Can you use HRA for breast pump?

Answered by Cody Janus

Breast pump reimbursement is eligible with a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA). An HRA is an employer-funded account that reimburses employees for eligible medical expenses. This includes expenses related to breastfeeding, such as the purchase or rental of a breast pump.

To utilize your HRA for breast pump reimbursement, you will need to follow a few steps. First, check with your employer or the administrator of your HRA to confirm that breast pump reimbursement is an eligible expense. Each HRA plan may have specific guidelines and requirements, so it’s important to understand the details of your plan.

Once you have confirmed that breast pump reimbursement is allowed under your HRA, you can proceed with purchasing or renting a breast pump. Keep in mind that your HRA may have certain restrictions, such as requiring a prescription from a healthcare provider or limiting the reimbursement amount.

When purchasing a breast pump, be sure to keep all related receipts and documentation. This will be necessary for submitting a claim for reimbursement from your HRA. You may need to complete a reimbursement form provided by your HRA administrator and include the necessary documentation along with it.

It’s important to note that not all expenses related to breastfeeding may be eligible for reimbursement through an HRA. For example, breastfeeding supplies such as storage bags, bottles, or nursing bras may or may not be covered, depending on the specific guidelines of your HRA. It’s always best to check with your employer or HRA administrator to understand the eligible expenses.

Personal Experience:
I have personally utilized my HRA for breast pump reimbursement after the birth of my child. I was fortunate to have an employer who recognized the importance of supporting breastfeeding mothers and included breast pump reimbursement as an eligible expense. I found the process to be relatively straightforward, as I followed the steps outlined above. I submitted the necessary documentation and was promptly reimbursed for the cost of the breast pump. This reimbursement was a significant help in offsetting the expenses associated with breastfeeding and allowed me to continue providing breast milk for my baby even when I was away from home.