Understanding Cord Blood Banking as a Tax-Deductible Expense

Cord blood banking is an important investment in your child’s future health. It involves preserving the stem cells found in the umbilical cord blood, which can potentially be used in the treatment of various diseases and conditions. 

Cord blood banking can be a significant investment, but it may also offer potential tax benefits

One aspect that many parents may not be aware of is the potential tax benefits associated with cord blood banking. In this article, we will explore the concept of cord blood banking as a tax-deductible expense.

What is a Tax Deduction?

A tax deduction is an expense that can be subtracted from your taxable income, reducing the overall amount of tax you owe. Deductions are a way to incentivize certain behaviors or investments by offering financial relief.

Cord Blood Banking and Tax Deductions

The IRS allows deductions for certain medical expenses, including those associated with the prevention or alleviation of a physical or mental defect or illness. Cord blood banking can fall under this category if it is deemed medically necessary or serves a valid medical purpose.

Medical Necessity and Valid Medical Purpose

To qualify for a tax deduction, cord blood banking must be considered medically necessary or serve a valid medical purpose. 

Medical necessity refers to a treatment or procedure that is essential for the diagnosis, treatment, or prevention of a specific medical condition. 

Valid medical purposes can include situations where there is a known family medical history of diseases that can be treated with cord blood stem cells.

Qualifying for the Deduction

The charge for collection, processing, and saving may be tax-deductible. 

To determine if cord blood banking qualifies as a tax-deductible expense, it is crucial to consult with a tax professional or accountant who is familiar with the specific tax laws in your jurisdiction. 

They can provide guidance based on your individual circumstances and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations.

Documenting and Substantiating the Expense

To claim a tax deduction for cord blood banking, it is important to maintain accurate records and documentation. 

This includes obtaining receipts, invoices, and any supporting medical documentation that confirms the medical necessity or valid medical purpose of the expense. 

Keep these records organized and readily available for tax filing purposes.

Other Considerations:

It is important to note that tax laws and regulations can change over time. What may be considered tax-deductible today may not be the case in the future. 

Staying informed and consulting with a tax professional will help ensure that you are aware of any updates or changes that may impact your ability to claim deductions for cord blood banking.

One has to look at a few factors that make cord blood banking HSA eligible.

Research shows that cord blood banking costs are around $1,000-$2,000 for the first collection, then from $150-$200 per annum to store the blood. 

You can pay for your child’s cord blood banking with your HRA, FSA, or HSA (Health Savings Accounts). 

But it can only work via HSA accounts if it is included under ‘qualified medical expenses.’ 

Notably, these expenses are explained in IRS Publication 502. 

Why Should I Do Cord Blood Banking?

Cord blood banking effectively stores and preserves useful stem cells present in a newborn baby’s umbilical cord, also called ‘hematopoietic stem cells or HSCs. 

The cord blood is extracted from a newborn’s umbilical cord at childbirth and is processed in a lab to separate the HSCs for possible future use. 

Also, stem cell transplants are FDA-approved for treating more than 80 diseases and infections. 

Furthermore, these HSCs from your baby’s stem cells can be stored cryogenically in a chosen cord blood bank. 

The hematopoietic stem cells within the child’s umbilical stem cells are very effective for treating toxic diseases like cancers, metabolic disorders, leukemia, and sickle-cell anemia. 

Is Cord Blood eligible for FSA?

There is a possibility of the cost of cord blood banking being a compliant expense with your medical flexible spending account (FSA). 

Also, it’s important to note that the costs of cord blood collection, processing, and storage of your baby’s cord blood can be considered an eligible medical expense. 

But only if they’ll be utilized for the child or relative’s surgery within a short period. 

Is There a Cost to Donate Cord Blood?

Remarkably, there are no fees to the cord blood donor for donating in public cord blood banking. 

However, the only costs that occur in a public cord blood bank happen when the patient withdraws the stem cells to be used.  

How Do I Donate My Baby’s Cord Blood?

The process is effortless and straightforward. 

However, you first need to meet the compliance requirements imposed by government agencies for all kinds of cord blood donations. 

After meeting the eligibility requirements, you can reach out to any health agency online or nearby to purchase a collection kit. 

Essentially, only the blood in the baby’s umbilical cord is used in this process.

Also, this won’t affect labor and delivery.

In addition, when you want to donate your newborn’s cord blood to any public cord blood bank, you won’t need to pay any storage fee. 

How long can cord blood be stored?

You can store cord blood for over 25 years or even more. 

Moreover, since the beginning of cord blood implementation in the 1980s, there has been no record of its storage going beyond this time frame. 

So, it’s yet impossible to affirm that cord blood can last longer than this period.