Adaptive Equipment: FSA Eligibility

What is adaptive equipment?

Adaptive equipment is designed to give disabled or elderly individuals the independence to perform the activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, eating, and much more (Mayo Clinic).The primary types of adaptive equipment available for reimbursement include:

• Bathing: Adaptive equipment for bathing is designed to ensure comfort during showers to prevent falls and unnecessary injuries. Some of these products include grab bars, tub seats, bath transfers and toilet modifications. Other hygiene products include cuffs for tooth brushing, washing mitts and more.
• Dressing: The simple act of getting dressed each day can be arduous for those with a physical disability, which is why there is an assortment of adaptive equipment to make this process much easier. Sock aids, dressing sticks and long handle reachers/shoe horns, button hooks and zipper pulls are examples of eligible dressing products.
• Feeding: Eating meals can also be a major struggle for those contending with a major medical condition, and being able to eat by themselves can give individuals a renewed sense of independence. Adapted utensils, plates and additional adaptive equipment can be adjusted for specific conditions to make eating meals each day easier.

Does adaptive equipment require a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN)?

In some cases, benefits administrators may require a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a medical professional for adaptive equipment to be eligible for reimbursement under an FSA, HSA or HRA. This letter must outline how adaptive equipment will be used to treat a medical condition or improve a patient's standard of living and how long it will be required. If new pieces of adaptive equipment are needed outside the current plan year, another LMN will have to be provided to the benefits administrator to cover the duration of the treatment.