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Travel Expenses under Health FSA |
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Under certain conditions, travel expenses for transportation and lodging may be eligible under a Health Care FSA. In order for the expense to be considered for reimbursement under the Health Care FSA, per the applicable regulations, the expense must be "primarily for and essential to medical care". The basic expense substantiation requirements are a completed claim form, valid service provider receipts and transportation and/or lodging expense receipts. In many instances, in addition to the basic expense substantiation requirements, a letter will be required from the medical provider stipulating why the travel for the individual for whom the expenses are being claimed was necessary rather than seeking care locally. NOTE: This travel expense summary is for informational purposes only. The provision of this summary information does not guarantee reimbursement of submitted expenses under your Health Care FSA. The actual determination of the eligibility of your claim for reimbursement will be based on the rules set out in the applicable regulations, your employer's plan design and a review of the required substantiation documentation. Transportation Transportation expenses that may qualify for reimbursement under a Health Care FSA where primary for and essential to medical care and whose necessity is supported by appropriate documentation include: - Fare for bus, taxi, train or plane.
- Ambulance service charges.
- Reimbursement of car expenses at a set mileage rate. The mileage rate until December 31, 2009 is $0.24 per mile and $0.165 per mile on or after January 1, 2010.
- Parking fees and tolls.
- Transportation expenses of a parent accompanying a child who needs medical care.
- Transportation expenses of a nurse or other person who gives injections, medications or other treatment needed by a patient who is traveling to get medical care and cannot travel alone.
- Transportation expenses of an individual who travels to visit a mentally ill dependent, if such visits are recommended as part of treatment.
Lodging Lodging expenses that may qualify for reimbursement under a Health Care FSA where primarily for and essential to medical care and whose necessity is supported by appropriate documentation include: - Lodging (including meals) at a licensed hospital or a medical care facility related to (or equivalent to) a licensed hospital and where medical care is provided.
- Cost of lodging (hotel) where lodging is not provided at the licensed hospital or equivalent medical care facility where the physician-provided medical care is taking place and subject to the following limitations:
- Expenses for meals are NOT reimbursable.
- Lodging is not extravagant or lavish under any circumstances.
- Must be no significant element of personal pleasure, recreation or vacation in travel away from home.
- The maximum amount per night of lodging shall not exceed $50.00 per individual. If a parent is traveling with a sick child, up to $100.00 may qualify ($50.00 per individual).
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