FSA Reimbursement of lump sum payment for prenatal care & delivery

[Guest Valerie]

I am wondering how FSA administrators typically handle the usual lump sum payment to an OB/GYN for prenatal care & delivery. Do they reimburse the portion for prenatal office visits as they occur or must the participant wait until after the baby is delivered to get reimbursed anything at all? It is a fairly large sum to be out of pocket for six months or so...

[Guest Lori Senter]

In my experience, since the doctor doesn't usually file the claim until the delivery, the FSA won't pay until they have the EOB on the claim. The only good part to this is that the reimbursement comes in time to pay the hospital bills that are filed at the same time. You might want to check with your FSA administrator to see if there is any leeway or other options.

[KIP KRAUS]

Valerie:

My experience is the same as Lori's. Typical billing is after delivery, and FSAs usually will not reimburse medical claims without an EOB showing the amount denied by the medical plan. Maybe the doctor could bill for each visit, but I would would first check with the insurer to see if they will pay on that basis.