Does anyone know if childbirth and other prep classes can be paid for with flex spending dollars? What about lactation consultants, doulas, things like that? Breast pumps, if your insurance doesn't cover what you want, are eligible, I think.
Not that it really matters since I'm sure I'll max out my flex spending on actually straight up medical and hospital expenses, but just curious.
coconut / 8472 posts
Some things are and some aren't. The basic rule of thumb is that it has to treat or diagnose a medical condition. Childbirth classes are reimbursable if the class is only on labor and delivery, if part is about newborn care you technically are supposed to prorate that out. Lactation consultants are reimbursable, doulas are not.
apricot / 319 posts
Ours was, and it was Bradley Method, so it was pricey. Our flex spending provider required a doctors note though, so I asked the OB that I liked the most for a note.
The conversation went like this:
"Sooo. Our flex spending wants a doctors note that says that our birthing class is 'medically necessary.'"
"Well, you're pregnant, and labor is going to happen eventually and you need to know how to get that baby out, so yes, I would consider that to be medically necessary."
And then she wrote me a "prescription" for birthing class. 
persimmon / 1153 posts
Our FSA had no issue paying for childbirth classes-we also took Bradley. They didn't require anything from us at all except a receipt. They also told me they would pay for our doula, midwife, lactation consultant, pump, etc. The only thing they wouldn't cover were expenses related to birth supplies--we're planning on a home birth.
wonderful cherry / 21504 posts
Good to know- thanks all. If we en up with any flex money at the end of the year I'll try to apply it to classes.
@LittleGBee: lol at your doctor!
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