Medical Spending Accounts - Can We Deduct the Wii Fit?

[karinbelle]

If I have my DR write a note that I need a Wii/Wii Fit for medical reasons, do you guys think they'll go for it?

I know they pay for exercise equipment with a DR note and reason.

Found out I have a "spending" not a "savings" plan. My $$ rolls over every year, but when I retire it goes poof if I haven't used it.

 

[kaf7878]

Seriously doubt it

 

[noodleknitter]

Nope. We can't deduct our YMCA memebership.

The year we had to do a lot of last minute shopping, we had eyes checked, and purchased all of our OTC meds/first aid supplies for the next year.

 

[TheRustyScupper]

Nope. We can't deduct our YMCA memebership.

1) Yes, you can.
2) If you have a doctors script for the membership.

 

[Fizzgig]

1) Yes, you can.
2) If you have a doctors script for the membership.

I think you're pulling her leg. According to IRS Publication 502, "Medical care expenses must be primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental defect or illness. They do not include expenses that are merely beneficial to general health, such as vitamins or a vacation."

That must be the reason why, even though I had a doctor's note, my flexible spending plan decided to deny reimbursement for a breastpump.

OP, even though I think your request for reimbursement will be denied, I don't think you'll lose anything to at least ask your doc for a note requiring purchase of a Wii Fit to treat your specific condition. Also, see "Weight Loss Program" on page 14 of the link above which states that membership dues are specifically not reimbursable, but weight loss group dues are, IF they are used to treat obesity, hypertension, or heart disease--not just to look better.

And if your money rolls over, you actually have a savings account, not a Flexible Spending account. A Flexible Spending account HAS to be used in total each year, or it goes poof.

Hope that helps!

 

[aclov]

Call the company that administers your FSA and ask.

 

[KLAIT]

I think it depends on the reason for purchasing the Wii Fit.. We have had an employee pay gym membership from his account with a Dr Script. It was an alternative to Physical Therapy...Not sure of the specifics, but saw the paperwork processed...

 

[karinbelle]

I think you're pulling her leg. According to IRS Publication 502, "Medical care expenses must be primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental defect or illness. They do not include expenses that are merely beneficial to general health, such as vitamins or a vacation."

That must be the reason why, even though I had a doctor's note, my flexible spending plan decided to deny reimbursement for a breastpump.

OP, even though I think your request for reimbursement will be denied, I don't think you'll lose anything to at least ask your doc for a note requiring purchase of a Wii Fit to treat your specific condition. Also, see "Weight Loss Program" on page 14 of the link above which states that membership dues are specifically not reimbursable, but weight loss group dues are, IF they are used to treat obesity, hypertension, or heart disease--not just to look better.

And if your money rolls over, you actually have a savings account, not a Flexible Spending account. A Flexible Spending account HAS to be used in total each year, or it goes poof.

Hope that helps!

I'm in a strange program. My money DOES roll over if I don't use it, AND it does go POOF if I quit or retire. Many of us using this program have been mislead because they call it a Health Spending Account instead of a Health Savings Account. This is a little misleading for thouse of us in it. We used to have a Flexible Spending Account that went POOF at the end of the year if we did not use it.

I think they've changed the program so some people will not realize that when they retire they loose all that money. And just when you need it the most! It will be forfeit back to the program.


I'm going to get a specific prescrip from my doctor for the Wii/Wii Fit. I have talked to them and they cover things like Weight Watchers but do not cover health club memberships - even if you have a doctor's note.

Just like you said - the worst thing they can do is deny the claim. I'm enjoying the Wii Fit anyway LOL.

 

[msmayor]

I'm in a strange program. My money DOES roll over if I don't use it, AND it does go POOF if I quit or retire. Many of us using this program have been mislead because they call it a Health Spending Account instead of a Health Savings Account. This is a little misleading for thouse of us in it. We used to have a Flexible Spending Account that went POOF at the end of the year if we did not use it.

I think they've changed the program so some people will not realize that when they retire they loose all that money. And just when you need it the most! It will be forfeit back to the program.


I'm going to get a specific prescrip from my doctor for the Wii/Wii Fit. I have talked to them and they cover things like Weight Watchers but do not cover health club memberships - even if you have a doctor's note.

Just like you said - the worst thing they can do is deny the claim. I'm enjoying the Wii Fit anyway LOL.

Who is putting the money in there...you or your employer? I never heard of a plan where you'd lose the money when they retire.

 

[Kickapoo Joie Juice]

I can't even get my stupid FSA to take the things they SHOULD be taking, like Motrin . Good luck with them accepting the Wii....

Hey, just an FYI: They DO cover sunscreen! Betcha didn't know that!

 

[karinbelle]

I can't even get my stupid FSA to take the things they SHOULD be taking, like Motrin . Good luck with them accepting the Wii....

Hey, just an FYI: They DO cover sunscreen! Betcha didn't know that!

The employer is putting $$ in. My DH covers my medical. Yep - not fair but I loose it if I don't use it by the time I retire!

Thanks for the tip on sunscreen! I'll gather that receipt!

 

[Tricia911]

LOL, like it. Let me know if it works.