Wondering what medical expenses are reimbursable through ICHRA? Great question! Since January 2020, Individual Coverage HRAs have been advantageous for a variety of reasons, such as the flexibility in choosing your own healthcare plan and the employer benefit of more design options and customization. But one of the most beneficial things about utilizing an HRA for your healthcare needs is that you can get many of your out of pocket medical expenses reimbursed. (Read many - not all!)
To get the most out of your HRA, we’ve provided the list set forth by the IRS of items that for which you could be reimbursed as outlined in IRS publication 502.
Eligible medical expenses and ICHRA
As a reminder, with an ICHRA, you have a monthly allotment that your employer designates that will cover your premium as well as eligible medical expenses. But before you start spending money on these expenses, it’s best to double check that they will be covered when you submit for reimbursement.
Your employer will give you a plan document, outlining the pertinent information you will need to successfully take advantage of your HRA. The HRA must follow guidelines set by the IRS Publication 502.
What medical expenses are reimbursable through ICHRA?
The list we’ve given below is a selection from their manual. But keep in mind as you peruse the list that your employer chooses from this list. This does not mean that everything will be included in your ICHRA. As always, you can always chat with our team on our website to ask specific questions and we will help you through it.
Abdominal supports • Abortion • Acupuncture • Air conditioner (when necessary for relief from difficulty in breathing) • Alcoholism treatment • Ambulance • Anesthetist • Arch supports • Artificial limbs • Autoette (when used for relief of sickness/disability) • Birth Control Pills (by prescription) • Blood tests • Blood transfusions • Braces • Cardiographs • Chiropractor • Christian Science Practitioner • Contact Lenses • Contraceptive devices (by prescription) • Convalescent home (for medical treatment only) • Crutches • Dental Treatment • Dental X-rays • Dentures • Dermatologist • Diagnostic fees • Diathermy • Drug addiction therapy • Drugs (prescription) • Elastic hosiery (prescription) • Eyeglasses • Fees paid to health institute prescribed by a doctor • Fluoridation unit • Guide dog • Gum treatment • Gynecologist • Healing services • Hearing aids and batteries • Hospital bills • Hydrotherapy • Insulin treatment • Lab tests • Lead paint removal • Legal fees • Lodging (away from home for outpatient care) • Metabolism tests • Neurologist • Nursing (including board and meals) • Obstetrician • Operating room costs • Ophthalmologist • Optician • Optometrist • Oral surgery • Organ transplant (including donor’s expenses) • Orthopedic shoes • Orthopedist • Osteopath • Oxygen and oxygen equipment • Pediatrician • Physician • Physiotherapist • Podiatrist • Postnatal treatments • Practical nurse for medical services • Prenatal care • Prescription medicines • Psychiatrist • Psychoanalyst • Psychologist • Psychotherapy • Radium Therapy • Registered nurse • Special school costs for the handicapped • Spinal fluid test • Splints • Sterilization • Surgeon • Telephone or TV equipment to assist the hard-of-hearing • Therapy equipment • Transportation expenses (relative to health care) • Ultra-violet ray treatment • Vaccines • Vasectomy • Vitamins (if prescribed) • Wheelchair • X-rays
Non-Deductible Medical Expenses
Advancement payment for services to be rendered next year • Athletic Club membership • Automobile insurance premium allocable to medical coverage • Boarding school fees • Bottled Water • Commuting expenses of a disabled person • Cosmetic surgery and procedures • Cosmetics, hygiene products and similar items • Funeral, cremation, or burial expenses • Health programs offered by resort hotels, health clubs, and gyms • Illegal operations and treatments • Illegally procured drugs • Maternity clothes • Non-prescription medication • Premiums for life insurance, income protection, disability, loss of limbs, sight or similar benefits • Scientology counseling • Social activities • Special foods and beverages • Specially designed car for the handicapped other than an autoette or special equipment • Stop-smoking programs • Swimming pool • Travel for general health improvement • Tuition and travel expenses a problem child to a particular school • Weight loss programs
Ineligible Over-the-Counter Drugs
Toiletries (including toothpaste) • Acne treatments • Lip balm (including Chapstick or Carmex) • Cosmetics (including face cream and moisturizer) • Suntan lotion • Medicated shampoos and soaps • Vitamins (daily) • Fiber supplements • Dietary supplements • Weight loss drugs for general well being • Herbs
Next steps
Is your company or client going to be a part of this exciting change? Chat with our team with any questions you may have about these new, tax-friendly benefits or check out our ICHRA FAQ post or our new ICHRA Guide for more information on its background, setup process, requirements, and rules.
Additional resources →
- Learn about ICHRA Classes
- Learn about ICHRA Requirements
- Learn about ICHRA Regulations
- Learn about ICHRA Plan FAQs
- Learn about our ICHRA administration platform
