Purchasing a breast pump can be expensive, and many new parents wonder if breast pumps are eligible for reimbursement from their Health Savings Account (HSA).

In this guide, we will discuss the eligibility requirements and guidelines for using your HSA funds to cover the cost of a breast pump.

Let’s dive in!

Breast pumps are eligible for HSA reimbursement, as they are classified as a “medical care expense” under the IRS regulations.

This means you can use your HSA funds to purchase a breast pump without tax penalties.

However, certain conditions and guidelines must be met for breast pumps to be considered eligible expenses.

For a breast pump to be eligible for reimbursement from your HSA, it must meet the following requirements:

• It must be used for medical purposes (i.e. lactation)
• It must be purchased after the start of your HSA coverage
• It must not have been previously reimbursed by insurance or another source
• A healthcare provider, such as your doctor or midwife, must prescribe it
• It must be purchased from a licensed medical supplier

If your breast pump meets these requirements, you can use your HSA funds to cover the full cost of the device.

While most breast pumps are eligible for reimbursement from your HSA, a few exceptions exist.

Manual breast pumps, which do not require electricity or batteries, are not considered eligible expenses as they do not fall under the medical care category.

Additionally, some insurance plans may only cover certain types or brands of breast pumps.

It is important to check with your provider and ensure that the specific breast pump you want to purchase is eligible for coverage before using your HSA funds.

To use your HSA funds to purchase a breast pump, follow these simple steps:

1. Confirm Eligibility: Ensure the breast pump you wish to purchase meets the HSA eligibility requirements. It must qualify as a medical expense, and in some cases, you may need a prescription from your healthcare provider.
2. Purchase From a Qualified Supplier: Buy your breast pump from a licensed medical supplier or retailer that provides receipts with the necessary details, such as the date of purchase and item description.
3. Keep Documentation: Save all relevant receipts, prescriptions, and proof of eligibility if your HSA provider requests documentation for reimbursement or tax purposes.
4. Use Your HSA Payment Method: If your HSA offers a debit card, use it directly at the point of sale to pay for the breast pump. If you pay out-of-pocket, you can submit a claim for reimbursement through your HSA provider.
5. Review Insurance Coverage: Check whether your insurance plan partially or fully covers the cost of your breast pump, as this could affect your reimbursement eligibility through HSA funds.

By following these steps, you can efficiently use your HSA to purchase a breast pump, helping to alleviate the financial burden while supporting your breastfeeding needs.

Many breast pump supplies are HSA-eligible, provided they are necessary for medical use and meet the eligibility requirements outlined by the IRS.

Accessories such as storage bottles, breast shields, tubing, and replacement parts often qualify as HSA-eligible expenses when used with a breast pump. However, luxury or convenience items, such as stylish carrying cases or excessive replacement items, may not be covered.

To ensure eligibility, it is important to check the specific guidelines of your HSA provider and obtain receipts or documentation for purchases. Additionally, some items may require a prescription from your healthcare provider to qualify.

Wearable breast pumps, such as the popular Elvie breast pump, are eligible for HSA reimbursement.

As long as they meet the eligibility requirements and are used for medical purposes, these types of breast pumps can be purchased with HSA funds.

However, it is important to note that some insurance plans may not cover the cost of wearable breast pumps. In this case, using your HSA to cover the expense can be a helpful option.

In addition to breast pumps, HSA funds can also be used for lactation support services. This includes consultations with a lactation consultant and breastfeeding classes.

Like breast pumps, these services must be deemed medically necessary and prescribed by a healthcare provider to qualify for HSA reimbursement.

It is always best to check with your HSA provider and insurance plan to determine coverage options for lactation support services.

Breast pumps are eligible for HSA reimbursement, but it is important to ensure that the specific device meets the eligibility requirements outlined by the IRS.

By understanding these guidelines and following the steps outlined in this guide, you can use your HSA funds to purchase a breast pump and other related expenses while supporting your breastfeeding journey.

Always check with your insurance provider and save all necessary documentation for reimbursement purposes.