Can I use my FSA to pay for weight loss programs?

Asked by: Susan Hauck  |  Last update: January 11, 2024
Score: 4.1/5 (23 votes)

Like any other health care product, you're only able to use your FSA funds for a weight loss program if the purpose is to treat, mitigate, cure, diagnose or prevent a specific illness. This condition needs to be diagnosed by a physician and may include conditions such as obesity, heart disease and hypertension.

Are weight loss programs eligible for FSA?

Some weight-loss programs are also HSA- and FSA-eligible if deemed necessary by your doctor. You will need to get an LOMN from them when they recommend weight loss for your medical condition. Once you have your LOMN, you may be able to sign up for some weight-loss programs.

Are diet plans covered by FSA?

If you are dealing with excess weight, hypertension, Type-2 Diabetes, heart disease, or other serious health conditions, it is likely to be medically recommended that you lose weight to improve your health. Therefore, you should be able to use your FSA or HSA funds for a medically supervised weight-loss program.

Can I pay for Weight Watchers with FSA?

If eligible, you may use FSA and HSA dollars for any WW membership—Digital, Workshop + Digital, or Coaching + Digital. By taking advantage of this benefit, you'll use pre-tax dollars that have been set away in your FSA or HSA account to pay for your WW membership.

Can you use FSA funds for Noom?

If so, weight-loss programs like Noom and Jenny Craig are covered. Dietician services, diet pills and exercise equipment might also be included, depending on your doctor's recommendations. Those suffering from illness-related hair loss can use HSA or FSA funds to buy wigs.

Fox 47: Using your FSA or HSA funds at Medical Weight Loss Clinic

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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 my FSA for coolsculpting?

Coolsculpting, or cryolipolysis, is a cosmetic procedure and therefore 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).

Is the Fitbit scale FSA eligible?

Unfortunately, fitness devices like the Fitbit are typically not considered FSA eligible, because they are considered for general good health and not for the treatment of a specific medical condition (similar to gym membership).

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.

Can I expense Apple Watch with FSA?

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.

Is vitamins covered by 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.

Are weight loss programs covered by HSA?

Weight loss programs or drugs are eligible for reimbursement with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), and health reimbursement accounts (HRA) with a Letter of Medical Necessity.

What isn't covered by an FSA?

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.

Is a weight loss program deductible?

The tax code treats obesity as a disease, and thus you can include in medical expenses amounts paid to lose weight if it is a treatment for a specific disease diagnosed by a physician. This includes fees paid for a membership in a weight reduction group and attendance at periodic meetings.

Does Target accept FSA cards?

Target stores

Third-party credit cards: Visa®, Mastercard®, Discover®/Novus®, American Express®, credit cards from foreign banks (JCB Japanese Credit Bureau), Diner's Club International, and FSA/HSA cards are redeemable for FSA/HSA eligible items.

Can you buy pre workout with FSA?

From the IRS Publication 502:

"You can't include in medical expenses the cost of nutritional supplements, vitamins, herbal supplements, "natural medicines," etc. unless they are recommended by a medical practitioner as treatment for a specific medical condition diagnosed by a physician.

Can FSA be used for electric toothbrush?

Electric toothbrushes are not eligible for reimbursement with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), health reimbursement accounts (HRA), dependent care flexible spending accounts, and limited-purpose flexible spending accounts (LPFSA) because they are general health products.

Is Apple Watch HSA eligible?

Unfortunately the answer to this question is usually no. This is because according to the IRS, fitness trackers are used to promote what the IRS terms “general health”. Expenses under this general health definition are not considered HSA eligible expenses.

Is Gatorade a FSA?

Rehydration sports drinks, such as Gatorade, and solution with dietary supplements other than electrolytes are not eligible.

Does FSA money expire?

Usually, money that goes unused in an FSA account is forfeited at the end of the calendar year (except for the COVID-19 changes for 2021 and 2022). But some plans offer a grace period or acarryover. A grace period is a set amount of time during which the employee may submit a claim beyond the calendar year.

Can you use FSA for tummy tuck?

The following procedures do not qualify as FSA eligible under any circumstance: - nonsurgical procedures such as hair transplants, hair removal, microdermabrasion, and chemical peels. - surgical procedures including liposuction, breast augmentation, face lifts, and tummy tucks.

Can FSA pay 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). What is Botox?

Can I use FSA for mole removal?

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

Does Amazon take FSA?

Amazon has stepped up its game and is now accepting FSA and HSA cards as a payment method for eligible products. So, you can say goodbye to those last-minute trips to the store for medical supplies when you can have them conveniently delivered to your doorstep.

Does FSA cover laser hair removal?

Laser hair removal reimbursement is considered a cosmetic procedure and therefore 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 ( ...