12/02/2011

In February 2011, the IRS ruled that the cost of breast pumps, and related equipment, will now be considered as tax-deductible medical expenses.  This new ruling means that pre-tax funds from flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health reimbursement arrangements (HRA) can be used for the purchase of these supplies.

Please note that in order to purchase breast pumps and related equipment with a benefits debit card at:

A pharmacy location – the pharmacy merchant must have modified their point of sale system to recognize these as eligible items during the check out process.  If that has not yet happened, the cardholder will have to make the purchase at a pharmacy that has made the update, or, pay out of pocket and submit a reimbursement request.

Other merchant location (e.g., medical equipment supplier)  – the benefits debit card will work as long as that merchant falls into one of the health care related categories allowed by the IRS.

Originally published on March 14, 2011.