By Clarity Claire
If you’re only using your HSA or FSA for cold meds and copays, you’re leaving value on the table. With the price of prescription drugs rising fast and demand for breakthrough treatments surging, it’s time to take a closer look at how your benefits can work harder for you.
In 2025, your Clarity HSA or FSA can help cover high-impact health expenses, such as GLP-1 medications for weight loss, fertility testing and treatment, and at-home diagnostics. The key is knowing what qualifies, what you’ll need, and how to plan ahead.
GLP-1 medications are in demand, but not always covered
Let’s be honest: GLP-1s are everywhere. From celebrity endorsements to front-page headlines, medications like Wegovy, Ozempic, and Zepbound have skyrocketed in popularity for their effectiveness in supporting weight loss and managing chronic conditions.
In fact, fills for GLP-1 prescriptions more than doubled in 2024, with Wegovy prescriptions growing 100 percent and Zepbound surging an impressive 300 percent. Americans spent over $200 million on weight loss medications in 2024 alone.
Despite their high cost and limited insurance coverage, many individuals are paying out of pocket for access to these treatments.
This creates a challenge for health plans and employers, who are trying to make medications accessible without breaking the budget. It also creates an opportunity for individuals to turn to their HSA or FSA as a smarter way to manage costs.
How your HSA or FSA can help pay for GLP-1s
GLP-1 medications can be eligible for HSA and FSA reimbursement if prescribed by a healthcare provider to treat a medical condition. The important distinction: the prescription must be medically necessary.
Qualifying conditions may include:
- Obesity
- Prediabetes
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Metabolic disorders
- Type 2 diabetes
You’ll need:
- A valid prescription
- Documentation of medical necessity (not for cosmetic or general wellness use)
- Complete records, including receipts and provider notes
If you don’t already have a prescription, some services offer virtual consultations and screenings. If you qualify medically, a licensed provider may issue a prescription, making your medication eligible under your HSA or FSA.
Strategic cost planning matters more than ever
Because coverage is limited, many people are turning to their benefit dollars to offset out-of-pocket costs. Here’s how to think about your options:
- FSA participants: Your contribution is locked in during open enrollment, and funds may expire at the end of the year. If GLP-1 medications are on your radar for 2025, it’s essential to estimate your potential costs now and elect your contribution amount accordingly.
- HSA participants: You can add funds at any time, and your balance rolls over from year to year. That makes the HSA a flexible option for covering multi-month or long-term treatments like GLP-1s.
Average out-of-pocket cost for GLP-1s without insurance? Around $2,500 per year. That’s a significant hit to your wallet, unless you’re using pre-tax dollars from an HSA or FSA.
More than you think: what else your HSA or FSA can cover
Your HSA or FSA isn't just for the basics. It's a tool to support your full health journey, from daily wellness to big life moments. Here are a few powerful, often-overlooked categories that may be eligible:
Fertility and family planning
Planning for a family? Your HSA or FSA can help cover:
- Fertility lab tests and hormone evaluations
- Ovulation predictors and at-home fertility kits
- Artificial insemination or IVF-related expenses
- Prenatal vitamins and maternity support
- Lactation consultations, breast pumps, and postpartum supplies
What you’ll need: A valid prescription or Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) for many services
How to use it: Save receipts and ask your provider to clearly document the medical purpose.
At-home lab testing
Your benefits may cover a wide range of diagnostic tests you can conduct home, including:
- Food sensitivity or allergy screening
- Hormone panels
- Thyroid or metabolic testing
- Fertility tracking kits
- Vitamin deficiency tests
These tools give you access to personalized health insights without requiring a clinic visit.
Mental health tools and support
Your emotional well-being deserves attention too. Your HSA or FSA may cover:
- Light therapy boxes for seasonal depression
- Weighted blankets for anxiety or sleep support
- Teletherapy sessions (check plan details)
- Mental health coaching tools and programs
Ask your provider if a Letter of Medical Necessity is required for specific items.
Hormone testing and management
Hormonal health impacts everything from energy to fertility to mood. Eligible items may include:
- Hormone level testing
- Menopause and perimenopause kits
- Testosterone or estrogen therapy (when prescribed)
- Treatment-related supplements or supports
When in doubt, check your Clarity portal or use a verified resource like HSA Store, FSA Store, or Alegeus to confirm eligibility. And remember, even the unexpected might be covered when you know where to look.
Your checklist: how to use your benefits the smart way
- Check eligibility. Use resources like our healthcare eligibility list to confirm what’s covered. Clarity participants can also log into the portal and click into their account for plan-specific coverage.
- Understand documentation requirements. Some services need a prescription or a Letter of Medical Necessity. This applies to GLP-1s, fertility treatments, specific lab tests, and more.
- Save your receipts. HSA users should save receipts in case of IRS audits. FSA users may be required to submit them to verify purchases. The Clarity mobile app makes this easy.
- Shop smart. Use vetted partners like HSA Store, FSA Store, and Alegeus SmartPay to avoid the guesswork. These tools can help you filter eligible items and vendors.
- Ask for help. Not sure what’s eligible or what your plan allows? Contact Clarity support. We’re here to help you feel confident using your benefits.
Your benefits should match your health goals
Whether you’re exploring GLP-1 coverage, planning for fertility, or just looking for ways to make smarter financial decisions about your health, your Clarity HSA or FSA is designed to support you.
You’ve earned these benefits. Let’s make sure you use them to their fullest.
Stay sharp,
Clarity Claire
Your friendly guide to health spending that actually makes sense
