Fsa Reimbursement For Gluten-free Foods

[I'm a glutant]

Hi folks,

Has anyone submitted a claim form for reimbursement from their FSA (Flexible Spending Account) for the price difference between gluten-free food and the "regular" variety? If so, would anyone be willing to share their strategies for finding and listing the comparison prices?

My FSA administrator just wants a fairly simple spreadsheet, but for each item, I can use a different store -- if relevant -- for the comparable price. For example, I get gluten-free bread at Whole Foods, but if I didn't need the special kind, I would probably just get much cheaper bread at Ralphs or something... Short of going to Ralphs and writing down the comparable price of every item, is there a simpler/faster way of compiling these comparison prices?

Thanks in advance for any tips on how to do this efficiently!

Cheers,

Fiona (glutant) :-)

[WestyPDX]

Short of going to Ralphs and writing down the comparable price of every item, is there a simpler/faster way of compiling these comparison prices?

I asked that question of my FSA administrator, and their advice is to go to a website for a supermarket that delivers, like Albertson's or Safeway, and print out their page for a comparable item, or do a Shopping List if the order page lists prices, then print out just that page. So if you buy wheat-free tamari, just choose any one of the soy sauces they sell as your comparison, and you have documented proof, not just what you say you would have paid. Prices don't vary too much nationally, so it's fine to pick the chain closest to you if there isn't a major grocery that delivers in your immediate area.

I didn't have any 2008 funds left over to make a claim against for my shopping trips so far, so it'll be a month or so before I try this, but I fully expect it to work successfully, as this is what they've asked for to process a claim. I'll post otherwise if my first claim is denied.

Good luck!

[Gemini]

Hi folks,

Has anyone submitted a claim form for reimbursement from their FSA (Flexible Spending Account) for the price difference between gluten-free food and the "regular" variety? If so, would anyone be willing to share their strategies for finding and listing the comparison prices?

My FSA administrator just wants a fairly simple spreadsheet, but for each item, I can use a different store -- if relevant -- for the comparable price. For example, I get gluten-free bread at Whole Foods, but if I didn't need the special kind, I would probably just get much cheaper bread at Ralphs or something... Short of going to Ralphs and writing down the comparable price of every item, is there a simpler/faster way of compiling these comparison prices?

Thanks in advance for any tips on how to do this efficiently!

Cheers,

Fiona (glutant) :-)

I never bothered and actually dumped my FSA account for 2009 because they are such a pain in the butt as far as keeping records and filing a claim for reimbursement! A person should not have to account for every expenditure at time of purchase. It created a mountain of paperwork, which is stupid considering this is the computer age. It may just be the company used by my employer but there were many complaints lodged this year regarding their standard of proof so many people dropped them.

It wasn't adding up to a whole lot for me anyway. I figure the FSA accounts are good for major expenditures but for the small stuff, I don't bother.

[celiac-charmer]

Holy crap! I never even thought about the gluten-free products I purchase and that they could be eligible for my FSA.

I should check with my administrator to see if it qualifies!

[CeliacAndCfsCrusader]

Don't forget that you MAY be able to deduct some food expenses on your Federal taxes, IF you have enough deductions to itemize and get the medical costs deduction (7%?).

Good luck.

BTW, Italians get 140 Euros a month food allowance AND 2 days off a month to "shop for gluten-free food". True.

[hannahp57]

What exactly is an FSA? How do i get one? i have never heard of one before seeing this post. Can you still get tax deductions? If not which would be the best idea??