Much of palliative and end-of-life care can be paid pre-tax

This is the least-known HSA/FSA benefit category — and the most consequential. Palliative care specialists, pain management, and durable medical equipment are medical care and generally qualify; home health aides and advance care planning can qualify case by case, and your plan administrator decides. Pre-tax dollars reduce the financial burden on families during the hardest season.

Palliative care — eligible expenses
Respite care — one extra step
Respite care can qualify under IRS long-term-care rules — a physician certifies

Respite care — temporary relief for a primary family caregiver — can run pre-tax when the person receiving care is chronically ill under IRS §7702B(c): a physician certifies they need help with 2+ daily activities expected to last 90+ days, or have severe cognitive impairment, with a written plan of care. Most palliative-stage patients meet that bar — but a physician decides, and your plan administrator approves. At a 22% bracket, $3,600/yr in respite care is roughly $792 in tax savings — illustrative; not guaranteed; not tax advice.

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An After Note captures what your loved one wants the care team to know — their values, wishes, and the stories that define them. It travels with care and lives in the medical record.

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HSA/FSA eligibility is determined by your plan administrator, not by ComfortCard or co-op.care. A Letter of Medical Necessity is supporting documentation, not a guarantee of reimbursement, and is issued only when a physician finds it clinically appropriate. Any savings figures are illustrative and depend on your plan and tax bracket. This is not tax or legal advice.