Anyone had luck using FSA funds for TT?

fluffyk1977
on 2/9/11 10:40 am
So, as usual I jumped in without doing my homework.  I am contributing $150 out of each paycheck this year in anticipation of my TT in the fall.  Then I actually read the policy and I cannot use for "cosmetic procedures". 
Has anyone had any luck getting using the funds for their TT?  I meet the requirements for my insurance to cover the panni and am upgrading to a TT andbreast lift. 


Vertical Banded Gastroplasty 3/3/10
High/Day of Surgery/Goal/Current: 244 / 238 / 128 / 130
33 years old, 5'4" Tall      
Plastics by Dr. Sauceda in Monterrey 8/30/2011: Extended TT, BL/BA

    
Cher B.
on 2/9/11 12:01 pm - MA
I've wondered what the tax guidelines are as well.  While is says it does not allow for purely cosmetic surgery...there are some cases where plastics aren't considered straight up consmetic.

In my thought process...it is reconstructiveand would promote proper function  for those in the massive weight loss category.  I'd be interested in knowing what others have found out especially anyone who has consulted an accountant.

Here is what irs.gov says:

Cosmetic Surgery

 

Generally, you cannot include in medical expenses the amount you pay for unnecessary cosmetic surgery. This includes any procedure that is directed at improving the patient's appearance and does not meaningfully promote the proper function of the body or prevent or treat illness or disease. You generally cannot include in medical expenses the amount you pay for procedures such as face lifts, hair transplants, hair removal (electrolysis), and liposuction.

You can include in medical expenses the amount you pay for cosmetic surgery if it is necessary to improve a deformity arising from, or directly related to, a congenital abnormality, a personal injury resulting from an accident or trauma, or a disfiguring disease.

Example.

An individual undergoes surgery that removes a breast as part of treatment for cancer. She pays a surgeon to reconstruct the breast. The surgery to reconstruct the breast corrects a deformity directly related to the disease. The cost of the surgery is includible in her medical expenses.

 
(deactivated member)
on 2/9/11 6:54 pm - Wiesbaden, Germany
DS on 10/08/13
You are having a panneculectomy AND a tummy tuck, right?

The panneculectomy renders the surgery to be reconstructive surgery.  Your plastic surgeon should take some pictures (if you are having it in the U.S.) or you will need to take some pictures if you elect to have it outside the U.S.  Make sure you keep the pictures and you should be fine.

For what it is worth, I have the panneculectomy along with the tummy tuck.  My insurance picked it up, except for a relatively small co-pay.  But the tummy tuck portion was only about $750 of the entire surgical cost.
mzhuny
on 2/10/11 2:10 am - Humble, TX
I'm using my FSA for my second Round of plastics on 03/09/11. I have a letter of medical necessity. I just slide my card and they will ask for a receipt.
    
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