Electrolysis, the CRA & Your Extended Health Benefits Plan

Get reimbursed for your electrolysis treatments!

Did you know that you may be able to get reimbursed by your extended health benefits plan (through your employer). Did you know that you may also be able to claim your electrolysis costs on your income taxes?

Let’s explore the importance of electrolysis, how it relates to extended benefit plans, and steps you can take to request coverage if you are not currently covered by your plan or not eligible to claim under the CRA.

Understanding Electrolysis and Its Benefits

Electrolysis is a safe and effective method for removing unwanted hair permanently. It is also used to treat skin imperfections such as skin tags, spider veins, moles (with a doctor's note), milia, warts, age spots, keratoses, and more. Unlike other hair removal methods (like shaving, waxing, sugaring or laser), electrolysis provides permanent results, making it the only choice for those looking for a permanent hair removal solution.

Reimbursement Under Your Extended Health Benefits Plan

Some extended health benefits plans offer coverage for electrolysis as part of their packages. Some plans cover it – and others may allow you to claim it under a “health wallet” (some plans won’t cover “gym memberships” under their plan, but will under a health wallet – it’s the same for electrolysis).

Unfortunately, not all plans include this treatment. If your current health benefit plan does not cover electrolysis, it's important to explore your options to request coverage to ensure you can access the treatment you need. This may mean contacting your HR department or Union and asking who is responsible for coordinating the companies extended health benefits plans. You can do this whether you work for a private company the provincial government or the federal government. Be your own advocate!

Put your request in writing, outlining the importance of electrolysis for your health and well-being (this also includes your mental health!). By emphasizing the benefits of electrolysis and its impact on your quality of life, you can make a compelling case for allowing Electrolysis as an eligible expense for coverage under your extended medical benefits plan.

Persistence: Understand that this process can be lengthy. It may take time and require ongoing efforts to achieve your goal of having the item added to your extended benefits plan. Remember, the answer will always be “no” if you don’t ask!

Eligible Medical Expenses You Can Claim on Your Tax Return (CRA)

The CRA is dangling a carrot for this one. It’s a case of saying they allow Electrolysis as an eligible medical expense – but not really. This is the fine print “only amounts paid to a medical practitioner. Expenses for purely cosmetic procedures are not eligible.” How many Dr’s are going to give up a $200,000+/year income as a Dr, to drop to
$20-40,000/year to give Electrolysis treatments? We all know the health care crisis our country is facing – do you now any Dr’s who offer Electrolysis treatments in their offices? Neither do I!

Not only do we not know of any medical professionals that offer Electrolysis (ok, I do know an RN – but that’s the ONLY medical professional I know of in the country) – but what constitutes a “cosmetic procedure”? According to the CRA, if you’re transitioning – you are eligible to claim this expense. However, if you were biologically born and identify as a woman, and you have male pattern hair growth on your face – then that is considered cosmetic treatment. I don’t know about you – but for the women I’ve met, that have excess hair growth on their face, it’s mentally and just as emotionally debilitating as it is for person who is a MTF transgender person.

If you find yourself in this situation, what can you do to get this changed?

Write a letter to the CRA Individual Income Tax Enquiring at your Tax Centre (where your income tax forms get mailed to). In the letter, clearly state why you believe “medical professional” should be removed as a requirement, as well as the caveat “Expenses for purely cosmetic procedures are not eligible”. Your letter should also outline the importance of electrolysis for your health and well-being, this also includes your mental health! By emphasizing the benefits of electrolysis and its impact on your quality of life, you can make a compelling case for allowing Electrolysis as an eligible medical expense to be claimed on your tax return.

Be sure to include your contact information, so the CRA can follow up with you. Keep a copy for your records and follow up with the CRA if you don’t receive a response within a reasonable amount of time.

Next contact your Member of Parliament (MP) and explain why you believe the item should be added as an allowable medical expense. Your MP can advocate on your behalf and may be able to introduce a private member's bill to amend the Income Tax Act.

Do both!

Persistence: Understand that the legislative process can be lengthy and complex. It may take time and ongoing advocacy efforts to achieve your goal of having the item added to the Income Tax Act as an allowable medical expense.

Steps to Request Coverage

If your extended health benefits plan does not currently cover electrolysis or if you are not covered under the CRA, there are steps you can take to request coverage:

1. Contact your HR department or Union: Reach out to your HR representative to inquire about the possibility of adding electrolysis coverage to your health benefits plan. Provide them with information about the treatment and its benefits to support your request.

2. Write a letter to the CRA: If you are not covered nationally for electrolysis, consider writing a letter to the CRA requesting coverage. Highlight the medical necessity of the treatment and how it can improve your quality of life.

3. Follow up on your requests: Stay proactive in following up on your requests for coverage. Keep communication lines open with your HR department or the CRA to ensure your case is being considered.

By taking these steps, you can advocate for coverage for electrolysis under your extended health benefits plan or through the CRA, ensuring you have access to the treatment you need for your health and well-being, this also includes your mental health! By emphasizing the benefits of electrolysis and its impact on your quality of life, you can make a compelling case for allowing Electrolysis as an eligible medical expense.