Reimbursement of Nutritional Supplements
Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts
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Nutritional Supplements, vitamins and other products labeled 'natural medicines' cannot be included as medical expenses for tax credit or reimbursement unless a professional healthcare provider or medical practitioner recommends these products as treatment for a specific medical condition. However, some Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) allow generous reimbursements under certain circumstances.
A number of Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) allow individuals to pay for doctor recommended nutritional and dietary supplements with pre-tax dollars. By using these accounts, you can save 20 to 30% of the final costs of supplements. However, in moste cases, HSAs and FSAs require a signed letter from a prescribing healthcare provider or medical practiotioner outlining your diagnosis and stating that the recommended supplement may be useful in improving your health.
What you can do
Before talking to your doctor, check the policy to determine if your HSA/FSA account may cover the costs of supplements. If your HSA/FSA allows reimbursement, visit your doctor to discuss integrating nutritional and dietary supplements into your plan of care. Most HSA/FSA require your doctor to write (and sign) a letter including your diagnosis and his/her recommendation of specific supplements for that health reason.
For more information on information about reimbursement of nutritional supplements, medical and dental expenses, including the health coverage tax credit (IRS publication 502), click here. You can also download an article published in Managed Care Magazine (Cover Dietary Supplements? Some Plans Say Yes).
Order Online or Order by Mail |
| | Order Toll Free 1-(800)- 497-6114 ( 9:00am / 6:00 pm Pacific Time) |