Does FSA cover varicose veins?

Asked by: Camylle Balistreri  |  Last update: October 24, 2023
Score: 4.4/5 (61 votes)

Varicose Vein Treatment is Eligible for FSA Reimbursement
Varicose veins with a medical indication may be eligible for FSA reimbursement. That includes consultations, compression stockings, procedures and follow-up appointments intended for treating varicose veins.

Is sclerotherapy covered by FSA?

Sclerotherapy 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). What is sclerotherapy?

Are varicose veins HSA eligible?

Both FSAs and HSAs allow employees to use their pretax income to save for qualified medical expenses, such as treatment of varicose veins (if deemed medically necessary). FSAs are set up and managed by the employer, are less flexible, and can expire at the end of the year. In contrast, HSAs are owned by the employee.

Are varicose veins and spider veins covered by insurance?

Fortunately, most health insurance plans will cover treatments for the removal of varicose and spider veins as long as their removal can be deemed “medically necessary” rather than cosmetic. Here's what your insurance company is looking for to categorize the removal of your veins as medically necessary.

Are varicose veins cosmetic or medical?

Medical Vein Treatment

For more threatening vein problems like varicose veins or blood clots, treatment will be medical in nature instead of purely cosmetic. Your doctor will recommend which treatment you need based on the disease and symptoms you experience.

Experts now using less invasive treatment for large varicose veins

40 related questions found

Why doesn't insurance cover varicose veins?

Common cosmetic treatments that restore the appearance of the skin include sclerotherapy and laser treatment. Cosmetic vein procedures are not deemed medically necessary, so health insurance plans will not cover these costs.

Is it worth treating varicose veins?

Treatment of varicose veins is usually only necessary to: ease symptoms – if your varicose veins are causing you pain or discomfort. treat complications – such as leg ulcers, swelling or skin discolouration.

Will insurance cover sclerotherapy?

Sclerotherapy for treatment of spider veins is typically not covered by insurance. If your spider veins cause pain and itching and sclerotherapy is deemed medically necessary by a doctor, it is possible that your insurance may extend coverage for the procedure.

Should I wear compression socks for varicose veins?

For those who suffer from conditions like varicose veins or deep vein thrombosis, a doctor may also recommend the wearing of compression stockings or hosiery. There are many types of compression stockings. Some can be purchased over-the-counter, and others must be prescribed by a vascular doctor.

Can you pay for compression socks with HSA?

Compression socks rated at 30-40 mmHg or above that are used to treat a medical condition are eligible with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

Can you get disability for vein disease?

Yes. Varicose veins can result in the inability to work and result in award of benefits from the SSA. However, the SSA looks at the severity of your varicose veins to determine disability status. They look to see if you have superficial phlebitis (spider veins) or deep vein thrombosis.

Can I use my HSA for a walking pad?

Exercise equipment must be used to treat a specific medical condition in order to be considered eligible for reimbursement under a consumer-directed health care account. Exercise equipment used for general health and wellbeing is not eligible for reimbursement.

Does FSA include massage?

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).

What medical expenses are not covered by FSA?

Ineligible Health Care Expenses
  • 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**
  • Domestic help fees (for services of a non-medical nature)
  • Ear piercing.
  • Early-pregnancy workshops.

Can I use my FSA for massage?

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.

Who Cannot get sclerotherapy?

Other than pregnant women, almost anyone can have sclerotherapy for hand and chest vein removal. You should avoid leg vein sclerotherapy if you are bedridden, or cannot be physically active for whatever reason. You should also avoid sclerotherapy if you have a history of blood clots in the legs.

Who is not a candidate for sclerotherapy?

It is designed for adult patients who are generally healthy and do not have a history of blood clots. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are also not right for treatment at this time.

What's the difference between spider veins and varicose veins?

Varicose and spider veins have a lot in common, but the main difference is in appearance. Varicose veins are raised, swollen blood vessels that twist and turn beneath the skin. Spider veins are smaller, more superficial blood vessels.

How long does sclerotherapy last?

Generally speaking, the results of sclerotherapy are both permanent and temporary. These results can be permanent because veins that are treated will fade away, but because new spider of varicose veins can develop over time, the results are also temporary.

Is sclerotherapy better than laser for varicose veins?

Sclerotherapy is better for treating larger varicose veins, especially those on the legs, while laser therapy suits thinner veins on other parts of the body. Sometimes it may need a combination approach to get the best results.

How many sessions of sclerotherapy is needed for varicose veins?

Optimal results will happen after two to four treatments, with most patients achieving over 80% elimination of the targeted spider or varicose veins.

Is it OK to leave varicose veins untreated?

Varicose veins left untreated can make it difficult to stand for prolonged periods of time, walk for long distances, and participate in normal daily activities. Without treatment, varicose vein symptoms can become even worse over time. Varicose vein symptoms can include: Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet.

Should you walk a lot if you have varicose veins?

Varicose vein symptoms are often accelerated by standing or sitting for too long. Exercises for chronic venous insufficiency that can help your varicose veins include: Walking. Try to walk at least 30 minutes every day.

Is it better to leave varicose veins untreated?

If left untreated, spontaneous bleeding from varicose veins can lead to serious health complications, such as anemia and blood clots. Fortunately, there are treatments available that can help to improve the condition of the veins and reduce the risk of spontaneous bleeding.