Can I buy a massage with my FSA card?
No, getting a massage is not an FSA approved expense. However, if your doctor writes you a letter of medical necessity, your FSA administrator may reimburse the expense for specific therapeutic massages.
What is massage therapy?
Massage therapy is a practice where a massage therapist manipulates muscles, soft tissues, and joints to promote relaxation, alleviate pain, and reduce stress. The masseuse uses techniques such as kneading, compressing, tapping, lifting and applying friction are commonly used during a massage. Popular styles of massage include Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports massages, and therapeutic/ medical massages.
Are massage chairs FSA eligible?
No, massage chairs are not FSA-approved expenses. Massage chairs are considered general health and wellness expenses.
Despite their potential benefits for relaxation and muscle relief, massage chairs are not qualified medical expenses. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) considers massage chairs as personal comfort and convenience items rather than medical expenses, making them ineligible for FSA reimbursement. As a result, the cost of purchasing a massage chair cannot be paid for using funds from your Flexible Spending Account.
Will a doctor's note qualify me for FSA reimbursement?
Yes, therapeutic medical massages can be considered qualified FSA massages when accompanied by a doctor's note. To qualify, it typically requires a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) to be considered FSA-eligible. The IRS considers massage therapy as a medical expense eligible for FSA reimbursement only when it is prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional to treat or alleviate a specific medical condition or injury.
How do I get a letter of medical necessity?
To use your FSA funds for massage therapy, you must first get a Letter of Medical Necessity from your healthcare provider. This document should outline the medical condition or diagnosis that requires massage therapy as part of the treatment plan. Additionally, it should specify the recommended frequency and duration of the therapy. With a properly completed LMN, you can submit claims for massage therapy expenses to your FSA administrator for reimbursement.
Massage Expense Reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity is Not Guaranteed
Always check with your FSA administrator before spending with your FSA. Even with a Letter of Medical Necessity, there is a still a chance your FSA administrator denies the reimbursement claim. Expenses such as relaxation massages, spa treatments, and general wellness massages, even if beneficial for relaxation and stress reduction, are not eligible for FSA reimbursement.
Are there massage-related products that are FSA approved?
There are products that have massage features that target specific medical conditions which are FSA-approved. Also, many vibrating products that are often associated with physical therapy may be FSA-eligible.
For a full list of FSA-approved products, visit BuyFSA.com or the BuyFSA app where every product can be purchased online with your FSA card.
