Is Hearing Protection FSA Eligible?

A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is an employer-sponsored benefit allowing individuals to set aside pre-tax money for eligible healthcare expenses. Understanding what qualifies as an eligible expense is important for maximizing FSA benefits. This article clarifies the specific conditions under which hearing protection expenses may be covered.

General FSA Eligibility Guidelines

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) defines eligible medical expenses as costs incurred for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, including treatments affecting any body part or function. To be eligible for FSA reimbursement, an expense must be primarily for medical care. General health benefits or items solely for overall well-being, such as vitamins or a vacation, are not covered.

Eligible expenses cannot be reimbursed by another source, such as a health insurance plan. Common examples include doctor’s office co-pays, prescription medications, dental treatments, and eyeglasses. The IRS provides guidance on qualified medical expenses in Publication 502.

Hearing Protection Specifics for FSA

Hearing aids are eligible medical expenses for FSA reimbursement, including the device cost, batteries, and necessary repairs and maintenance. This eligibility extends to both traditional prescribed and over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. Related accessories like ear molds are also covered.

General-purpose earplugs, such as those used for concerts or routine noise reduction without a specific medical reason, are not FSA eligible. For earplugs to qualify, a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) or a prescription from a medical professional is required. This documentation confirms the earplugs are needed to treat or mitigate a diagnosed medical condition, such as severe tinnitus, hyperacusis, or to protect compromised hearing due to an existing medical issue.

The LMN should detail the medical condition and explain how the earplugs alleviate the issue. Custom ear protection, if prescribed for a medical purpose, is also eligible under these conditions.

Submitting Your FSA Claim

Once your hearing protection expense is determined eligible, submit a claim for reimbursement to your FSA administrator. This process requires specific documentation to substantiate the expense. An itemized receipt showing the vendor name, purchase date, expense description, and amount paid is required.

If a Letter of Medical Necessity or prescription was required for eligibility, include a copy of this document with your claim. Credit card receipts alone are insufficient as they lack the detailed description of the service or item purchased. You can submit claims through an online portal, a mobile application, or by mailing or faxing a claim form and supporting documents. After submission, claims are processed within three to five business days, though some may take longer, especially if an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from an insurance provider is involved. Reimbursement is issued via direct deposit or check.