Hello again all!

I was hyperventilating earlier [figuratively speaking] because I called Dr. Lopez's company, Specialized Bariatrics and spoke with Kathy. She sent me an email with general information, pricing and the health history form. I've already filled out the form and sent it back to her. From what she sent me, the VSG in Puerto Vallarta will start at $5,200. I could save $700 and go to Tijuana and have the price start at $4,500 but I've never been on a plane before and I'd really prefer the 2.5 hour plane ride to PV instead of 4 hours and a car ride across the border.

Anyway! Kind of beside the point. My REAL question is has anyone on here ever used their HSA [Health Savings Account] to help pay for the VSG? I called today and was told that because it would be for treatment for obesity and preventive care [i don't have any issues other than the usual aches and pains] and a recommendation letter from my Dr agreeing that I could benefit from it, they didn't see a problem with me using my account for that. That would be FANTASTIC news considering I have a little over $2,300 in the account. They did say to call IRS to be sure but, of course, I couldn't get through and there were no options for anything other than taxes.

I did manage to find the guidelines of included expenses for HSA accounts and operations to treat obesity is one of them. I just don't know what to do. I can call IRS and just try whatever option to get through to SOMEONE and ask them to point me in the right direction or I could use it anyway, make sure I have some sort of letter from my Dr and hope I don't get penalized. Grrrr!

Any and all thoughts are welcome!

Hi Rella,

Your should be able to use HSA funds for the surgery in addition to claiming the expenses above and beyond HSA on your taxes. I would prepare a packet similar to what would be submitted for regular insurance approval: BMI, history of weight loss attempts, nutritional counseling and any documentation you've received from the surgeon. I've also used FSA funds in the past for physician directed weight loss programs.

I hope this helps.

Would you pay with check from your hsa?

Would you pay with check from your hsa?

I would use my HSA debit card preferably.

Don't they like charge 16% or something whenu pay with your card in Mexico?

Don't they like charge 16% or something whenu pay with your card in Mexico?

No I've been to Mexico hundreds of times, and you actually get the best exchange rate using your debit or credit card over doing a currency exchange or foreign wire.

I am using my HSA

It's a medical procedure covered or not by insurance isn't a rule. It's medical, it's necessary, it's in the rule.

As to what to prepare no one will question you on what you paid for. The only time it will come up is if the IRS chooses to audit you.

Keep medical records of how much etc

What is not covered is flights, companion expenses, over the counter items without a prescription.

But hospital, surgeon, anesthesia charges etc are all covetable expenses.

You can either pay with your debit card, cut a check to the facility from the account or if you don't have enough in there today ---- pay them another way and then either withdraw the funds as a debit or cut yourself a check for the balance. You are allowed to pay yourself back!

Best part pre tax funds for the most part.

I am using my HSA

It's a medical procedure covered or not by insurance isn't a rule. It's medical, it's necessary, it's in the rule.

As to what to prepare no one will question you on what you paid for. The only time it will come up is if the IRS chooses to audit you.

Keep medical records of how much etc

What is not covered is flights, companion expenses, over the counter items without a prescription.

But hospital, surgeon, anesthesia charges etc are all covetable expenses.

You can either pay with your debit card, cut a check to the facility from the account or if you don't have enough in there today ---- pay them another way and then either withdraw the funds as a debit or cut yourself a check for the balance. You are allowed to pay yourself back!

Best part pre tax funds for the most part.

I would explore some of the expenses you listed as not being covered. I've gotten them covered before in the past.

Make sure you keep track of ALL your expenses associated with your surgery, including the surgery itself, any tests pre and post op, Rx Meds, hotel stay, and travel (plane and/or mileage). They are all tax deductible.

I would explore some of the expenses you listed as not being covered. I've gotten them covered before in the past.

Just because the HSA paid for it doesn't mean it is "covered" under the IRS rules.

HSA accounts are really self policing for many things, those debit cards will work in many locations because technology isn't perfect.

You can't use it at a gas station but you can use it at Walgreens. But walgreens can't limit what you actually charge to it many times.

Just because technology works doesn't mean it follows the IRS intent.

So keep receipts and if you're audited - good luck.

Just because the HSA paid for it doesn't mean it is "covered" under the IRS rules.

HSA accounts are really self policing for many things, those debit cards will work in many locations because technology isn't perfect.

You can't use it at a gas station but you can use it at Walgreens. But walgreens can't limit what you actually charge to it many times.

Just because technology works doesn't mean it follows the IRS intent.

So keep receipts and if you're audited - good luck.

I think you misunderstood my post. It had nothing to do with swiping the card, but about exploring options with coverage. When it comes to the world of healthcare, nothing is black and white. For example, Bariatric Surgery is considered cosmetic (and therefore not covered) unless it is medically necessary. Sometimes it takes more than just good receipts in order to justify "medical" expenses hence my comment about exploring some of the expenses listed. The difference between an approval and denial often is determined by supporting medical documentation.

For the record, I just switched to a HSA this year. For the past six years I've had a FSA account which was strictly audited. I had to provide supporting medical documentation for everything except prescriptions, OTC medications (when they were allowed) and first aid at the Pharmacy. So I'm familiar with the IRS allowables.