Are massages covered by flex spending?

Asked by: Theo Rowe  |  Last update: September 18, 2023
Score: 4.4/5 (67 votes)

Massage Therapy is eligible for reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA) and health reimbursement arrangements (HRA).

Is massage a qualified medical expense?

As long as the massage was recommended or prescribed by a medical professional, massage therapy can be a qualified medical expense that is tax deductible. This is important to know since many people overlook the cost of massage therapy when considering their health costs and miss out on the benefits it can provide.

Does HSA or FSA cover massage therapy?

Massage therapy may be considered an HSA- or FSA-eligible expense if it's medically necessary. For example, your provider might write a LOMN for massage therapy if you have a chronic condition like fibromyalgia, which can worsen or start after menopause.

What is FSA massage?

If you have a Flex Spending Account (FSA), you may not be aware that Massage Therapy can qualify as a medical expense. If massage therapy services are prescribed by your physician then you can use your FSA account to pay for these services.

What is not covered by a flexible spending account?

These items include antacids, allergy medicine, pain relievers, cold medicine, feminine products and more. Any item that is purchased to maintain good health and not to treat or alleviate an illness or injury is not reimbursable.

Creative ways to use your Flexible Spending Account before the year-end deadline

30 related questions found

Is Epsom salt FSA eligible?

Epsom salt is eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA). Epsom salt reimbursement is not eligible with a limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA) or a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA).

What is covered under flex spending?

Allowed expenses include insurance copayments and deductibles, qualified prescription drugs, insulin, and medical devices. You decide how much to put in an FSA, up to a limit set by your employer. You aren't taxed on this money.

Can you use FSA for chiropractic massage?

Chiropractic services are covered under FSA/HSA

Chiropractic services can help aid in pain management and so much more. If you're experiencing pain and want a natural, drug-free option, use your FSA or HSA for chiropractic services.

Do massagers count for FSA HSA?

Since some massage guns are already listed as medical items (many already are because of their enormous impact on easing muscle tension and relieving pain), you can purchase one using your HSA card. You need to ask your insurance provider for this information.

How to get a letter of medical necessity for massage therapy?

Talk to your primary care provider.

In many HMOs and other health plans, this doctor is the one who must authorize the referral. Discuss medical necessity with the doctor. Figure out how that medical professional will diagnose a condition that can formally necessitate medical massage.

Can you use FSA for deep tissue massage?

No matter whether you have an HSA or FSA, massage therapy is usually considered a legitimate medical expense by most insurance companies. Still, to be sure, check with your carrier or ask an HR representative at work because some plans do not cover massage, even with a doctor's prescription.

How do I get my HSA to pay for massage?

Get a prescription

In your insurance's eyes, this acts as proof that you actually need an HSA or FSA massage. Your prescription will need to include the following: A reason you need massage therapy, such as a medical condition or injury. The number of sessions you'll require each month.

Can I put a massage on my HSA card?

When it's a medical necessity for a specific condition, massage may be eligible for reimbursement. The service can be covered by a health savings account (HSA), or a flexible spending account (FSA).

Can I write off a massage?

The IRS allows you to deduct unreimbursed expenses for preventative care and treatment as qualifying medical expenses. You can also deduct unreimbursed expenses for visits to massage therapy establishments that focus on rehabilitation or clinics.

Is yoga a qualified medical expense?

Yoga is a practice, rather than a task or a goal to be completed (Everything Yoga). Yoga may be eligible for reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) saying yoga is being used to treat, prevent or mitigate a disease. What are the different types of Yoga?

Is chiropractic care HSA eligible?

Chiropractic treatment reimbursement is eligible with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Can I use FSA for Botox?

Botox injections are not eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA) or a limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA).

Will FSA pay for acupuncture?

Acupuncture is an eligible expense with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or health reimbursement arrangement (HRA). Acupuncture is not eligible for reimbursement with a limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA) or a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA).

Is deodorant FSA eligible?

Deodorant reimbursement is not eligible with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), health reimbursement arrangement (HRA), limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA) or a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA).

Can you claim physical therapy on FSA?

Yes, you can.

Since physical therapy services, like the ones provided at Natural Fit Therapy, fall under a medical expense that treats structures and functions of the body, you are able to use your FSA funds to pay for treatment from a physical therapist for yourself, your spouse, or your dependents.

Can you use FSA for vitamins?

Vitamins can help you stay healthy, but they are not deemed a qualified medical expense under IRS rules. If your doctor has prescribed a vitamin for you to treat a specific condition, it may be FSA or HSA eligible.

Can you use FSA for teeth whitening?

Key Takeaways. Funds from a flexible spending account (FSA) cannot be used for teeth whitening expenses. The U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) specifically excludes various medical expenses spent on unnecessary cosmetic procedures, such as teeth whitening, in IRS Publication 502.

Are protein shakes FSA eligible?

Protein shakes are considered nutritional supplements, and unfortunately you cannot use your flexible spending account (FSA) towards these. We get many questions about FSA eligibility at FSAstore.com, as people often wonder why protein powder is not considered an FSA eligible expense.

Are probiotics covered by FSA?

How are probiotics eligible for reimbursement? If a medical professional recommends probiotic supplements as a means of treating a specific medical condition, a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) is required to reimburse the amount under an FSA, HSA, or HRA.

What happens to unused flex spending money?

Where does the money go? Unused FSA money returns to your employer. The funds can be used towards offsetting administrative costs incurred during the plan year, employers can also reduce annual premiums in the next FSA year, or funds must be equally distributed to employees who enroll in an FSA for the next year.