Can I use HSA for cupping?

Asked by: Dr. Alfredo Will  |  Last update: April 12, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (71 votes)

Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) – which allow employees to set aside pre-tax money for qualified medical expenses and supplies – can be used to pay for cupping and acupuncture sessions.

Can I use my HSA for body sculpting?

Answer: HSA Congratulations on your weight loss! Typically cosmetic procedures are excluded from eligibility for HSA funds. As you have lost significant weight there may be an exception. Check with your provider to determine what is eligible for coverage.

Can HSA funds be used for chiropractic?

HSAs can be used for large and small qualified medical expenses. You can use your HSA for ongoing medical services and treatments, like chiropractic care, acupuncture, or physical exams. Medical copays, deductibles, and coinsurance can also be covered under an HSA.

Is cupping covered by insurance?

Is cupping covered by most health insurance plans? Cupping is not covered by most insurance plans, but patients can always check their benefits with their insurance company.

Can you use your HSA on massages?

Your HSA can pay for massage therapy, though you'll likely need a letter of medical necessity (LMN) from your doctor. An LMN states what condition the treatment is for, how many sessions you need, and any other relevant details. An HSA may also be used on alternative or holistic treatments, such as: Massage therapy.

Does Cupping Therapy ACTUALLY Work?

17 related questions found

Can I use HSA for gym membership?

Gym memberships. While some companies and private insurers may offer discounts on gym memberships, you generally can't use your FSA or HSA account to pay for gym or health club memberships. An exception to that rule would be if your doctor deems fitness medically necessary for your recovery or treatment.

Can HSA be used for acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a Covered Expense with HSA and FSA Plans

Acupuncture is considered an “eligible expense” for FSA, HSA, and HRA accounts. Some plans will require you to submit a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN), which we are happy to help you with.

Is cupping covered by HSA?

Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) – which allow employees to set aside pre-tax money for qualified medical expenses and supplies – can be used to pay for cupping and acupuncture sessions.

Who should not do cupping?

It is not recommended for people with liver, kidney or heart failure or those with a pacemaker. As well, it can't be used if you have hemophilia, anemia or similar blood disorders, heart disease or are on blood thinners. “If pregnant, it has been advised to avoid cupping to the abdomen and lower back,” Ebinger said.

How much does it cost to get cupping done?

Generally, a single session can cost anywhere from $30 to $100. For a full course of treatment, you may need to pay between $100 and $200. If you only want a 30-minute session, you may be able to find one for as little as $20. If you want several sessions or a couple of hours, you may need to pay up to $200.

What can HSA not pay for?

Generally, you can't use your HSA to pay for expenses that don't meaningfully promote the proper function of the body or prevent or treat illness or disease. Nutritional supplements and weight loss programs not prescribed by a physician are examples of expenses that would not be covered by your HSA.

What happens if I accidentally used my HSA card for groceries?

You can repay the incorrect distribution before filing your federal taxes for that tax year. However, if you do not correct the mistake, the unqualified amount will be subject to income tax, and you may also face an additional 20% tax penalty.

What happens if I use my HSA for Botox?

Can you use HSA funds to pay for Botox? If you're using Botox for cosmetic purposes like reducing wrinkles or fine lines, it's not considered an HSA-eligible expense. However, Botox may be HSA eligible if it's used to treat a medical condition like chronic migraines, severe muscle spasms, or overactive bladder.

Can I use HSA for tummy tuck?

FSAs and HSAs allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars for qualified medical expenses, including elective procedures like abdominoplasty. Check the guidelines of your specific account to determine eligibility and any limitations.

Can you use HSA to pay for skincare?

This means that any skin care costs that count towards your deductible, such as prescription medications or dermatologist visits, can be paid for using HSA funds.

Can I use my HSA card for cryotherapy?

Is Cryotherapy a Qualified Medical Expense? The short answer is yes - we take HSA/FSA payments at Ultra Cryo & Recovery. The long answer is navigating the eligibility criteria for utilizing your HSA or FSA benefits for cryotherapy involves understanding the IRS's definition of "qualified medical expenses."

What is the bad side of cupping?

Safety. Cupping leaves temporary marks on the skin. The origin of these marks should be explained to health care providers so that they won't be mistaken for signs of physical abuse. Cupping can cause side effects such as persistent skin discoloration, scars, burns, and infections, and may worsen eczema or psoriasis.

Where should you never cup?

Cupping should never be done over skin that is fragile, broken, sunburned or swollen. Take care in areas such as the side of the neck as well as pectoral muscles. DO NOT cup in areas with major arteries.

What toxins does cupping remove?

It pulls stagnant blood, lymph, cellular debris, and toxins to the surface of the skin, helping to clear them from the body's tissues. It also removes substances that might contribute to pain and inflammation, possibly including metabolic wastes and other byproducts from the fluid between cells.

Can you use HSA for body sculpting?

Cosmetic Procedures: FSA and HSA Eligibility

Generally, cosmetic procedures are ineligible unless the treatment or procedure is medically necessary. However, some cases are taken into consideration if the cosmetic treatment is meant to improve a personal injury, congenital abnormality or disfiguring disease.

Can I use my HSA to pay for a massage?

Massages with a doctor's note of necessity

In a case like this, accountholders can use their HSA to pay for the massage. For you to use your HSA to pay for the massage, you must provide a letter of medical necessity from your doctor that therapeutic message is really needed.

How often should I get cupping done?

The frequency of cupping therapy depends on your needs, goals, and how your body reacts. Here's a general guide: For relaxation and stress relief, once a week works for most people. For chronic pain or stiffness, start with 2–3 sessions weekly, then reduce as the pain lessens.

Are gym memberships HSA eligible?

Health club dues are not eligible for reimbursement 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 HSA pay for chiropractic?

The answer is generally, yes. As long as the chiropractic care is considered a qualified medical expense by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), it can be paid for using HSA funds. Chiropractic care falls under the umbrella of "preventive care" and "treatment of a medical condition" as defined by the IRS.

Is the Apple Watch HSA eligible?

Why other fitness trackers don't qualify. Even though Fitbits and Apple Watches measure important health data, they currently do not qualify for HSA reimbursement, as they are considered for general health use and not intended to treat or manage a specific medical condition.