Elevated Toilet Seats: HSA Eligibility

Under IRC 213(d)(1), "medical care includes amounts paid for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or for the purpose of affecting any structure or function of the body." This includes medical equipment and devices.

What are Elevated Toilet Seats?

Elevated toilet seats are assistive technology devices that improve accessibility of toilets to physically infirm users, such as people with physical disabilities or the elderly. Elevated toilet seats typically raise the seating platform of a toilet by 2” to 4.5”. Higher elevated toilet seats can actually increase the risk of bathroom falls. Elevated toilet seats are designed as well to aid in transition from a wheelchair to the toilet, and back (Vitality Medical).

There are various configurations and locking styles of elevated toilet seats. Elevated toilet seats can have a rubberized bottom to prevent slippage against the surface of the original toilet seat, or they may have a locking mechanism that holds the elevated toilet seat in place. Elevated toilet seats may also have bars for holding and maneuvering during transitions and while seated.

Elevated toilet seats are also known as toilet risers or raised toilet seats. They may be made of hard plastic, or a soft cushion for lower-rising elevated toilet seats. Some models are rated to support specific body weights for safety purpose. Elevated toilet seats are also made to be easily detached and washed by the user. They are also usually designed to be lightweight to accommodate the physical strength limitations of the user.