Sunglasses....

[Guest pauljose]

In a recent conversation with a colleague, the eligibility of over-the-counter sunglasses came up. She said the IRS had recently ruled that, due to their protective nature, regular sunglasses were eligible for reimbursement. Review of Pub. 502 (2001) did not concur, and a web search has been fruitless. She now claims never to have spoken to me, as well! ;-)

This sounds reasonable, has anyone else heard of this ruling, or is it wishful thinking?

Paul Meahl

[KIP KRAUS]

Doesn't sound reasonable to me. What's medical cure for wearing sun glasses?

[Guest pauljose]

I was not claiming there was a medical cure; the point that stuck with me was their protective nature, i.e. the UV protection of the glasses prevents damage to the retinas, corneas, etc.

Night guards and retainers are allowable, which seems to me to be a precedent....but then again, the IRS is not required to be reasonable...

[KIP KRAUS]

My point only is that they are not a medical necessity. Night guards may be. I don't think that just in case is a medical necessity. UV rays are harmfull to yourskin. Should OTC sun screen be reimbursable?

[Guest RAJ]

No, sunglasses are not eligible unless they are prescription. Whether they are OTC or "clip ons" They say aspirin may prevent a heart attack. But it is OTC and not re-imbursable.