Donate to D.C. Breastfeeding Coalition:
DISCLAIMER
The information presented here is not intended to diagnose health problems, breastfeeding problems, or to take the place of professional medical care. If you have persistent breastfeeding problems, or if you have further questions, please consult your health care provider. The DC Breastfeeding Coalition does not share partnership with, or have any vested interest in, any of the businesses that may appear on this site, or sites that may be assessable by links herein contained.
|
For Immediate Release February 10, 2011 |
CONTACT: Mike Westling (Merkley) - 202-224-7871 Justine Sessions (Harkin) - 202-224-7977 Josh Drobnyk (Levin) - 202-225-4961 Jon Houston (Maloney) - 202-225-7944 |
IRS Decision a Victory for Nursing Mothers EverywhereBreastfeeding Equipment to be Allowed as Medical Tax Deduction and Reimbursed by Flexible Health Spending AccountsWashington, DC - In response to a request from Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Tom Harkin (D-IA), and Representatives Sander Levin (D-MI) and Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced they will reverse a ruling that denies equipment used to help women breast feed from being covered as a health care expense. The previous ruling excluded breast pumps from coverage under flexible health spending accounts and made them non-deductible on tax returns.
Merkley, Harkin, Levin, and Maloney wrote to IRS Commissioner Douglas Shulman in November to call for the decision to be reversed. Senators Merkley and Harkin were joined by 9 other Senators; 32 other House members joined Reps. Levin and Maloney. In response to today.s decision, Senators Merkley and Harkin and Reps. Levin and Maloney released the following statement: "Today's decision is a huge victory for nursing mothers everywhere. Modern medicine has documented numerous health benefits linked to breastfeeding, including a reduced risk of illness in infants and a reduced risk of cancer in mothers. And because breastfeeding is so effective in preventing disease, it also happens to save billions in health care costs. We thank the IRS for their careful consideration and quick response." A PDF of the complete House members. letter to Commissioner Shulman can be found here; the Senate version is here . (They are identical.) |
|