Is NicoDerm CQ Step 1 Clear Patch 21mg HSA or FSA Eligible?

Smoking cessation products are explicitly listed as qualified medical expenses under IRS Publication 502. Nicotine replacement therapy is recommended by the Surgeon General to treat nicotine addiction.

The full list of qualified medical expenses is defined in IRS Publication 502, updated annually. The CARES Act of 2020 expanded eligibility to include all OTC medicines and menstrual care products.

1. Purchase NicoDerm CQ Step 1 Clear Patch 21mg directly with your HSA or FSA debit card — no pre-approval needed.
2. Alternatively, pay out of pocket and submit the receipt for reimbursement through your plan's portal or app.
3. Keep your receipt. If your card is declined (auto-substantiation failure), you can manually submit the receipt.
4. Save receipts for 7 years in case of an IRS audit.