Any moral/financial objection to this?

[eliyoussefi]

I moved to a great new job, the allergies suck in this area. I want to write a script to myself for a hepa air filter, and use my FSA account. Should I just make an appt (busy schedule) with another provider or just do for myself what I know I need. Thoughts????

[SocialMedicine]

Having a friend or self write a script for antihistamine or steroid intranasal spray is one thing. However, you want a script authorizing use of untaxed funds to purchase a "medically necessary" product .... i dunno. I have no moral objection to this provided you need it. However, someone might have a legal objection? A filter could cost hundreds of dollars right ? Maybe you should have someone else authorize it. Does your hospital/inst audit FSA spending ? Would the IRS ever review authorization of these things if you are audited? Maybe I am overthinking this.

[ventana]

not a drug so don't see why there is an issue but then again it is sort of treating yourself........

[EMEDPA]

would seriously investigate nasal steroids, etc before wearing a mask at work every day...

[rev ronin]

would seriously investigate nasal steroids, etc before wearing a mask at work every day...

 

I think he means a fixed, room air filter, NOT an N95 or N99 mask. :-)

[eliyoussefi]

Yes I am talking about a room one, I'll ask the FSA people if they are cool with it, and yes they are pricy $$$

[aprillh]

FSA drugs and products are federally regulated. It is not up to the insurance company or employer as to what is covered. Here is the official IRS description. http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p502.pdf Upon quick review, I do not see HEPA air filters as eligible expenses. I would imagine it would be an uphill battle trying to convince the IRS otherwise ;)

[flyingsquirrel]

FSA drugs and products are federally regulated. It is not up to the insurance company or employer as to what is covered. Here is the official IRS description. http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p502.pdf Upon quick review, I do not see HEPA air filters as eligible expenses. I would imagine it would be an uphill battle trying to convince the IRS otherwise ;)

 

That link has to do with itemized medical deductions for tax purposes. This is NY's FSA website. It doesn't specifically mention air filters, but they are eligible when perscribed for a medical condition.

 

There are rules about how long a perscription is valid for FSA purposes and each FSA administrator seems to have their own rules (or at least selective enforcement) about that, so be careful.