Scar gel
Scar gel is eligible for HSA, FSA, and HRA if it is used to treat a scar resulting from a medical condition, injury, or surgery, and not purely for cosmetic purposes.
Eligibility Matrix
Eligibility status for all account types
| Account Type | Status |
|---|---|
| HSA | Eligible |
| FSA | Eligible |
| HRA | Eligible |
Requirements
A Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a licensed healthcare provider is required to confirm that the scar gel is being used to treat a scar resulting from a medical condition, injury, or surgery, and not for purely cosmetic reasons.
The scar must be a result of a diagnosed medical condition, injury, or surgery, and the scar gel must be used for its treatment or mitigation.
Quick Reference
Expenses paid for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or for the purpose of affecting any structure or function of the body, are considered medical expenses. If scar gel is used to treat a scar that resulted from a medical condition, injury, or surgery, it falls under the category of mitigating or treating a physical condition. However, if the use is purely for cosmetic enhancement without an underlying medical necessity, it is not eligible.
When It Qualifies
- •The scar gel must be used to treat a scar resulting from a medical condition, injury, or surgery.
- •A Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) or a doctor's diagnosis may be required to substantiate the medical necessity.
When It Doesn't
- •Scar gel used purely for cosmetic purposes to improve appearance without addressing a medical condition, injury, or disfiguring disease is not eligible.
Official Source
IRS Publication 502
What Are Medical Expenses?
View on IRS.gov
Important Notice
- •Your specific plan may have different rules
- •Keep all receipts and documentation
- •This is informational only, not tax or legal advice
While this information is based on IRS guidelines, individual plan administrators may have specific requirements. Always retain detailed receipts and documentation, such as a Letter of Medical Necessity, for your records. This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute tax or legal advice.