Are orthotic inserts tax-deductible?

Asked by: Dr. Jimmy Hansen  |  Last update: May 8, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (34 votes)

The primary criterion is that the orthotics must be prescribed by a licensed healthcare professional. This prescription serves as evidence that the orthotics are medically necessary, rather than a convenience or comfort item. Without this prescription, the IRS is unlikely to accept the expense as deductible.

Can I claim my orthotics?

to treat the muscular and skeletal system. Orthotics are made, supplied and repaired by an ahm-recognised Podiatrist or orthopaedic footwear supplier. We don't cover: Premoulded, prefabricated or off-the-shelf orthotics, such as sporthotics or formthotics.

Can I deduct orthodontic expenses on my taxes?

Is it Tax Deductible? In simple terms, if braces are deemed a necessary medical expense, they can be tax deductible. However, if they are purely for cosmetic reasons, they are not. The situation can vary, so it's always best to consult with a tax professional.

Are orthotic inserts HSA eligible?

In short, yes, you can be reimbursed from your HSA for orthopedic footwear products. However, as mentioned above, a prescription for custom orthotics, insoles, or orthopedic footwear must be deemed a viable treatment option by a medical doctor to be eligible.

Can I write off medical supplies on my taxes?

The IRS allows you to deduct unreimbursed payments for preventative care, treatment, surgeries, dental and vision care, visits to psychologists and psychiatrists, prescription medications, appliances such as glasses, contacts, false teeth and hearing aids, and expenses that you pay to travel for qualified medical care.

What's the difference between a Custom Orthotic and an OTC Insert?

38 related questions found

Can orthotics be deducted from taxes?

The IRS allows taxpayers to deduct medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of their adjusted gross income (AGI). This means that only the portion of your total medical expenses, including orthotics, which surpasses this threshold, can be deducted.

What medical expenses are deductible by the IRS?

You can include in medical expenses the amount you pay for a legal abortion.
  • Acupuncture. You can include in medical expenses the amount you pay for acupuncture. ...
  • Ambulance. You can include in medical expenses amounts you pay for ambulance service. ...
  • Artificial Limb. ...
  • Bandages. ...
  • Body Scan. ...
  • Breast Pumps and Supplies.

Are Dr. Scholl's inserts FSA eligible?

Luckily, Dr. Scholl's inserts that treat a specific ailment, such as plantar fasciitis, qualify for a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) reimbursement. Inserts that are for general comfort would not qualify.

Are orthotics considered medical devices?

On the other hand, in the cases when insoles and orthotics are made based on the prescription of a doctor specifically for a given patient, these products are 'custom-made' medical devices.

Can I buy Hokas with my HSA?

Yes, orthopedic and therapeutic footwear products qualify as a medical expense through an HSA or FSA and can be reimbursed through your provider accounts. To be reimbursed, you will need to obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity from your qualified health care provider.

Is it worth claiming medical expenses on taxes?

The medical expense deduction covers a wide variety of expenses. However, because of the high Standard Deduction and the 7.5% of AGI threshold requirement, it can be difficult to benefit unless you have a lot of out-of-pocket costs.

Can you use dental implants as a tax deduction?

To claim dental implant expenses, you must itemize deductions on your federal income tax return using Schedule A (Form 1040) if you're eligible. Complete the Medical and Dental Expenses section of Schedule A to report your qualified medical expenses, including dental implants.

What proof do I need to deduct medical expenses?

You should also keep a statement or itemized invoice showing:
  • What medical care was received.
  • Who received the care.
  • The nature and purpose of any medical expenses.
  • The amount of the other medical expenses.

Why are orthotics not covered?

Many employers have excluded custom orthotics as a covered benefit, as a way to save their company the out of pocket expense of a custom item.

Can you get a refund on orthotics?

Refunds will be given on the out of pocket costs incurred on the custom orthotic devices only. Costs associated with biomechanical assessment, gait analysis, casts / 3D foot impression and reviews will stand as they form part of the consultation process.

How much can I expect to pay for orthotics?

Custom orthotics run anywhere from $200 to $800, but you'll also need to factor in other costs. This includes the associated office visits required to fabricate your orthotics as well as the cost to replace the top surfaces when they wear out. Resurfacing a pair of orthotic inserts can cost $50 to $100.

Are orthotics considered a medical expense?

FSA and HSA for Orthotics

Yes. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) are tax-advantaged accounts that allow you to set aside money for medical expenses, including orthotics.

Does orthotics fall under podiatry?

A podiatrist will talk to you about your symptoms and perform a physical exam of your feet and ankles. They'll diagnose any conditions you may have and prescribe treatment, which may include the use of a custom orthotic.

How to get orthotics covered by insurance?

How to Get Orthotics Covered by Insurance
  1. Step 1: Review Your Current Coverage. ...
  2. Step 2: Obtain a Medical Diagnosis. ...
  3. Step 3: Get a Prescription and Documentation. ...
  4. Step 4: Verify Provider Network Status. ...
  5. Step 5: Submit Your Claim Properly.

Can I use my HSA for shoe inserts?

Under a doctor's prescription, shoe insoles and other orthotics can be covered by your HSA or bought using your FSA card.

Is deodorant HSA eligible?

Deodorant reimbursement is not eligible with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA) or a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA).

Is toilet paper FSA eligible?

Here are examples of items and expenses that are not FSA-eligible for 2024: General health items: toiletries like toothpaste, toilet paper, or shampoo, cosmetic products, vitamins and supplements (without a prescription) Non-medical equipment: car seats, strollers, non-medical exercise equipment.

Can I write off dental work on my taxes?

Dental expenses may be tax deductible if they help prevent or alleviate dental disease. You are only allowed to deduct dental expenses if they total more than 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). But you must itemize deductions to claim this tax benefit.

Does the IRS check medical expenses?

Claiming deductions for things like charitable donations or medical expenses to lower your tax bill doesn't in itself make you prime audit material. But claiming substantial deductions in proportion to your income does.

Which of the following taxes will not qualify as an itemized deduction?

Gasoline taxes on personal travel cannot be listed as an itemized deduction because it isn't included in the list.