IRS Posts Wellness Expense Reimbursement FAQs

The IRS has posted a series of frequently asked questions addressing whether certain costs related to nutrition, wellness, and general health are medical expenses under Internal Revenue Code Section 213 that may be paid or reimbursed under a health savings account, health flexible spending arrangement, Archer medical savings account, or health reimbursement arrangement. Eligible medical expenses include costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and for the purpose of affecting any part or function of the body. The web page indicates that such expenses must be primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental disability or illness, and don't include expenses that are merely beneficial to general health.