Your course may be
covered by your HSA or FSA.
Addiction is a recognized chronic illness. Education that helps families manage it may qualify as a reimbursable medical expense.
Why This Course May Qualify
The IRS recognizes several pathways through which addiction-related family education may be a qualified medical expense.
Addiction as a Chronic Illness
The IRS recognizes alcoholism and drug addiction as diseases. Under IRS Publication 502, expenses for the "diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease" are qualified medical expenses.
Medical Conference Provision
IRS Publication 502 allows the deduction of admission fees for medical conferences related to the chronic illness of a spouse or dependent, provided the information is "primarily for and essential to" their care.
Mitigation of Secondary Conditions
If a family member develops a diagnosable condition — such as Adjustment Disorder or Anxiety — due to a loved one's addiction, this course may serve as treatment or mitigation for their specific condition.
The Legal Foundation
"Medical care expenses include… diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease."
"You can include… the cost of attending a medical conference that relates to the chronic illness of yourself, your spouse, or your dependent."
Defines medical care as "amounts paid for the… mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease."
Defines addiction as a "chronic, relapsing disorder" — meeting the IRS definition of a disease eligible for medical expense deduction.
Four Steps to Reimbursement
Follow these steps to submit your course enrollment for HSA or FSA reimbursement.
Ask your physician, therapist, or licensed counselor to write a letter stating this course is essential to the treatment of a specific diagnosis (e.g., Substance Use Disorder, Adjustment Disorder, Caregiver Stress).
The LMN should link the course to a specific ICD-10 code. Your healthcare provider will know which code applies to your situation.
After enrollment, your confirmation email serves as your receipt. It includes the business name, date, price ($97), and course description. Need a formal receipt? Email info@facingaddictionwithhope.com.
File the LMN, receipt, and any required forms with your HSA/FSA administrator. Processing times vary by plan.
Begin your path to understanding.
One payment. One year of access. A course that changes how families heal.