Are Baby Monitors FSA Eligible? A Complete Guide

Baby monitors have been around for a long time now. Gone are the days when monitors were just audio and video-specific. Now, parents can check their baby’s vitals, such as oxygen monitoring. 

However, are baby monitors FSA-eligible?

Some, yes. But, not all baby monitors are eligible for an FSA (Flexible Spending Account).

So, let’s explore FSA, find out which baby monitors fall under FSA coverage, and how they can help parents.

FSA and How It Works

Flexible Spending Accounts are savings accounts that your employer can arrange, and they exist mainly to pay for medical or health-related expenses, including healthcare devices and medications. Your employer can set certain limits on this account, such as:

• the amount an account holder can save, 
• specify the carry-over amount for a new year, and
• willful contribution of your employer as additional money.

1. Carry-Over Details

You also need to use the money in that specific year because you cannot carry it over to the next year in full. Your employer can also use their authority to manage your year-end balances in two ways: 

• either offer up to a 2.5-month grace period to use the previous year’s money 
• or allow you to carry over up to $640 for the next plan year. 

2. Using FSA Money

You can use this money in two ways: 

• pay off medical bills through the FSA card provided by your employer, or
• if your FSA card is not accepted, you can submit the bills or invoices to the FSA program for reimbursement. 

3. Qualified Expenses Under FSAs

According to IRS guidelines, medical expenses eligible for FSA focus on diagnosis, treatment, mitigation, or disease prevention. So, let’s dive into more specifics about which healthcare costs the FSA covers: 

• Over-the-counter medications
• Dental expenses
• Sunscreen
• Pregnancy testing kits
• Diabetes monitors
• Breastfeeding supplies 
• First aid supplies
• Eye-care equipment, like glasses, contact lenses, etc. 
• Deductibles
• Copayments for visiting doctor
• Diabetes supplies
• Crutches
• Menstrual products
• Chiropractic treatments

Remember, the qualified item will bear an “FSA eligible” note. You can also visit the FSA store to shop for healthcare products online and gain better insight into eligible products. 

The FSA rules can also vary based on your employer’s benefits package and health insurance plan.

Are Baby Monitors FSA Eligible?

Not all of them. And it’s really crucial to understand why some are eligible and some are not:

• Most baby monitors are for general purposes and are optional. They help parents monitor their little one’s activities and offer convenience. 
• But, there are times when a baby’s health can be at high risk and this means they need to be monitored 24/7. So, baby monitors become a medical necessity here. 
• In such cases, doctors guide parents to look for baby monitors that track their tiny ones’ health regularly, with specific features like heart tracking, oxygen monitoring, sleep analysis, etc.

Therefore, not all baby monitors get FSA or HSA coverage. The ones that do have coverage are only for babies with specific medical needs, and it has to be prescribed by a licensed doctor. 

How Do I Know if My Baby Monitor is FSA Eligible?

• Only baby monitors that offer medical, or healthcare features can be FSA eligible. Such products also have a note that says they are “FSA eligible”.
• To confirm eligibility, you can also check your vendor’s website or consult your FSA provider directly for more accurate information.

Note: Money that you withdraw from your FSA to pay for eligible medical expenses is not taxed.

Concluding on Baby Monitors’ FSA Eligibility 

So, parents! I hope this clears some of your doubts and concerns about baby monitors and their FSA eligibility.

Parents holding FSAs need a doctor’s prescription, highlighting their babies’ health concerns. That’s when the FSA allows you to use baby monitors as medical equipment, unlike for a regular purpose. And make sure you pay for that FSA-eligible baby monitor with your FSA card or maintain receipts to claim reimbursements.

Also, re-confirm the eligibility of your device through your FSA provider for up-to-date details on your baby monitor.

Until next time!