Dear Gina – I have a medical procedure that I am unable to have performed in my state. I am looking at alternatives out of state, as well as out of the country. Are my travel expenses eligible for a Health FSA reimbursement?
A: The good news is, if your specialist is in the United States, many travel expenses to seek medical care are reimbursable. Here are some of the transportation expenses you can submit for reimbursement: ferry fare, bus fare, train fare, airfare, parking garage fees, car rental and, believe it or not, you can keep track of your driving miles to and from your appointments – even in your own hometown! Each year the IRS comes out with the medical mileage rate. We have the 2022 rate posted on our website. Lodging up to $50 per night is eligible under the following conditions: (1) the lodging is primarily for and essential to medical care; (2) the medical care is provided by a physician in a licensed hospital or medical care facility related to (or equivalent to) a licensed hospital; (3) the lodging isn’t lavish or extravagant; and (4) there is no significant element of personal pleasure, recreation, or vacation in the travel. If a parent is traveling with a sick child, up to $100 may qualify ($50 for each person). Meals, however, are not eligible for reimbursement.
Beyond just travel expenses within the United States, any eligible out-of-pocket expense related to your procedure will also qualify for reimbursement. Unfortunately, if your provider is located outside the US, your travel expenses are not eligible for reimbursement and neither are any expenses related to the procedure.
Great question!
– Gina