Are Walkers FSA Eligible? What You Need to Know

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) offer a tax-advantaged way to set aside pre-tax money for healthcare costs. These employer-sponsored accounts cover a variety of eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses. Walkers are mobility aids that help individuals with balance or stability issues, often due to injuries or age-related challenges. This article explores FSA eligibility criteria and whether walkers qualify for reimbursement.

What Qualifies as an FSA-Eligible Expense

To be eligible for reimbursement through an FSA, an expense must fall under the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) definition of “medical care.” This means it must primarily be for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or for affecting any structure or function of the body. Expenses merely beneficial to general health, such as unprescribed vitamins, do not qualify. Commonly eligible expenses include doctor visits, prescription medications, dental work, vision care, and certain over-the-counter items. The IRS provides detailed guidance on medical expenses in publications like IRS Publication 502.

Determining Walker Eligibility

Walkers are generally considered FSA-eligible as durable medical equipment used to assist with mobility. Their purpose is to treat or mitigate a medical condition that impacts balance or walking, aligning with the IRS definition of medical care. This includes standard walkers, those with two or four wheels, and rollators with seats and brakes.

Some durable medical equipment, including walkers, may require a Letter of Medical Necessity (LOMN) to confirm eligibility. An LOMN is a document from a licensed healthcare provider, such as a doctor or physical therapist, explaining why the walker is medically necessary for your condition. The letter should outline the diagnosed medical condition, how the walker will alleviate it, and the duration for which it is needed.

The Process for Using Your FSA Funds

There are two main ways to use your FSA funds for an eligible walker. Many FSA plans provide a debit card for eligible medical expenses. You can use this card directly at approved merchants, such as pharmacies or medical supply stores. While using the debit card simplifies the process, always keep itemized receipts and any required documentation, like the LOMN, as your plan administrator may request them for substantiation.

Alternatively, you can pay for the walker out-of-pocket and then submit a claim for reimbursement to your FSA administrator. This involves completing a claim form and providing detailed documentation, including the itemized receipt and the LOMN if required. Reimbursements are often received via direct deposit or check, typically processed within a few days. If a claim is denied, you have a right to appeal the decision. It is important to retain all records related to your FSA expenses for at least three years, as the IRS may request them during an audit.