Scar treatment
Scar treatment is eligible for HSA, FSA, and HRA if it is necessary to improve a deformity arising from a congenital abnormality, a personal injury, or a disfiguring disease.
Eligibility Matrix
Eligibility status for all account types
| Account Type | Status |
|---|---|
| HSA | Eligible |
| FSA | Eligible |
| HRA | Eligible |
Requirements
The scar treatment must be for a diagnosed medical condition, injury, or disease, not purely for cosmetic reasons.
While not always strictly required, an LMN from a healthcare provider can help substantiate the medical necessity of the treatment, especially if there's any ambiguity regarding its purpose.
Quick Reference
Medical expenses are defined by the IRS as the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and for the purpose of affecting any structure or function of the body. While cosmetic surgery is generally not eligible, an exception is made for procedures that are necessary to improve a deformity arising from a congenital abnormality, a personal injury, or a disfiguring disease. Scar treatment falls under this exception when it meets these specific criteria.
When It Qualifies
- •The scar treatment must be necessary to improve a deformity arising from a congenital abnormality.
- •The scar treatment must be necessary to improve a deformity arising from a personal injury.
- •The scar treatment must be necessary to improve a deformity arising from a disfiguring disease.
When It Doesn't
- •Scar treatment performed purely for cosmetic reasons to improve appearance without addressing a medical necessity (e.g., pain, functional impairment, or a deformity from injury/disease).
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Important Notice
- •Your specific plan may have different rules
- •Keep all receipts and documentation
- •This is informational only, not tax or legal advice
Eligibility can vary by plan administrator. Always retain detailed receipts and documentation of medical necessity for your records. This information is for educational purposes only and not tax or legal advice.