Are personal use items eligible for reimbursement?
According to the IRS, “You can't include in medical expenses the cost of an item ordinarily used for personal, living, or family purposes unless it is used primarily to prevent or alleviate a physical or mental disability or illness.”
What items are considered personal use items?
Cosmetics, toiletries, and hygiene products, including but not limited to
- Toothbrush, toothpaste & dental floss
- Deodorant
- Toilet paper & paper towels
- Shampoo, conditioner, and other hair care products
- Shaving cream and razors
- Body powders, hair gels, and sprays
- Soap and mouthwash
- Cotton swabs & cotton balls
- Lotion and petroleum jelly
- Shoes
- Beds & bedding
What if I have a medical condition and get a note from my doctor for a special personal use item? Is it reimbursable, then?
Personal use items must meet two requirements to be eligible for reimbursement.
- They’re only eligible with a doctor's note confirming the item is for a medical condition and
- Only the cost difference between the item in its regular form and its special form is eligible for reimbursement. For example, suppose someone has a doctor’s note stating they must buy a specific toothbrush. In that case, we can verify the cost difference between the specialty toothbrush and the average cost of a regular toothbrush. This requires no additional work on your part. We monitor the average prices to determine the cost difference for you.
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