An employee's son is diagnosed with dyslexia and dysgraphia. It was suggested by the physician/speech pathologist that her son use a laptop for school. The question is can she use this required purchase of a laptop, for her dyslexic son, towards her health care flexible spending account?

As with all of these types of unusual expenses, we always ask for a physician's written statement of medical necessity. However in this case, you might have to ask the question, does the laptop affect a function of the body, it's not going to help his speech defect directly. This could also fall under the capital gain category. This is a tough one. I would probably let the employer make the final decision and get it in writing if you are a TPA or other type of administrator of clients' plans. Hope this helps you.

This would be a good question to query to the IRS. One item to consider is medical expenses of items that are are also used for non-medical reasons are normally limited to the cost which exceeds the normal item. Such as a television equipted for hearing impaired would not be entirely allowed only the cost above a normal TV for that function. Thus the entire cost of the laptop would most likely not be allowed, but the cost of specific software or add-ons specific to the disability most like would.

I also have a son who is hearing imparred. It never occured to me, that I could purchase a laptop for him through a Medical Reimbursment Plan. Thanks for the idea. Were you able to purchase a PC through your Plan? Thanks, Mike.

Hi Mike,

Sorry it took so long to reply to your last message. In regards to the speech disorder, I instructed the employee to seek the advice of his tax advisor. Employee did not submit towards her health care flexible spending account. Thanks