Today’s news has got to to be the best we have had in a long time. When the IRS first launched it’s list of expenses that were reimbursable under health care flexible spending accounts, breastpumps were excluded because they lumped them into the category of “nutrition” and just like they don’t reimburse for food, they wouldn’t reimburse moms for buying a pump that enabled them to feed their babies.
In a landmark decision, the IRS has reversed it’s initial ruling and will now allow reimbursement for moms who purchase breastpumps.
In response to today’s decision, Senators Merkley and Harkin and Representatives Levin and Maloney released the following statement:
“Today’s decision is a huge victory for nursing mothers everywhere. Modern medicine has documented numerous health benefits linked to breastfeeding, including a reduced risk of illness in infants and a reduced risk of cancer in mothers. And because breastfeeding is so effective in preventing disease, it also happens to save billions in health care costs. We thank the IRS for their careful consideration and quick response.”
Read the letters that were sent to the IRS from the Senate and House of Representatives. These letters were vital in getting this decision changed.
What do you think? Now all we need are better maternity leaves and we will be on the road to a more breastfeeding friendly society!
[…] In 2011, The IRS allowed moms to expense breastpumps as a medical expense, Hospitals became baby-friendly and one state even banned formula samples from being given out in […]