Are Crutches Generally FSA & HSA Eligible? (2026)

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Good news for your wallet: crutches are generally an eligible expense under both FSA (Flexible Spending Account) and HSA (Health Savings Account) plans, because they’re considered durable medical equipment used to treat a medical condition. That means you can often buy a better pair with pre-tax dollars. Forearm crutches qualify under the same rules as standard underarm crutches: eligibility is determined by the device category (durable medical equipment), not the style.

FSA and HSA, the short version

• FSA: pre-tax money your employer sets aside from your paycheck for medical costs. Often “use it or lose it” by year-end, which is why demand spikes in the fall.
• HSA: pre-tax savings paired with a high-deductible health plan; funds roll over year to year.
• Crutches (including forearm crutches) typically qualify under both as durable medical equipment.

The core difference to know before buying: FSA funds typically expire at year-end, with some plans offering a short grace period or limited carryover of unused funds (check your plan document for your specific cap). HSA funds roll over indefinitely with no deadline. If you have FSA funds left in November or December, purchasing crutches or eligible accessories before year-end is a practical way to spend them down before they are lost. HSA holders can take their time.

How to pay with your benefits

1. Use your FSA/HSA debit card at checkout where accepted, the simplest route.
2. Or pay out of pocket and reimburse yourself. Submit the receipt through your plan administrator.
3. Keep your itemized receipt. It should show the product, date, and that it’s a medical device. Some plans want it; all of them appreciate it if you’re ever audited.
4. If your plan asks for it, get a Letter of Medical Necessity from your provider. Not usually required for crutches, but easy to have on hand.

If you are using an FSA, confirm your plan’s year-end deadline and any grace period before purchasing. HSA purchases carry no deadline pressure, so you can draw on accumulated funds whenever you need them.

Accessories that may also qualify

Crutch accessories may also be FSA and HSA eligible. Items like replacement forearm cuff covers, hand grip pads, and tip replacements are used as part of covered durable medical equipment, and many plan administrators treat them the same way as the crutches themselves. Confirm with your plan before purchasing any accessory, since individual plan rules vary and what one plan covers without additional documentation another may require a receipt or Letter of Medical Necessity for.

Buying on Amazon with FSA/HSA

Many crutches on Amazon qualify for FSA/HSA, and Amazon has an FSA/HSA store where you can register your benefits card. Eligibility can vary by specific product and plan, so confirm the item is marked eligible before you count on it. The FSA/HSA store filter on Amazon makes it easier to narrow your search to eligible items before adding anything to your cart. Look for the eligible badge on the individual product listing, not just the category, since eligibility can vary from one listing to the next even within the same product type.

Get more for your pre-tax dollars

Since you’re spending benefit money, it’s a good moment to buy a pair you’ll actually be comfortable on rather than the cheapest option. See our best forearm crutches picks, or take the quiz to find the right fit for your situation. If you’re a veteran or on Medicare, your crutches may also be reimbursable as durable medical equipment, see VA and Medicare crutch coverage.

This is general information, not tax or medical advice, and eligibility is not guaranteed. Confirm with your FSA/HSA plan administrator and the product listing before purchase.