Newborn Care: FSA Eligibility

Newborn must be added to the account as a dependent to be covered.

What is newborn care?

After the birth of a newborn and a baby is ready to be brought home from the hospital, new parents will have a wealth of new responsibilities to be mindful of as they guide their child through the first stages of his/her life. While at-home newborn care like frequent feedings and changings are par for the course, but new parents will have to contend with a wide variety of potential health issues that may arise during the first several months of life (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services).

Newborn care refers to the wide range of potential medical consultations, procedures and other services that parents may require during their baby's first several months. Some of the most common ailments to affect newborns include diaper rash, cradle cap, skin conditions, infections, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.

Newborns and infants under 3 months of age can be susceptible to any number of the aforementioned health issues, which is why it is so vital for new parents to make frequent trips to the pediatrician to assess health issues as they arise and develop a plan of action moving forward. Newborn care refers to the expenses that will be incurred as a result of doctor's visits, medications and treatment methods that are necessary to keep the child healthy, but he/she must be listed as a dependent for newborn care to be eligible for reimbursement through an FSA, HSA or HRA.