled accordingly by their ability to accommodate a user's specific needs for absorption based on the expected amount of menstrual flow. Menstrual flow consists of the uterine lining which has been shed through the cervix and passes out of the body through the vulva. Menstrual flow can be absorbed and managed by feminine hygiene products for the comfort of the user. The blood present in menstrual flow can be absorbed and managed by feminine hygiene products in order to prevent staining of clothing and undergarments.
As of March 2020 with the passage of the CARES Act, menstrual care products like tampons and pads are fully FSA-/HSA-eligible. According to the text of the bill, menstrual care products include, “tampon, pad, liner, cup, sponge, or similar product used by individuals with respect to menstruation…”