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birthing class - FSA expense?

pink_bubblypink_bubbly
in 2nd Trimester
My insurance does not cover birthing classes. Does anyone know if it is an eligible FSA expense. I tried to read the 34 page IRS document, but it didn't seem to cover birthing classes? Does anyone know? Same question goes for breast pumps?
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Re: birthing class - FSA expense?

  • Banana_Pancakes09Banana_Pancakes09 member

    Mine will cover birthing classes that help you prepare for the birth of the child/pain management (a lamaze type class).  It won't cover genearal parenting classes though. 

    As far as breast pumps go mine indicates it will cover as long as a doctor indicates it is necessary.  I know somebody who just had a baby and their doctor just wrote a simple note saying "patient needs breast pump" and that was enough for her FSA to cover it. 

    Hope that helps!  GL!!

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  • MassageMomma2010MassageMomma2010
    no idea, we're paying cash for everything- prenatal appointments, U/S, L&D, and birthing classes. Babies are expensive :( Hope someone else knows.
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  • KhloesMomKhloesMom member
    It all depends on your insurance. Mine would not cover classes or a breastpump, even with a note form the Dr. On the other hand, my employer has a "Wellness" benefit that did reimburse the cost of my birthing class. I would check with your insurance co and benefits book for specifics.

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  • pink_bubblypink_bubbly

    imageKhloesMom:
    It all depends on your insurance. Mine would not cover classes or a breastpump, even with a note form the Dr. On the other hand, my employer has a "Wellness" benefit that did reimburse the cost of my birthing class. I would check with your insurance co and benefits book for specifics.

    It actually doesn't depend on your insurance since I am asking a question about flexible spending accounts, which are a mechanism developed by the IRS not an insurance company. I called the administrator of my FSA and she read me the correct IRS language. PP is correct. It is covered so long as it is related to "birthing" and not "child rearing." As far as breast pumps, I was told I would need a letter of medical necessity. However, I think my insurance will cover it, if I get a prescription! Thanks ladies.

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  • KSME924KSME924
    Does anyone know if an FSA is the same as an HSA?  Or, at the very least, do the same 'rules' apply to both?
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  • hoodah00@hotmail.comhoodah00@hotmail.com

    An FSA is set up as a use it or lose it plan where you must use all funds by the end of the plan year or the money is forfeited.  An administrator usually closely monitors FSA's and will deny or allow expenses.

     An HSA is a plan that works under the same rules mandated by the IRS but the money is yours and rolls from year to year and you never lose the money.  HSA's aren't typically monitored so you can pretty much use the money for whatever you want but if you are ever audited by the IRS, you will need to have receipts to prove that the money was used for health expenses or you will face penalties and fines.

     Hope this helps!

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  • ekeeke member
    No, they are different. The FSA has the stipulation that if you don't use it you lose it. (for example, you have $500 on your FSA card for the year, you only spend $400. The $100 won't roll over to the next year). An HSA card will roll over, and even gain interest. Not sure if the laws are different for each state though (I wouldn't think so, but I'm not sure). I'm in FL.
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  • KSME924KSME924
    Thanks for the clarification!
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