Yes, transportation to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings may be eligible for reimbursement with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) when the meetings are attended as part of treatment for alcohol addiction.
Why Is AA Meeting Transportation FSA/HSA Eligible?
Transportation expenses are considered eligible medical expenses under IRS Code Section 213(d) when they are primarily for and essential to medical care. According to IRS Publication 502, transportation costs to and from Alcoholics Anonymous meetings may qualify if attendance is for medical care related to alcoholism.
This includes transportation to meetings that are part of a structured recovery plan or recommended treatment path.
Eligible transportation expenses may include:
Mileage to and from AA meetings (calculated using the IRS medical mileage rate)
Public transportation fares (e.g., bus, subway, or train)
Rideshare or taxi services
Parking or tolls related to attending a meeting
These costs are eligible only when incurred specifically for attending AA meetings as part of treatment for alcohol use disorder.
What’s Not Covered?
The following are not eligible:
Transportation for meetings not associated with a medical care need
Travel that includes stops for personal errands, work, or non-medical activities
Mileage or fare for companions not actively assisting with treatment
Luxury transportation or travel upgrades
To qualify, the transportation must be solely for the purpose of attending AA meetings as part of care for a diagnosable condition.
How to Use Your FSA or HSA for AA Meeting Transportation
Transportation expenses for medical care are typically paid out of pocket and submitted for reimbursement. To do so:
Keep a mileage log if driving to and from meetings (using the current IRS medical mileage rate)
Save receipts or fare confirmations for public transit or rideshare expenses
Submit your claim with details on the purpose of the transportation and the date of service
You will be reimbursed based on the current IRS standard mileage rate which often increases with inflation. To view the current standard mileage rate, visit https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/standard-mileage-rates.
For more information on eligible travel and medical expenses, refer to IRS Publication 502.
