Will my FSA cover massage therapy?

Asked by: Marion Gleason  |  Last update: January 20, 2024
Score: 4.1/5 (64 votes)

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).

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.

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.

Can I use my HSA for massage therapy?

For you to use your HSA to pay for the massage, you must provide a letter of medical necessity from your doctor that therapeutic message is really needed. Talk to your doctor if you think this situation could apply to you.

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.

Does insurance cover massage?

22 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 write off massages on my taxes?

The rule states that anything that your doctor prescribes as "medically necessary" can be deducted from your taxes. That means that if your doctor tells you to get therapeutic massages you can keep the receipts and knock that expense off as deductible.

Does HSA cover deep tissue massage?

No matter whether you have an HSA or FSA, massage therapy is usually considered a legitimate medical expense by most insurance companies. Still, to be sure, check with your carrier or ask an HR representative at work because some plans do not cover massage, even with a doctor's prescription.

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 HSA for a gym membership?

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. For example, a physician might prescribe weight training or aerobic activity to lower blood pressure.

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 pay for a chiropractor with my HSA?

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

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).

Can you pay for gym membership with FSA?

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) typically does not allow funds from a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for membership dues at health clubs or gyms.

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.

Can I use my HSA for Botox?

Botox: HSA Eligibility

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 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.

Are electric toothbrushes covered by FSA?

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.

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**

Can you use FSA for vitamins?

Vitamins can help you stay healthy, but they are not deemed a qualified medical expense under IRS rules. If your doctor has prescribed a vitamin for you to treat a specific condition, it may be FSA or HSA eligible.

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.

Is massage therapy taxable in Canada?

HST/GST exemption for RMTs

As many of you know, massage therapists are one of the only regulated health professionals required to charge HST/GST. Chiropractors, physiotherapists and naturopaths are all tax exempt.

How can a massage therapist write off washing sheets at home?

Laundry done in your home.

You can take a deduction for laundry you do at home. The easiest way to do this is to take a flat deduction per load. Margo Bowman, an accountant and massage therapist, recommends $4.80 as long as that is less than what you would pay to wash a load in a laundromat.

Can you write off a haircut?

The IRS does not let you deduct personal expenses from your taxes. The Court states, expenses such as haircuts, makeup, clothes, manicures, grooming, teeth whitening, hair care, manicures, and other cosmetic surgery are not deductible.

Can a massage be a work expense?

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.