Yes, heating pads are eligible for reimbursement with a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA).
They qualify as medical expenses under IRS Code Section 213(d) because they are used to alleviate pain and treat medical conditions such as muscle strain, chronic pain, and stiffness.
Why Are Heating Pads FSA/HSA Eligible?
Heating pads are FSA/HSA eligible because they are designed to treat medical conditions by providing therapeutic heat to affected areas of the body. They help relieve muscle soreness, joint pain, and stiffness, making them a valuable medical device for individuals managing chronic pain or recovering from injuries. According to SIGIS guidelines, items that treat a specific medical condition or provide targeted therapy qualify as reimbursable medical expenses. Heating pads meet these criteria because they are not considered general wellness products but rather serve a medical purpose.
To maintain eligibility, heating pads must not be marketed for relaxation or general comfort alone. Products explicitly designed for therapeutic purposes are covered, while those with non-medical uses may require a letter of medical necessity.
How to Purchase Heating Pads With an FSA/HSA
Buying heating pads with your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) is simple. First, choose the FSA/HSA eligible pads you want buyFSA.com or use our mobile app. Then, click add to cart to add your purchases. Once you’re ready to complete the purchase, click checkout.
You will receive a prompt to enter your card details—enter your FSA/HSA card information here. If the payment is successful, the total will be debited directly from your Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account funds.
Another way to buy heating pads with your FSA/HSA account is to pay out of pocket and request reimbursement later. At checkout, provide your regular credit card details and send a copy of the purchase receipt to your provider.
Make sure the receipt contains the following:
Name of the provider
Date of purchase/service rendered (note that for services, they must be rendered within the plan year for FSAs)
Description of items/services rendered
Itemized list of products purchased with UPCs (if purchasing items at a retailer that doesn’t accept FSA/HSA cards or if using a regular credit card)
Total amount of purchase
What Other Pain Relief Items Are FSA/HSA Eligible?
In addition to heating pads, several other pain relief items are FSA/HSA eligible when they are used to treat medical conditions. Examples include:
Cold Compresses: Ice packs and cold wraps designed to reduce swelling or numb pain.
Topical Pain Relievers: Products like Icy Hot, Bengay, or Aspercreme containing therapeutic ingredients like menthol or capsaicin.
TENS Units: Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation devices used to alleviate chronic pain or recover from injuries.
Braces and Supports: Orthopedic braces and wraps for joint or muscle pain.
These items must be used for medical purposes rather than general wellness or relaxation to qualify for reimbursement. Always check with your FSA/HSA provider to confirm eligibility before purchasing.
