Can my Flexible Spending Account be used to pay for part of my tummy tuck?

Question

I have an FSA through work. I've been told by the administrator that it can be used to pay for medically necessary procedures. I've lost 110 lbs and need a tummy tuck to remove excess skin and repair my abdominal muscles. I've developed moderate to severe back pain, and it is inhibiting my abilities for intense exercise. Repair my core muscles and removing the hanging loose skin would likely improve this. Is a letter of medical necessity something a plastic surgeon would provide?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

If your PS decides that your best solution to removing excess skin is a panniculectomy, insurance is likely to cover.  However, a FSA cannot be used to cover cosmetic procedures such as a TT and muscle repair as they are NOT considered medically necessary.  Any prescriptions which are written for post-operative care can likely be charged to your FSA.  In many cases the reimbursement from the insurance company is so pathetic that PSs will not accept it, and the insurance company makes you pay the deductible.  You will likely be better off financially by financing through Care Credit, Visa, Master Card, AMEX, Altheon, Care card, etc. which covers anesthesia, surgery, follow-up visits, garment, etc.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Bright985077,
in some cases, panniculectomy is covered by insurance. But tummy tuck is an elective procedure which is not covered by insurance. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your impressive weight loss!  A panniculectomy which removes the abdominal "apron" is sometimes covered by insurance and considered medically necessary.  A tummy tuck is considered an elective cosmetic procedure and therefore not medically necessary.

Bradley Remington, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  Although I am not a tax advisor, I have had many patients that do use their FSA account for procedures such as this.  It could probably be successfully argued that this procedure will be performed to alleviate pain and the symptoms that you relate.  This should be documented by your plastic surgeon.  Cheers,Brad Remington, MD

Can my Flexible Spending Account be used to pay for part of my tummy tuck?

Answers (4)