Medical Expense incurred prior to qualifying life event

[johnmyster]

The IRS Tax documents refer say that FSA and HRA accounts can be used to reimburse expenses incurred during the plan period.  For a mid-year marriage, if we establish an account, can we file for reimbursement of expenses during the year but prior to marriage?  I cannot find clarifying information regarding.  Thank you.

[Sibley]

I don't believe so.  Effective date of the change would be the first date you could use them

Example:

Married 5/1
Did benefits paperwork 5/15
Effective 6/1

6/1 would be your magic date. Assuming I'm correct of course, but I doubt it would be any different for regular changes.

[BlueLesPaul]

Sibly is right, her is the language from Prop. Treas. Reg §1.125-6(a)(2)

Medical expenses incurred before the later of the effective date of the plan and the date the employee is enrolled in the plan are not incurred during the period for which the employee is covered by the plan…[Medical] expenses are incurred when the employee (or the employee's spouse or dependents) is provided with the medical care that gives rise to the medical expenses, and not when the employee is formally billed, charged for, or pays for the medical care.

[VAMORALE]

I have a similar situation. I did enroll in an FSA at the beginning of this year, but have already used all that I put in. Having our first baby in September and wondering if I could add more to the FSA after he's born and be reimbursed for expenses from before then...

[Sibley]

Vamorale - my experience with FSA is once it's set, you can't change it. But that was through an employer benefit program, your situation may be different. I would contact the administrator of the FSA and ask.