Is a Bidet FSA/HSA Eligible?

No, bidets are not eligible for reimbursement through a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA). Bidets are classified as general household items and do not meet the criteria for medical necessity under IRS and SIGIS guidelines.

Bidets are not eligible for FSA/HSA reimbursement because they are considered personal hygiene products designed for general comfort and cleanliness. According to IRS Code Section 213(d), FSA and HSA funds can only be used for items or services that treat, diagnose, or manage a specific medical condition. While bidets can offer hygiene benefits, they are not regarded as medically necessary.

Here’s why bidets fail to qualify:

• General Use: Bidets are primarily used for personal hygiene and are not tied to the treatment or management of a diagnosed medical condition.

• Dual-Purpose Items: Even though bidets can provide benefits for individuals with certain conditions (e.g., limited mobility, postpartum recovery, or skin sensitivities), they are not exclusively designed for medical use.

• Alternative Solutions Exist: Products like medicated wipes or creams, which directly address medical conditions, are eligible for reimbursement and are considered more targeted solutions.

If a healthcare provider determines that a bidet is necessary for managing a specific medical condition, such as a severe disability or chronic skin irritation, it may be possible to request reimbursement. However, this would require a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) to justify the purchase. Even with an LMN, FSA/HSA administrators may reject the claim as bidets are still considered general-purpose products.