No, a massage chair is not eligible for reimbursement through a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) because it is not considered a medical necessity.
Why Are Massage Chairs Not FSA/HSA Eligible?
Massage chairs are not eligible for FSA or HSA reimbursement because they are categorized as luxury or personal care items rather than medical devices. According to IRS guidelines, FSA and HSA funds are reserved for products and services that are necessary to diagnose, treat, or manage specific medical conditions, typically requiring a prescription or recommendation from a qualified healthcare provider.
While massage chairs may provide relaxation, stress relief, or temporary relief from muscle tension, their primary purpose is not to address a recognized medical condition. As such, they are classified alongside other non-eligible items like general household products or wellness equipment.
In some cases, if a massage chair is explicitly prescribed by a healthcare provider to treat a diagnosed medical condition, such as chronic pain, circulation issues, or musculoskeletal disorders, it may qualify for reimbursement. However, this would require a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from your provider that details the condition being treated and why the massage chair is essential. You would also need to verify with your provider that a chair is reimbursable, even with a LMN.
