Can My Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Cover Massages? See How it Works…
If you have a Flex Spending Account (FSA), you may not be aware that Massage Therapy can qualify as a medical expense. If massage therapy services are prescribed by your physician then you can use your FSA account to pay for these services. Below, we will discuss how the process works and if your massage might be eligible.
Is My Massage Eligible for FSA?
According to the IRS regulations for medical expenses, medical care expenditures must be used to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental condition. Some of the ailments that qualify for FSA spending include:
- Back Pain
- Arthritis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Hypertension
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic Fatigue
- Pain management
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
If you are experiencing any of these conditions and you want to use massage therapy for treatment or prevention, then you may be eligible to use your flex spending account if you have a prescription from a doctor
Getting a Prescription for Massage Therapy
If you want to use massage therapy to treat or prevent a physical or mental ailment, you will first need to make an appointment with your primary care doctor or chiropractor. Explain to him or her that you have an FSA and would like to use some of the funds for massage therapy to treat or prevent the condition that you are experiencing.
Under IRS regulations, your physician will need to include the following information on your prescription in order for it to qualify for FSA funds:
- Therapeutic Necessity – Why do you need massage therapy services? This may be to relieve stress and anxiety, to relieve back or neck pain, or even to prevent certain conditions that you may be prone to due to your occupation or activity level.
- Number of Sessions per month – How frequent do you need treatment? Many clients see benefits from 1 to 2 sessions per month, but your doctor or massage therapist can help recommend how many sessions are appropriate. You can also check in with your doctor regularly to adjust session amounts.
- Duration of Treatment – How long should you continue receiving treatment? Again, this will vary. Your doctor or chiropractor will be able to recommend the appropriate duration, and again, you can check in with your physician periodically to adjust session duration.
After you have the prescription, you should keep this with you for tax purposes. If you ever need to verify the expense, you will have the prescription right there in your files.
Use Your Flex Spending Account at Coastal Massage & Bodywork
You can now use your flex spending account at Coastal Massage & Bodywork. It is not necessary to bring a copy of your prescription with you to the office. However, you need to bring your FSA or FLEX Card to your appointment to pay. Remember, tips cannot be included in your flex payment.
Don’t lose the money in your flex spending account! Now is the perfect time to get a massage and use your pre-tax flex dollars.
