Paying for the diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of adult ADHD can take a toll on your finances. Fortunately, there are tax breaks and assistance programs to help you, and your insurance company can help you cover the health care you need.

Flexible Spending Accounts

One way to get a handle on expenses is to look into a flexible spending account (FSA) if it's offered by your employer. By estimating your medical expenses, you may save lots of money throughout the year. With a flexible spending account, you set aside a certain amount of money from each paycheck before taxes and then draw on that money in your FSA for medical expenses. For more information, see IRS Publication 969 at www.irs.gov/publications/p969.

Tax Deductions

Be sure to research medical tax deductions, which may include everything from co-pays and diagnostic testing to transportation expenses to and from medical specialists. For a complete list of medical expenses that the IRS may count toward an FSA or medical tax deductions, see IRS Publication 502 at www.irs.gov/publications/p502.

Help with Medication Costs

If you're uninsured or underinsured and can't afford your medication for adult ADHD, consider looking into patient assistance programs. For a list of drug manufacturers and government and local organizations that may be able to help you get free or reduced-cost prescription drugs, visit www.helpingpatients.com, a website sponsored by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.

Recoup Lost Money

If you've been suffering from adult ADHD for years but were only diagnosed recently, you could reclaim past medical expenses on your tax return. You have three years to file a retroactive claim, provided you kept all your receipts and a record of allowable deductions. For more information on filing an amended tax return, see IRS Publication 17, Tax Guide, at www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p17.pdf.