Can I use my FSA card for a massage?

Asked by: Dr. Retta Walter  |  Last update: October 10, 2023
Score: 4.4/5 (38 votes)

Did you know? Massage Therapy is eligible for reimbursement through most FSA's and HSA's. Some do require a Letter of Medical Necessity from your doctor, but this means you can potentially be reimbursed from your insurance for your massage from us! You just need a note from your primary care physician.

Do massage places take FSA cards?

Massage is so mainstream nowadays that many healthcare practitioners don't even require a visit to write one up. Once you have your prescription, all that's left to to do is to book an appointment with a licensed massage therapist. Use your HSA or FSA debit card to pay for the session and you're good to go!

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.

Can you put a massage on your HSA card?

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.

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.

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20 related questions found

Can you claim massage as a medical expense in Canada?

Massage therapy is accepted in some provinces but not others. If you are a resident of BC, New Brunswick, Ontario or Newfoundland, you can claim the expense. Since you have already filed your return, you'll need to make an adjustment after CRA has processed your return and sent your Notice of Assessment.

Can I use FSA for therapy?

Medical or mental health therapy is eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), and health reimbursement account (HRA). Therapy not required for a medical or mental purpose will typically not qualify, such as marriage or family counseling.

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.

What can I use my FSA for?

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.

Can I use my HSA for a gym membership?

Physical therapy is an approved medical expense. Can I use my HSA for a gym membership? Typically no. Unless you have a letter from your doctor stating that the membership is necessary to treat an injury or underlying health condition, such as obesity, a gym membership isn't a qualifying medical expense.

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.

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).

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.

Is bath tissue FSA eligible?

Toiletries 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). What are toiletries?

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.

Are foot massages covered by FSA?

If used to treat a medical condition, the cost of reflexology is eligible for reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

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.

Can I withdraw money from my FSA at an ATM?

You can't withdraw money from an ATM

A significant difference between the FSA debit card and a standard debit card is that you cannot withdraw money from an ATM using your FSA debit card. Even though the FSA debit card functions like a standard debit card, it has certain limitations.

Can I buy vitamins with FSA?

FSA and HSAs won't cover a vitamin supplement geared toward general health and wellness. A vitamin is eligible for coverage by an FSA or HSA only if that vitamin has been recommended by a medical professional for the treatment or prevention of a specific disease or condition.

Can I use HSA for chiropractic and massage?

You can use your HSA to pay for chiropractic care or any other qualified medical expense, even if you have other insurance coverage. HSA funds can be used to cover copayments, deductibles, or any out-of-pocket expenses related to your chiropractic care that your insurance does not cover.

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.

What happens if I use my HSA for Botox?

Money in an FSA or HSA does not cover cosmetic treatments. If you are getting Botox for a medical indication, such as migraine headaches, then you can use the money in your HSA for Botox. But cosmetic treatments are not eligible.

What can you not use FSA for?

This is a partial list of health care expenses that are NOT eligible for reimbursement from the Health Care Spending Account:
  • Any illegal treatment.
  • Baby-sitting fees to enable you to visit a doctor.
  • Cosmetic surgery improving the patient's appearance.
  • Dental bleaching or any other teeth whitening**

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 card for marriage counseling?

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).