Are Doula Services FSA Eligible?
Hiring a doula can significantly enhance your childbirth experience, providing emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. While many families see the value in doula services, the cost can be a concern. If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you may be wondering if you can use it to cover the expenses of hiring a doula.
In this blog, we'll explore whether doula services are FSA-eligible, how to use your FSA for doula care, and what steps you can take to maximize your benefits.
What Is an FSA?
A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is a tax-advantaged financial account offered by some employers that allows you to set aside pre-tax money for qualified medical expenses. You can use the funds to cover out-of-pocket healthcare costs, reducing your taxable income and saving money on a variety of medical and health-related services.
For more details about FSAs and how they work, you can visit Healthcare.gov's FSA Overview.
Are Doula Services FSA Eligible?
Doula services may be FSA-eligible in certain circumstances, but it depends on how the services are classified and their relation to medical care. The IRS allows FSA funds to be used for medical expenses that are primarily intended to prevent, treat, or alleviate a physical or mental illness. Because doulas provide non-medical emotional and physical support, their services don’t always fit this definition directly.
However, doula services can be FSA-eligible if they are considered part of your overall medical care, particularly if they are deemed medically necessary by a healthcare provider. Here’s how you can make doula expenses eligible for FSA reimbursement:
Obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity: To qualify doula services for FSA reimbursement, a healthcare provider such as your obstetrician or midwife may need to write a letter of medical necessity. This letter should explain how the doula’s support is necessary for your health during pregnancy or postpartum recovery. For example, if you have anxiety about labor, a letter stating that a doula is necessary to reduce your stress levels during childbirth could make their services FSA-eligible.
Support in a Medical Context: If the doula’s services are provided in conjunction with medical care—such as assisting during labor in a hospital setting—they may be more likely to qualify for FSA reimbursement.
How to Use Your FSA for Doula Services
If you believe your doula services may qualify as FSA-eligible, here are the steps you can take:
Check with Your FSA Provider: Before hiring a doula, contact your FSA provider to confirm whether doula services qualify for reimbursement. FSA administrators may have specific guidelines for eligible expenses, and this step will ensure you understand the requirements.
Keep Detailed Records: Save all invoices, receipts, and the letter of medical necessity from your healthcare provider. These documents will be essential when submitting a claim for FSA reimbursement.
Submit a Claim: After paying for doula services, submit a claim to your FSA administrator with supporting documents. This may include the invoice from your doula, proof of payment, and the letter of medical necessity if required.
FSA Eligibility for Postpartum Doula Services
Postpartum doula services, which help new parents adjust during the weeks following childbirth, can also be FSA-eligible in certain situations. If the services are deemed medically necessary—such as helping a mother recover from childbirth or supporting breastfeeding efforts—they may qualify.
For instance, if a healthcare provider documents that postpartum doula care is essential for the mother’s mental health or physical recovery, you may be able to use your FSA to cover the cost.
FSA Eligible Expenses Beyond Doula Services
Even if your doula services aren’t eligible for FSA reimbursement, you can still use your FSA for other qualified medical expenses related to pregnancy and postpartum care, including:
Prenatal vitamins
Breastfeeding supplies (like breast pumps and nursing pads)
Birthing classes
Doctor's visits, prenatal care, and diagnostic tests
For a full list of eligible expenses, refer to IRS Publication 502, which outlines qualified medical expenses for FSAs.
Benefits of Using an FSA for Doula Services
There are several advantages to using FSA funds for doula care:
Tax Savings: FSA contributions are made with pre-tax dollars, reducing your taxable income and saving you money on the overall cost of doula services.
Budget Flexibility: By setting aside funds in your FSA throughout the year, you can better plan and budget for your doula services or other pregnancy-related expenses.
Coverage for Other Medical Expenses: Even if doula services aren’t fully FSA-eligible, you can use your FSA for many other related healthcare costs, making it easier to afford the support you need during pregnancy and postpartum.
Final Thoughts
While doula services are not always automatically FSA-eligible, with the right documentation and planning, you may be able to use your FSA funds to cover this valuable support. By obtaining a letter of medical necessity and working closely with your FSA provider, you can maximize your benefits and make your doula care more affordable.
At Circle Birth, we’re committed to supporting families with compassionate, personalized doula care. If you have questions about using your FSA for our services or need guidance on making your doula expenses eligible, don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re here to help you every step of the way.