You can’t use FSA, HSA funds to buy coronavirus masks

WASHINGTON » I’ve stashed masks everywhere to protect me from the spread of the coronavirus.

I have masks in my purse and in the pockets of my coats — just in case I forget to replace the disposable ones in my handbag. I have some in my car. (I keep extras for my husband, who sometimes absent-mindedly leaves home without a mask when we make runs to the grocery store).

Masks are the barrier that can help us from contracting a virus that has so far killed 379,000 people in the United States.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the use of masks — nonvalved multi-layer cloth masks in particular — to limit the spread of the coronavirus, which it says is “transmitted predominantly by respiratory droplets generated when people cough, sneeze, sing, talk or breathe.”

In 38 states, plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, you need a mask to enter any store or business. Clearly, then, masks are a vital product during this historic global pandemic. Masks save lives.

Yet the rules for two key taxadvantaged programs to help people pay for health and medical expenses haven’t caught up with these dreadful times.

You can use funds in your health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) to buy anti-itch insect gel. But paper and cloth masks are not broadly accepted as eligible for purchase with FSA or HSA funds to protect against the coronavirus, which in one day killed 4,000 people last week. Hand sanitizer and surface cleaners used to prevent the spread of the virus are also ineligible.

With an FSA and HSA, you can set aside money, pretax, to pay for certain qualified health expenses, including medical products such as a thermometer for yourself or dependents.

The contribution limit for an employee who chooses to participate in an FSA is $2,750 for 2021. Contributions are not subject to federal income tax, Social Security tax or Medicare tax. People decide how much they want to contribute.

HSAs are linked to high-deductible health plans (HDHP) and, like FSAs, they can also be used for various out-ofpocket expenses. The maximum amount you’re allowed to contribute to an HSA for 2021 is $3,600 as an individual or $7,200 as a family. People 55 or older can contribute an extra $1,000 annually to an HSA.