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Forbes
31-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
You Can Now Use Your HSA/FSA Funds To Shop For Skincare At Dermstore
A selection of SkinCeuticals products that can be purchased with HSA/FSA funds at Dermstore Dermstore It's happened to practically everyone: As the end of the year rolls around, you realize you still have plenty of funds in your HSA or FSA and not enough time to use it. But a new partnership with Dermstore and Flex can help you spend those bucks in a productive way: You can now use HSA/FSA funds to purchase eligible skincare and health products on Dermstore. 'At Dermstore, we are deeply committed to supporting our customers' skin health journeys with access to professional-grade, expert-recommended products,' says James Bonner, President of US Retail at Dermstore. 'Many of the products we carry are used to treat specific dermatological conditions or support post-procedure care, which are often eligible under HSA/FSA guidelines. However, the process to use those dollars is often long and confusing for consumers. By enabling HSA and FSA payments directly at checkout, we're making it easier and more affordable for customers to invest in their skin health using pre-tax dollars they've already set aside for healthcare expenses.' Though using HSA/FSA funds can sometimes be a lengthy process, Dermstore and Flex have collaborated to make it as simple and seamless as possible. 'For the first time, shoppers can use their HSA or FSA at checkout on Dermstore just like they would use a credit card or PayPal—no receipts, no reimbursements, no waiting,' says Sam O'Keefe, CEO and Cofounder of Flex. 'That ease and immediacy are what make this a gamechanger. It turns what used to be a frustrating, manual process into a seamless and automatic one.' Flex's technology makes shopping for skincare with HSA/FSA funds seamless Flex Flex works with merchants to help consumers use their healthcare dollars more effectively by enabling health and wellness brands to easily accept HSA/FSA payments, unlocking access to over $150 billion in annual tax-free health spending. 'Flex's proprietary technology analyzes a merchant's catalogue to identify qualified medical expenses based on the IRS guidance in Section 213d of the tax code,' O'Keefe explains. 'When a consumer checks out, we validate eligibility at the product level and enable HSA/FSA checkout for qualified purchases.' To simplify the process, customers can build their carts at Dermstore by selecting products marked with the 'HSA | FSA Eligible' badge, making it easy to identify items that qualify for purchase with HSA or FSA funds. At checkout, they simply select their HSA/FSA card as the payment method. 'Flex's technology then verifies eligibility in real time based on IRS guidelines,' Bonner says. 'If necessary, customers also have the option to provide a Letter of Medical Necessity to support their purchase. After checkout is complete, Flex will email an itemized receipt, which we advise customers to keep in case your HSA/FSA provider requests them.' The partnership is a true gamechanger. 'Dermstore is proud to be among the first major beauty retailers to offer seamless HSA/FSA payment at checkout, especially as we've seen growing consumer demand for ways to use these funds beyond traditional healthcare,' Bonner says. 'Many of our customers come to Dermstore for a trusted assortment of dermatologist-recommended products to manage skin conditions, care for post-procedure skin or support their overall skin health. Through this capability, we are not only making products more accessible and affordable but also helping to redefine skincare as an integral part of health and well-being, rather than simply for cosmetic benefits.' A selection of products that can be purchased with HSA/FSA funds at Dermstore Dermstore HSA/FSA funds cover quite a few conditions, including acne, psoriasis, eczema, rosacea, sun damage, cold sores, hyperpigmentation, dry skin, burns, lesions, cuts, abrasions, ulcers and pressure ulcers. 'Skincare is healthcare—plain and simple,' O'Keefe says. 'Conditions like acne, eczema, rosacea and psoriasis can have a huge impact on physical comfort and mental well-being. By enabling HSA/FSA payments for medical-grade skincare, we're helping consumers get access to the treatments they need without jumping through hoops or paying entirely out of pocket. HSA/FSA dollars are tax-free, which means shoppers can save roughly 30% by using them. That's real money back in people's pockets for products they're already buying to support their health.' A range of brands are included, spanning SkinCeuticals, EltaMD, PCA Skin, SkinMedica, iS Clinical, Medik8, Paula's Choice, La Roche-Posay and Supergoop!, to name a few. Flex leads eligibility review directly for all brand and products via their in‑house eligibility review process that classifies IRS‑qualified medical expenses in real time, fully aligned with §213(d) guidelines. 'Over the past year we've introduced our Medical Advisory Board, headed up by Dr. Whitney Bowe, to better inform our assortment and consumer education approach, we've invested in hiring our own staff estheticians so our community can 'text an expert' for more accessible advice and we've launched our Dermstore Collective making it easier for skincare professionals to earn from the advice they give our community,' Bonner says. 'The launch of HSA/FSA payments marks another powerful step forward in Dermstore's commitment to supporting our customers' skin health journeys through trusted, expert-backed solutions.' Dermstore created a dedicated landing page that includes a step-by-step checkout guide and detailed information on shopping across skincare, sun care and devices. 'Additionally, we provide separate list pages specifying all eligible products, which require a Letter of Medical Necessity, and which are auto-eligible,' Bonner says. 'Each qualifying product also clearly displays its eligibility status with an 'HSA | FSA Eligible' badge on its individual product page.' Ultimately, this new partnership will help shoppers improve their skin health and skincare routines. 'By allowing shoppers to use their HSA and FSA funds seamlessly on dermatologist-recommended products, we aim to remove financial barriers that might prevent individuals from investing in their skin health,' Bonner says. 'Access to professional-strength, expert-backed skincare enables customers to better manage skin conditions, support post-procedure recovery, and adopt preventive routines that benefit long-term health and wellness. By making these products more financially accessible, we're also helping customers maintain consistency in their routines—a crucial factor in realizing the full benefits of skincare.' O'Keefe believes the partnership goes beyond saving money and making things easier by showing that skincare is a real part of taking care of your health. 'It makes it easier for people to care for their skin without the hassle or extra costs,' he says. 'Consumer priorities are evolving from purely cosmetic to having a focus on treating underlying conditions. We're excited to see such an established retailer like Dermstore is leading the way in making these products more accessible through HSA/FSA payments and expect many retailers will follow.'
Associated Press
14-05-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Flex Launches Petition to Expand HSA/FSA Eligibility Across Women's Health
SAN FRANCISCO, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In recognition of Women's Health Month, Flex, the leading HSA/FSA payment solution for health and wellness brands, has launched a petition urging the IRS and U.S. Department of the Treasury to expand HSA/FSA eligibility across a broader range of essential women's health products and services. While the CARES Act of 2020 marked a meaningful milestone by making menstrual care products eligible for tax-free reimbursement, many other vital women's health needs remain excluded. For example, products to reduce or alleviate symptoms of menopause related to sexual function and pelvic floor often require Letters of Medical Necessity (LMN). The same is true for doula services and lactation consultants. 'There is too much friction to use your HSA/FSA funds on essential women's health products services,' said Sam O'Keefe, Co-Founder and CEO of Flex. 'It's time we align healthcare benefits with modern women's health needs.' Paving the way for Women's Health Flex's petition calls for eligibility expansion to include medically recommended—but currently uncovered—items such as lactation support products, pelvic floor trainers, fertility support services, and postnatal supplements. These products and services play a crucial role in prevention, recovery, and overall well-being, yet millions of women are forced to pay out-of-pocket due to outdated policies. The petition is supported by over 20 leading women's health brands—including Embr, LOLA, Daye, Bodily, Pumpin Pal, Lumen, Ingrid & Isabel and others—who are advocating for better access to the tools and treatments that empower women throughout every stage of life. Flex encourages consumers, healthcare professionals, and mission-aligned businesses to sign the petition and support broader access to tax-free healthcare dollars for women across the country. Sign the petition at: About Flex Flex enables health and wellness brands to accept HSA/FSA payments seamlessly. By unlocking access to over $150 billion in annual tax-free health spending, Flex helps merchants drive new revenue, increase cart sizes, and improve customer retention. Through its marketplace, eligibility tools, and telehealth services for Letters of Medical Necessity, Flex is reimagining how consumers use their health benefits—and advocating for broader, more inclusive coverage. Get started: Press [email protected]
