[blparent] Breast Pumps and Flexible Spending Accounts

[Angie Matney]

I think something might have been posted about this recently, but I'm forgetting which lists/boards I've read and what I've seen where. Grin. So I thought I'd share my experience here, in case someone else can benefit.

The IRS recently classified breast pumps and lactation supplies as deductible medical expenses. Even if you don't deduct your medical expenses, you can pay for these items with pre-tax dollars if you have a flexible spending account. 

I had put more money in my flex account than I was going to use before it expires, so I decided to buy two pumps so that I could have a separate one for work and for home. I asked my nurse practitioner if she would write a prescription, and she did, but it turns out that because of how pumps and lactation supplies are classified now for tax purposes, a prescription wasn't necessary. I bought a consumer-grade pump and a rental/hospital-grade pump, and I was able to pay for both with pre-tax dollars through my FSA. The FSA also covered spare pump parts and a small milk storage cooler.

I should add that my claim was initially denied, but someone in human resources where I work spoke with the representative from the company through which we have our plan, and the claim was accepted.

Hope this is helpful to someone.

Angie