Is a treadmill a qualified medical expense?

Asked by: Velva Nitzsche  |  Last update: December 1, 2023
Score: 4.2/5 (61 votes)

The first step is to demonstrate that the treadmill, or any other exercise equipment for that matter, is actually a qualified medical necessity. To do this, you'll need to secure a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from your physician. This would be the same for qualifying fitness coaches or workout plans.

Can a doctor write a prescription for a treadmill?

Some specific medical conditions may require exercise equipment, which a doctor can determine and prescribe. Examples of specific medical conditions for which a doctor may prescribe exercise equipment include obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and more.

Can I use HSA to pay for treadmill?

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).

Are exercise machines FSA eligible?

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.

Is gym membership a qualified healthcare expense?

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.

How To Choose A Treadmill | Running Machine Tips

42 related questions found

What is not a qualified healthcare expense?

Medical care expenses must be primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental disability or illness. They don't include expenses that are merely beneficial to general health, such as vitamins or a vacation.

What type of expense is a gym membership?

Gym memberships are generally not tax-deductible. Consider them a personal expense.

Can I use FSA for peloton?

Can I buy a Peloton bike with my HSA? Can I use my HSA for a gym membership? Treadmills, gym memberships, and peloton bikes are not eligible HSA or FSA expenses. However, if you have a Letter of Medical Necessity from your doctor that requires you to exercise, you might be able to use HSA or FSA funds for those.

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)

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.

Is a treadmill covered by insurance?

The first step is to demonstrate that the treadmill, or any other exercise equipment for that matter, is actually a qualified medical necessity. To do this, you'll need to secure a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from your physician. This would be the same for qualifying fitness coaches or workout plans.

Can I use my HSA for Planet fitness?

General fitness expenses are not eligible but if your doctor or nurse specifically gives you an exercise regimen to carry out, the costs of the gym can be taken care of as part of your plan.

Can you use HSA for walking shoes?

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) can be great cost-savings tools. You can use them to reimburse yourself for eligible health care, medical aids, and even diabetic footwear or orthopedic shoes.

Can I get a Letter of medical necessity for exercise equipment?

For example, a physician might prescribe weight training or aerobic activity to lower blood pressure. He or she could write a letter of medical necessity, also known as an "LMN", allowing the patient to purchase free weights or an elliptical using HSA/FSA funds.

Does walking on a treadmill count as exercise?

Walking on a treadmill 30 minutes a day, five days a week, can improve your health and strengthen the lungs and heart, as long as you maintain the appropriate cadence and speed. You can use your heart rate as an indicator of exercise intensity as long as you know your maximum heart rate (MHR).

How do I get the maximum benefit from a treadmill?

Try it: Go the distance treadmill workout
  1. 5 to 10 minute warm-up (comfortable jog)
  2. Increase speed 1.0 MPH for .10 of a mile.
  3. Decrease back to jogging speed for .10 of a mile.
  4. Increase 1.0 MPH for .15 of a mile.
  5. Decrease back to jogging speed for .15 of a mile.
  6. Increase 1.0 MPH for .2 of a mile.

How do I get my HSA to pay for gym?

Health club/gym fees and dues are very rarely eligible, but in some rare cases may be covered if needed in the assistance of treating a medical condition. This will require additional documentation from a physician to submit to a benefits administrator, who will then decide if they will cover the expense.

Can I use FSA for sports physical?

Physical exams are eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

What medical expenses are FSA eligible?

Allowed expenses include insurance copayments and deductibles, qualified prescription drugs, insulin, and medical devices. You decide how much to put in an FSA, up to a limit set by your employer. You aren't taxed on this money.

Can I use FSA to pay for 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).

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.

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.

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.

Can I expense gym equipment?

Any equipment and gear used exclusively by your clients qualify as a business expense. This could include standard gear such as mats, weights, and machines, but also sound systems or water bottle refill stations. So long as these items are exclusively for the use of your clients, you can deduct them on your tax return.

Can I write off gym equipment?

Think of it as sweating out savings from your tax bill. Fitness equipment, like weights, resistance bands, and mats can all be written off. Gym memberships or fitness classes you pay for can be deducted.