Can I use my Flex spending card for massage?

Asked by: Lourdes Mertz  |  Last update: October 24, 2023
Score: 4.2/5 (68 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.

Can I pay for a massage with my HSA?

Massages with a doctor's note of necessity

In certain cases, the massage is deemed medically necessary, and can be classified as a qualified medical expense. In a case like this, accountholders can use their HSA to pay for the massage.

Can I use FSA for physical therapy?

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.

What can you use Flex spending card on?

You can spend FSA funds to pay deductibles and copayments, but not for insurance premiums. You can spend FSA funds on prescription medications, as well as over-the-counter medicines with a doctor's prescription. Reimbursements for insulin are allowed without a prescription.

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

32 related questions found

Can you use Flex card at ATM?

You can't withdraw money from an ATM

Even though the FSA debit card functions like a standard debit card, it has certain limitations. One of those is that the money can only be spent on FSA-eligible expenses.

Can I use my FSA card at a gas station?

Debit cards are accepted almost everywhere and for almost any type of purchase, from groceries and gas to utilities and clothing. Debit cards linked to employer-sponsored benefit accounts. like a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), are also easy and convenient.

How do I get my gym covered by FSA?

For a gym membership to even be considered for reimbursement under a Health Care FSA, you must have:
  1. Approved Letter of Medical Necessity (PDF) on file for a medical condition that requires exercise at a gym.
  2. Individual gym membership contract on file (multi-person contracts will not be considered)

Can I use FSA for couples therapy?

Marriage counseling is 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 I use FSA to pay for personal trainer?

You can pay for personal training through your FSA or HSA and/or deduct the cost of your training as a medical expense if it is deemed medically necessary by your physician.

Are deep tissue massages HSA-eligible?

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.

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.

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 I write off massages on my taxes?

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 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).

Does chiropractor count as medical expense?

Examples of medical expenses approved by the IRS include: Fees to doctors, surgeons, dentists, chiropractors, psychiatrists, psychologists and other providers of professional services. Laboratory fees that are part of medical care.

Can I use my FSA for my boyfriend?

Healthcare FSA Funds Can Be Used for Spouses and Dependents

Be sure to keep track of which account is being used for documentation purposes. To use funds for your dependents, they must be claimed on your tax return and dependents cannot file their own return.

Does Flex Spending cover marriage counseling?

Counseling is not eligible for reimbursement with a dependent care flexible spending account (DFSA) or limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA). Marriage counseling is not eligible. What is medical/mental counseling?

What is the difference between FSA and HSA?

HSAs and FSAs both help you save for qualified medical expenses. HSAs may offer higher contribution limits and allow you to carry funds forward, but you're only eligible if you're enrolled in a HSA-eligible health plan. FSAs have lower contribution limits and generally you can't carry over funds.

Can I use my FSA for a treadmill?

Treadmill: FSA Eligibility

A treadmill may be eligible for reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) and health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Is an Apple watch FSA eligible?

Understanding What's Eligible and What's Not

While fitness trackers such as an Apple Watch, Fitbit or Garmin aren't eligible expenses, medical devices that monitor, screen, or test for certain diseases or medical conditions may be eligible. These include items like blood pressure and heart-rate monitors.

Can I use FSA for chiropractor?

Chiropractic is covered by a 'standard' FSA and not by a limited-purpose FSA (a limited purpose FSA can only be used for vision and dental expenses). A standard FSA covers all eligible medical expenses, including chiropractic treatments. Visit Healthcare.gov for additional information.

How do I use my FSA card for cash?

You can't withdraw money from an ATM

The easiest way to be sure your purchases are eligible is to shop at a store that exclusively sells FSA eligible items (hint, you're already here). It removes the guesswork and allows you to focus on getting the items you need without having to file for reimbursement.

Can I use FSA at Costco?

Costco accepts a limited number of cards at the main checkout lanes, but they'll let you pay for eligible items with your HSA/FSA card at the Pharmacy or Optical counters. So to use your FSA or HSA cards at Costco, just bypass the regular checkout lines and visit the Pharmacy or Optical department instead.

Will my FSA card work at Walmart?

Are you wondering whether Walmart accepts FSA and HSA cards? If you're a fan of this popular retailer, you'll be pleased to know that they accept many payment methods, including EBT, Affirm, and select benefit cards.