Eligible FSA expenses.

[Guest vkuenzler]

I have an employee with alopecia (hair loss). She would like to submit her charges for a hair weave under her FSA account. Is this an eligible expense?

[KIP KRAUS]

Under at least one state insurance law in the north east it would qualify, I can't recall the state, but it may be Mass. or Conn. It really does not provide a cure or prevention of an existing disease so I wouldn't allow it.

It's a nice compasionate thing to do, but in my opinion it doesn't count. Maybe it has been approved by the IRS but I've never come accross a ruling like that.

[Guest Joe Vasko]

Check IRS Publication 502 for eligible medical and dental expenses.

[KIP KRAUS]

actualy 502 does say that if the wig is recomended by a psychiatrist for the mental health of the patient it can be covered.

[Guest MSMA]

Sorry for the following soapbox lecture ~

As the mother of a boy who has had alopecia for many years, I have done some research in this area. From what I have heard from other parents AND from what I have read in the Thompson's Book...my conclusion is that Alopecia is a disfiguring disease and wigs (etc) can be reimbursed if the doctor writes a letter of medical necessity (mental health reasons).

However, outside the benefits arena . . . I am not sure why this person would WANT do go throught the time and expense of enduring a hair weave as her remaining "natural" hair could fall out at any time. One of the most aggravating things about alopecia is that hair comes and goes without warning.

Hair loss for girls / women goes beyond just being a "cosmetic" condition.

While certain men may believe that by shaving their heads they become more appealing, women (as a rule) do not. While helping my son deal with his condition has not been easy, I could NOT imagine what it would be like if my daughter were to suffer from from hairloss. Depression and self-esteem issues would certainly cause her a great deal additional pain.

Okay - I will get off my soapbox now.