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My daughter was 17 months old when I was
diagnosed with breast cancer so this story resonates with me more than
I would have expected.
According to an article in Newsweek magazine,
the IRS has ruled that a woman medically incapable of breastfeeding
after a double mastectomy may not set aside the cost of infant formula
as a pre-tax medical expense.
She had tried to use her Flexible Spending Account (FSA) which is her own money, put away, pre tax. Not her health insurance mind you, but her own money from her Heath FSA.
In
case you're not aware FSA's are used to pay for co-pays as well as for
other items that insurance does not cover. For example, orthopedic
Crocs were reimbursed by my FSA as are over the counter medications,
first aid kits, Weight Watchers meetings and band aids. Here's a link
to what's covered thanks to the IRS. And if you have a note from your
doctor many, many more things like exercise programs and dance classes
and calcium supplements are covered.
Now
me, I think if the co-pay for Viagra is covered that infant formula
should be covered by my husband and actually had quite a discussion
about this. What do you think? Should it be treated as typical food and
thus not covered or because Mom had to have a double mastectomy is this
medical?
Talk to me here or at my blog http://www.aftercancernowwhat.com
Don't forget to vote for me - Katherine B at the O'Cedar Hope Helpers
