If you're sitting at checkout wondering whether your HSA or FSA (Health Savings Account / Flexible Spending Account) card will work for a breast pump bag, the short answer is: yes, it very likely will.
But "very likely" isn't the same as "automatically," and the details matter, especially when you're trying to make pre-tax dollars stretch at a premium price point. Here's everything you need to know: what these accounts are, why pump bags qualify, how to use your funds at checkout, and two bags worth putting those dollars toward.
What Are HSA and FSA Accounts?
Both accounts let you pay for qualified medical expenses with pre-tax dollars, which means you're getting a discount equal to your tax rate on anything you buy with them.
FSA (Flexible Spending Account) Offered through your employer. You set aside a portion of your paycheck before taxes. The catch: it's use-it-or-lose-it each plan year, so spending before your balance expires is worth paying attention to.
HSA (Health Savings Account) Available only with a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). Unlike an FSA, HSA funds roll over every year and can even be invested. It functions more like a long-term savings account for healthcare costs.
Both can be used to purchase breastfeeding supplies, including breast pump bags. They're one of the smarter places to direct those dollars.
Why Breast Pump Bags Are HSA/FSA Eligible
The IRS authorization behind this is IRS Announcement 2011-14, which classifies lactation expenses as medical expenses under IRS Publication 502. Specifically, the IRS recognizes that breast pumps and supplies that assist lactation are deductible medical expenses.
A breast pump bag with an insulated cooler compartment, designed to transport and store pumped milk, falls squarely into the "supplies that assist lactation" category. The ACA's requirement that most insurance plans cover breast pumps reinforced this framework, and IRS guidance has been consistently interpreted to include bags and accessories that directly support the pumping process.
A few things to keep in mind:
✔ The item must functionally assist lactation. Bags with insulated cooler pockets meet this standard.
✔ Items that don't assist lactation (stickers, luggage tags, non-breastfeeding apparel) do not qualify and should be purchased separately.
✔ Each HSA/FSA plan is administered differently. The IRS guidance sets the framework, but your plan administrator makes the final call on individual transactions.
How to Use HSA/FSA Funds at Sarah Wells
Sarah Wells Bags is authorized to process HSA and FSA debit cards directly on the website. The merchant category code is 5047 (Medical Supplies), the same classification used by pharmacies and medical supply retailers.
Here's how it works:
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Add your eligible items to your cart at sarahwellsbags.com
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At checkout, enter your HSA or FSA card just like a credit card
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Your plan processes the transaction based on the merchant code and item eligibility
What qualifies at Sarah Wells:
✔ Breast pump bags with cooler compartments
✔ Breastmilk cooler bags, wet/dry bags, and organizer bags with cooler capabilities
✔ Breastfeeding bras
✔ Milk chillers and spare ice packs for cooler bags
A few practical notes:
Some plans require purchases to be made through a specific pharmacy partner. If your card is declined, that's often why, not because the item isn't eligible. If your transaction is declined or you're asked for documentation, contact Sarah Wells at customerservice@sarahwellsbags.com. They can provide an itemized receipt so you can request reimbursement after purchasing with a standard payment method.
Note: the site cannot split payment between an HSA/FSA card and a standard card in a single transaction. If you're buying both eligible and non-eligible items, check out separately.
Documentation to Keep for Reimbursement
If your plan requires you to pay out of pocket and submit for reimbursement, keep these on hand:
✔ Itemized receipt showing the product name, price, and date of purchase (Sarah Wells can provide this on request)
✔ Description of the item's medical purpose (e.g., insulated breast pump bag for transporting pumped milk)
✔ Your plan's reimbursement form, available from your FSA or HSA administrator
Keep digital copies. Most plans have a submission window, and having documentation organized from the start saves a lot of back-and-forth later.
A Note on Limited Purpose FSAs
If you have a Limited Purpose FSA (LPFSA), typically available alongside an HSA, eligible expense categories are narrower, generally limited to dental and vision, though some plans allow medical expenses after meeting your deductible. Check your plan documents or contact your administrator before assuming breast pump bags are covered.
For standard FSAs and HSAs, the IRS guidance on lactation supplies is well established, and breast pump bags with cooler compartments consistently meet the standard.
Where HSA/FSA Dollars Stretch the Furthest
The tax benefit matters most at premium price points. A $20 accessory gives you a modest savings. A $140 or $215 bag gives you a meaningful one.
That's where the Norah and Fiona come in. Both bags are HSA/FSA eligible, both have insulated pockets that qualify under IRS lactation expense guidance, and both are designed to work as your primary work bag, not just a dedicated pump carrier. Using pre-tax dollars on either of them is one of the more practical ways to reduce the real cost.
Two Picks Worth Using Your HSA/FSA On
The Norah Backpack ($199)
The Norah is a backpack/tote hybrid built for working parents who need their pump bag and their work bag to be the same bag. Its doctor-bag style wire frame opening stays wide for one-handed access: no digging, no frustration at 7am.
✔ Two thermally insulated side pockets keep pumped milk cold for up to 6 hours with ice packs
✔ Doctor-bag wire frame opening stays wide for quick, one-handed access
✔ Padded laptop sleeve fits up to 17" slim or 15" standard laptops
✔ Photo pocket to help with letdown while away from your baby
✔ Spacious main interior fits a Cold Gold cooler bag and Pumparoo wet/dry bag
✔ Compatible with all pumps including Spectra, Medela, Willow, Elvie, Motif, and more
✔ Epic warranty
✔ HSA/FSA eligible. Use your card directly at checkout
💡 Best for: Working parents who need everything in one bag and want the pump to disappear into their commute.
The Fiona Backpack ($199)
The Fiona is made from machine washable neoprene. It's the practical answer to one of the more obvious problems with pump bags. Pumping is messy. A bag you can actually put in the wash is worth paying for.
✔ Double-insulated side pockets keep milk cold for up to 6 hours
✔ Dedicated water bottle or milk chiller pocket
✔ Padded laptop pocket keeps your tech separate from pump condensation
✔ Luggage strap for easy travel
✔ Adjustable straps and top grab handle
✔ Compatible with all pumps on the market
✔ Epic warranty
✔ HSA/FSA eligible. Use your card directly at checkout
💡 Best for: Parents who want a bag that survives real daily use and can be cleaned without drama.
The Bottom Line
Breast pump bags with insulated cooler compartments are HSA/FSA eligible under IRS Publication 502 and Announcement 2011-14. Sarah Wells is authorized to process HSA and FSA cards directly at checkout. And the tax benefit is most meaningful at premium price points. That's exactly where the Norah and Fiona live.
Questions about a specific transaction or need documentation for reimbursement? The Sarah Wells team is at customerservice@sarahwellsbags.com.
Always consult your plan administrator to confirm coverage, as individual plan rules vary.
