IRS Announcement Adds Breast Pumps and Lactation Aids to the Medical Account Eligible List

Just released guidance from the IRS provides new and expectant mothers with some welcome financial relief. The guidance (IRS Announcement  2011-14), which was released February 10, 2011, adds breast pumps and supplies and lactation aids to the list of items eligible for reimbursement from a medical account (such as a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) or Health Savings Account (HSA)). With the ruling, which takes effect immediately, breastfeeding mothers can use their medical accounts to purchase or be reimbursed for eligible lactation-related expenses.

This follows on the heel of the Affordable Care Act’s requirement to provide both lactation breaks and facilities.

We encourage you to share the good news with your participants. Please see the official IRS announcement at http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/a-11-14.pdf