Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) are designated savings accounts that allow you to use pre-tax dollars to pay for health-related expenses. Planning ahead with the use of an HSA or FSA can mean significant savings on out-of-pocket medical expenses including prescriptions, co-pays, deductibles, and even massage therapy.
While HSA funds carry over from year to year, FSA funds typically do not, which means careful planning is required to make the most of your tax benefits. Whether you’re looking to incorporate massage therapy into your ongoing wellness routine or it’s getting close to the end of the year and you want to use up FSA funds before they expire, massage is an excellent way to invest in your health now and in the future.
Is Massage Therapy a Qualifying Expense for My HSA or FSA?
Massage therapy is often considered a legitimate medical expense that you can pay for using your HSA or FSA, significantly reducing out-of-pocket costs. In some cases, you may even find it covered under your health insurance plan. While certain HSA or FSA providers require a doctor’s prescription to verify medical necessity, many don’t. Check with your HSA/FSA for information about the specifics of your coverage.
What If I Need a Prescription for Massage Therapy?
If your HSA or FSA requires a prescription for massage, don’t worry – many doctors and chiropractors understand the health benefits of massage therapy and are willing to write one. Depending on your healthcare provider, you might not even need to schedule an appointment to request the prescription. Simply explain your symptoms and ask if massage therapy can be included in your treatment plan.
Massage therapy has been shown to help with a variety of health concerns, including:
- Chronic low back pain
- Frequent headaches
- Sciatica
- Post-surgical or post-injury recovery
- Anxiety and stress
If your doctor agrees to write a prescription, make sure it includes:
- The medical reason for massage therapy
- The recommended number of sessions
- The duration of treatment (e.g., one session per month all year for chronic pain or twice per week for eight weeks post-injury)
This documentation ensures you’re covered and makes it easy to use your HSA or FSA funds for your sessions.
Scheduling Massage Therapy with Your HSA or FSA
Once you have everything you need, booking your massage is simple. At Balanced Massage, you can use your HSA or FSA card to pay for your session at the time of service or pay out of pocket and request a receipt for reimbursement.
Interested in saving even more? Many HSA and FSA plans allow you to use your funds to purchase a massage package. It’s a good idea to double-check with your provider to confirm if prepaying for sessions is allowed under your plan.
Why Regular Massage Therapy Is a Smart Investment
Massage therapy offers many benefits, from reducing pain and improving mobility to managing stress and promoting healing. With your HSA or FSA, you have a cost-effective way to prioritize your health and set up a maintenance plan for ongoing care.
Don’t let unused funds go to waste – invest in yourself with regular massage therapy and start feeling the benefits of preventative health maintenance today.
Ready to Schedule Your Massage?
Schedule your session now and make the most of your HSA or FSA benefits. Your future self will thank you!
