No, air purifiers are not universally eligible for reimbursement through a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA). However, they may qualify for reimbursement if a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) is provided by a healthcare provider stating that the device is required to manage a specific medical condition.
Why Are Air Purifiers Not FSA/HSA Eligible?
Air purifiers are generally classified as household products designed to improve overall air quality and are not automatically considered medically necessary. According to IRS Code Section 213(d) and SIGIS guidelines, FSA and HSA funds can only be used for products and services that diagnose, treat, or manage specific medical conditions.
Since air purifiers are primarily marketed for general wellness and comfort, they do not meet the criteria for FSA/HSA reimbursement unless their use is tied to a diagnosed medical condition. For example:
General Use: Many people purchase air purifiers to reduce airborne particles like dust, pollen, or odors for comfort, rather than to treat a medical condition.
Preventive Purpose: Items used for preventive or lifestyle purposes are typically ineligible for FSA/HSA funds unless they specifically manage an existing medical issue.
Dual Purpose: Air purifiers can serve both medical and non-medical functions, which places them in the "dual-purpose" category, requiring a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) to justify their use for medical reimbursement.
Without clear documentation that an air purifier is medically necessary, it is considered a personal purchase and does not qualify for FSA/HSA reimbursement.
How to Purchase an Air Purifier Using FSA/HSA Funds
If your healthcare provider determines that an air purifier is medically necessary, follow these steps to purchase it using your FSA or HSA funds:
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Consult Your Healthcare Provider:
Speak with your doctor to determine whether an air purifier is medically necessary for managing your condition.
Request a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) that explains your diagnosis and outlines how the air purifier will assist in treatment or management.
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Verify Eligibility With Your FSA/HSA Provider:
Submit the LMN to your FSA/HSA administrator to confirm that an air purifier qualifies for reimbursement.
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Select and Purchase an Air Purifier:
Shop for an air purifier online or at a retailer. Add your selection to your cart and proceed to checkout.
Use your FSA/HSA card to pay if accepted. If the retailer does not accept FSA/HSA cards, pay out-of-pocket and retain your receipt.
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Submit for Reimbursement (if necessary):
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If paying out-of-pocket, provide the following documentation to your FSA/HSA provider:
A copy of the LMN.
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The receipt, including:
Name of the provider or retailer.
Date of purchase (must fall within the FSA plan year).
Description of the product purchased.
Itemized list with UPCs if applicable.
Total amount of purchase.
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Keep Documentation:
Retain copies of your LMN and receipts for your records in case further verification is required.
By following these steps, you can ensure your purchase complies with FSA/HSA guidelines and qualify for reimbursement if an air purifier is deemed medically necessary.