Using FSA, HSA & HRA to Buy Breastfeeding Products

Understanding what's eligible for medical savings accounts - including FSA eligible breastfeeding supplies - may make your breast milk feeding journey a little easier on your pocketbook.

If you’re like other new or expecting moms out there, you may not realize how much your medical savings accounts may cover. Understanding what’s eligible for Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA) may make your breastfeeding journey a little easier on your pocketbook and perhaps make it possible for you to provide breast milk to your newborn for a longer period of time after birth. Doing so can be incredibly healthy, by allowing your little one to continue benefitting from breast milk feeding and by continuing to enjoy these precious bonding moments together.

What are Some FSA Eligible Breastfeeding Supplies?

Flexible spending accounts, or FSAs, allow individuals to designate a percentage of their paycheck before taxes to cover certain types of out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. These expenses cover a wide range of healthcare needs, including breastfeeding products like breast pumps, nursing accessories, and breast pump spare parts pre-tax. It can be a great resource for minimizing any out-of-pocket expenses you may run into on your breast milk feeding journey by instead using money that has already been set aside. This can be especially helpful, as many FSA funds expire by year-end and go unused.

All Medela breastfeeding products are covered by FSA to ensure even more accessibility for the moms that need us. However, we strongly encourage getting in touch with your FSA provider first for reimbursement information and to confirm that there are no restrictions on your plan. Many providers allow you to pay out-of-pocket for eligible expenses and then will reimburse you, so be sure to keep your receipts and consult with your FSA provider to make sure what you buy is covered.

What Else Can I Do with My FSA?

If you plan to head back to work sooner after the birth, there’s no reason to worry! Essentials required for nursing moms re-entering the workforce may also be covered by your FSA. These may include everything from breast milk storage bags and cooler sets to hygienic wipes and breast pump battery packs, each of which are important components for a healthy, stress-free pumping experience.

What About An HSA or HRA?

A health savings account, also known as an HSA, is a type of savings account exempt from taxes and used to pay for deductibles, co-payments, coinsurance, and other select healthcare expenses. Breast pumps and accessories can be purchased using funds from your HSA without a healthcare provider prescription. Though an HSA can only be used if you have a qualified high deductible health plan, this can sometimes be another resource for getting the nursing items you need.

A Health Reimbursement Accounts, or HRA, is an accounts set up and funded by your employer to help pay for eligible healthcare expenses, and may also cover breastfeeding supplies. HRAs are not necessaruly tied to a qualified high deductible plan. Check with your employer for specific elgibility rules based on your plan.

There are a lot of resources out there and understanding your benefits, especially how you can and cannot use FSA, HSA, and HRA money, can help cut some of the additional expenses associated with bringing a new baby into the world. Talk with your plan provider today and start shopping, mama, because you and your little one deserve the best!