Blood Donation: FSA Eligibility

Blood Donation: eligible with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
A fee associated with blood donation for subsequent use by the account holder, spouse or eligible dependent is a qualified medical expense with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA) and health reimbursement arrangements (HRA). A fee for blood donation is not eligible for reimbursement for account holders or qualified dependents under limited-purpose flexible spending accounts (LPFSA) and dependent care flexible spending accounts (DCFSA).

A fee for blood donation for an individual who is not the account holder or qualified dependent would not be eligible.

Blood donation in the U.S.

Blood donation is one of the most pivotal forms of medical assistance available for hospitals, medical centers and triage centers nationwide who use blood in countless clinical capacities. In the U.S. alone, more than 41,000 blood donations are needed every day, and of the 38 percent of the population that is able to donate, only 10 percent will do so each year. Blood donation is a voluntary procedure to support the millions of people who require blood transfusions each year, either from disease, traumatic injuries or other causes (The American National Red Cross).

What to know about blood donation

Individuals who are interested in donating blood have two main procedural options to consider when volunteering via The American National Red Cross:

  • Whole Blood - Whole blood donation consists of donors giving up to a pint of their blood, which is then broken down into its most vital components, including plasma, platelets and red blood cells.
  • Apheresis - This is a process designed to extract certain components from blood, while returning the rest to the donor's body. Double red blood cells, plasma and platelets are collected in this way, and each plays a vital role in physiological functions in the body.

 

How to prepare for blood donation

Individuals who wish to donate blood must fall into a certain set of criteria before they are granted permission to donate. First, he/she must be in good health, at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds and have the ability to pass the physical and health history assessments.

On the day of donation, blood donors should be mindful of the strain that blood donation can put on their bodies and make these advanced preparations via Healthline:

  • Eat a full meal before donating blood
  • Stay hydrated by drinking nonalcoholic fluids throughout the day
  • Bring along a form of ID
  • Make list of current prescribed medications
  • Get a good night's sleep
  • If giving a platelet donation, do not take aspirin for 2 days before donating.

Popular Categories

Don't know where to begin? Start with these popular categories to find the eligible items and services you need.
Popular Categories