Mold Removal: HSA Eligibility

What is mold removal?

Mold removal is the professional removal of mold in a home. Mold is a type of fungus that can grow indoors and outdoors. When mold grows indoors, such as in a home, it can be aspirated (breathed in) by the inhabitants of a home. Mold grows best indoors in moist, dark environments. Mold, when inhaled, can irritate people who are sensitive or have allergies. In sufficient quantities, mold can be come toxic as well, which can affect anyone's health (WebMD).

Mold inside a home can cause nasal stuffiness, eye and throat irritation, skin irritation, fever, and wheezing or shortness of breath. Mold can become dangerous to all inhabitants of a home, and it can adversely affect individuals who are susceptible or vulnerable because of an existing medical condition or disease. Existing medical conditions and diseases that would render an individual susceptible to mold include asthma, damaged lungs, genetic susceptibility or weakened immune systems, and allergies (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Professional mold removal is an expense that can be considered eligible for reimbursement if a medical professional has provided a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) for the mold removal due to an existing medical condition or disease. If mold removal is necessary for the healthcare of an individual, the LMN will allow the mold removal expenses to be eligible for reimbursement. If an individual is vulnerable to mold, or if the mold spreading in a home is so extensive that it poses a health threat which cannot be abated by home removal techniques, or if the individual must hire a mold removal expert because of an inability to removal mold by themselves, then the expense may be reimbursable with an LMN.