Is BetterHelp a qualified medical expense?

Asked by: Abraham Kris  |  Last update: May 29, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (64 votes)

BetterHelp is recognized as an eligible expense by most FSA/HSA providers. For questions surrounding eligibility of this service, account holders should contact their FSA administrator. Health-E Commerce is partnering with BetterHelp to offer new users one month of free online therapy from December 3-5, 2024.

Will my insurance reimburse me for BetterHelp?

Betterhelp is a very affordable online subscription therapy service. it is not covered by health insurance. Services offered using the site are generally not covered by health insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid... With many health insurance plans, coverage can be partial or very limited.

Can I write off BetterHelp?

However, it may still be possible to deduct BetterHelp therapy if you're working on mental health symptoms with your BetterHelp therapist (especially if you've been diagnosed with a mental health condition before by another therapist).

Does BetterHelp qualify for HSA?

BetterHelp is an eligible HSA (health savings account) expense. Health savings accounts are similar to flexible spending accounts.

Is therapy a qualified medical expense?

Q7: Is the cost of therapy a medical expense that can be paid or reimbursed by an HSA, FSA, Archer MSA or HRA? (added March 17, 2023) A7: Yes, if the therapy is treatment for a disease.

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What is not considered a qualified medical 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.

Can I write off my therapy session?

Ordinary individuals can file for tax deductions on therapies, provided they are part of a doctor-prescribed regimen. For example, seeking therapy for a physician-diagnosed mental illness qualifies for a tax deduction. Marital counseling doesn't; the same is true with nutritional counseling for obesity.

Why is BetterHelp not covered by insurance?

BetterHelp and this structure differs from traditional insurance-covered treatment and is therefore self-pay. Due to being able to message at any time, as well as having live chat sessions, BetterHelp may not be able to be covered by your insurance.

Is headspace HSA eligible?

We accept all major debit and credit cards and HSA cards. How can I change or update my credit card information? To update your credit card information in the Headspace Care app, go to the payment tab, select "Payment Method" and enter your updated credit card information.

How much is BetterHelp without insurance?

BetterHelp subscriptions range from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks and based on factors such as your location, referral source, preferences, therapist availability and any applicable discounts or promotions that might apply), so the monthly costs can be between $260 and $400.

What is the lawsuit against BetterHelp?

BetterHelp was accused of improperly and illegally exposing the personal information of thousands of customers and potential customers and failing to adequately host protected health information shared with third-party advertising ...

Does BetterHelp count as therapy?

BetterHelp is an online therapy platform that connects clients with licensed therapists for live audio, video, or chat sessions as well as asynchronous messaging. Your monthly BetterHelp subscription includes one live session every week as well as the ability to message your therapist anytime.

What proof do I need to deduct medical expenses?

You should also keep a statement or itemized invoice showing:
  • What medical care was received.
  • Who received the care.
  • The nature and purpose of any medical expenses.
  • The amount of the other medical expenses.

How to get BetterHelp for free?

Is BetterHelp free, or does BetterHelp give you a free trial? BetterHelp does not offer online counseling services for free.

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover online therapy?

Does Blue Cross Blue Shield cover online therapy? Yes, Blue Cross Blue Shield covers online therapy, including Charlie Health's virtual IOP and other treatment programs. Fill out our quick online form to learn more about your specific plan's coverage and benefits.

Can doctors on BetterHelp prescribe medication?

BetterHelp focuses on providing online therapy services without prescribing medications. The platform offers a wide range of therapy options, including individual sessions and couples counseling, but does not hold the proper authority to prescribe medication.

Can I put my gym membership on my HSA?

Generally, the IRS doesn't allow pretax dollars in HSAs or FSAs for gym memberships. This is because they see them as expenses for general well-being rather than medical necessity. However, with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN), your HSA or FSA could be used to fund those expenses.

Are bras HSA eligible?

Nursing bras (those that directly aid lactation, such as a hands-free bra used for pumping), are eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA) or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).

What is the BetterHelp scandal?

BetterHelp attracted controversy for allegedly sharing its customers' personal data with third parties. Mountain View, California, U.S.

Can I get reimbursed for BetterHelp?

Getting a refund from BetterHelp requires a legitimate rationale and persistence, but many users are able to successfully get some or all of their subscription fees back by thoroughly documenting issues and professionally escalating their requests when appropriate.

What does the IRS consider qualified medical expenses?

Medical care expenses include payments for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or payments for treatments affecting any structure or function of the body.

Can a therapist write you out for FMLA?

It depends on the type of therapist, their licensure, and if they offer this service to their clients/patients. The law defines who is considered a health care provider for the purpose of FMLA - the Department of Labor's Fact Sheet #28G outlines which providers can complete FMLA forms.

How do you politely leave a therapist?

PRO TIP
  1. “I really appreciate you but I'm not sure we're the right fit as therapist and client. ...
  2. “I'm not sure our sessions are addressing my therapy goals. ...
  3. “I've learned a little more about therapy and I've started to wonder if I might need to see a therapist who uses a different method.