Are Breast Milk Storage Bags FSA Eligible?

A Flexible Spending Account, or FSA, is an employer-sponsored benefit that allows for setting aside money on a pre-tax basis. The funds are deducted from an employee’s paycheck before taxes are calculated, reducing taxable income. The money in an FSA can then be used for a wide range of qualified medical expenses not covered by an insurance plan.

FSA Eligibility for Breastfeeding Supplies

Breast milk storage bags are eligible for reimbursement with a Flexible Spending Account. They fall under the category of lactation supplies, which are considered qualified medical expenses by the IRS. The inclusion of these items helps to reduce the financial impact of necessary supplies for new parents.

The scope of FSA-eligible breastfeeding supplies extends beyond just storage bags. Items such as breast pumps and their replacement parts, including shields and valves, are also covered. Additionally, related products like nursing pads, nipple creams, and specialized cleaning wipes for pump parts are generally reimbursable.

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, passed in 2020, permanently expanded the list of FSA-eligible expenses to include over-the-counter medical products without a prescription. This change directly benefited those purchasing breastfeeding supplies, as many of these items are sold over-the-counter, ensuring parents can use their pre-tax FSA dollars for these products.

Documentation Needed for Reimbursement

To receive an FSA reimbursement, the primary document required is an itemized receipt for the purchase. It is important to retain these receipts, as FSA administrators will not process a claim without this specific form of verification.

An itemized receipt must contain specific details to be considered valid for FSA purposes. It needs to clearly show the date the purchase was made, a description of the specific item bought (e.g., “breast milk storage bags”), and the exact cost of that item. You can usually obtain an itemized receipt directly from the retailer at the time of purchase or by accessing your purchase history on the retailer’s website.

The FSA Reimbursement Process

Once you have the necessary itemized receipts, you can begin the reimbursement process. Most FSA administrators offer several methods for submitting a claim, including an online portal where you can upload digital copies of your receipts and complete a claim form electronically.

Many providers also offer a mobile application that streamlines the submission process. These apps often allow you to take a picture of your itemized receipt with your smartphone and submit it directly. For those who prefer a more traditional method, mailing a paper claim form with physical copies of receipts is an available option. After submission, reimbursement is issued as a direct deposit or check within a few weeks.