Pre-Tax Health Savings Accounts Will Still Cover Weight-Loss Programs
This coming January, people with certain health problems may be able to use doctor’s orders to help with work out expenses. Weight-loss programs managed to remain on the list of medical expenses eligible for pre-tax health savings account coverage, after the IRS made revisions to the U.S. tax code. In order to qualify as a medical expense, the weight loss must be for the treatment of a specific disease (i.e., hypertension, obesity or heart disease) diagnosed by a physician.
Activities for the improvement of appearance, general health or sense of well-being are not considered a medical expense. Additionally, though consumers cannot include gym membership fees, they can include fees paid separately for a weight reduction group or program.
You can find more information on IRS Publication 502 online at IRS.gov.