Flex - Can You Use HSA/FSA For Massage

Updated: May 21, 2024

Sore back, achy neck, tired feet… you know the feeling after a long week.

What's your go-to solution? If you’re like millions of Americans, it’s a massage. Once considered an indulgence, it is now widely recognized as an effective therapy for pain relief.

Best yet, you can reduce the stress of paying for a massage by using your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Ready to go from tension to tranquility?

What We’ll Cover About Paying for a Massage With Your HSA/FSA

The Health Benefits of a Massage

Beyond the pampering and relaxation, a good massage offers a range of health benefits from relieving chronic pain and improving circulation to reducing stress and promoting better sleep.

In fact, numerous studies have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of massages, and about half of all adult Americans who receive a massage do so for medical or health reasons.

Who knew that pain relief could feel so good?

What is Massage, Anyway?

It’s kind of like one of those “if you have to ask” situations, but let’s define what we’re talking about.

Massage is a hands-on therapy that manipulates soft tissues, tendons and ligaments in order to reduce stiffness, improve circulation and flexibility, and decrease inflammation.

Why do our muscles get so tight and sore in the first place? Various factors contribute to muscle stiffness, from physical overexertion and poor posture to stress and underlying medical conditions like fibromyalgia or arthritis. Sometimes, the best way to address the problem is through applied pressure.

How does massage work?

Massage therapy uses techniques like kneading, friction, and stretching to target different layers of muscle and connective tissue.

By stimulating blood flow and releasing tension, massages can alleviate discomfort and promote relaxation. Plus, they trigger the body's natural healing mechanisms, fostering tissue repair and regeneration.

What are the different kinds of massage?

Massage therapy isn't one-size-fits-all; it's a diverse field with a range of techniques for different needs and preferences. Here are some of the most common types of massages:

What's the difference between stretching and a massage?

While both stretching and massage can help alleviate muscle tension and improve flexibility, they work in distinct ways and provide different outcomes. Stretching primarily involves elongating muscles to increase range of motion and prevent stiffness, whereas massage directly manipulates soft tissues and myofascia to release knots, break up scar tissue, and improve circulation.

Can You Use Your HSA/FSA for a Massage?

Yes, you can use your HSA or FSA to pay for a massage, but it requires an important step.

Massage is not considered a qualified medical expense by the IRS — these are items or services that are used “primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental disability or illness” — because they have a dual purpose as a general wellness tool, i.e., for relaxation.

As such, you'll need to obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from your healthcare provider which stipulates why massage therapy is medically necessary to address a specific health condition.

When might a doctor prescribe a massage?

Doctors may recommend massage therapy for various medical conditions, such as chronic pain, musculoskeletal disorders, or post-injury rehabilitation. Additionally, massage can complement traditional treatments for issues like migraine headaches, anxiety, and insomnia.

What are common prescriptions for “medical massage”?

Medical massage can address a wide spectrum of issues. Here are some common conditions it is prescribed for:

Can I use my HSA or FSA for a prenatal massage?

Expectant mothers, you may be able to use your HSA for pregnancy massages with a Letter of Medical Necessity.

Prenatal massage offers many benefits, from alleviating back pain and swelling to reducing stress and promoting better sleep. Just ensure that your massage therapist is trained in prenatal techniques and consult with your healthcare provider beforehand.

Can HSA be used for lymphatic drainage massage?

Lymphatic drainage massage, which helps circulate lymphatic fluid and reduce swelling, may be eligible for HSA or FSA reimbursement with a Letter of Medical Necessity. Whether it's post-surgery recovery or managing lymphedema, this gentle therapy can provide significant relief and support overall wellness.

How To Use Your FSA or HSA for Massages

Now that we’ve gone over why you might want massage therapy, let's navigate using your FSA or HSA to pay for it.

The process of getting a Letter of Medical Necessity and reimbursement

Obtaining a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) is a relatively straightforward process if tedious and time-consuming.

Essentially, a LMN is a doctor's note that stipulates why a product or service is medically necessary to address a specific health condition that you have been diagnosed for. This the mechanism by which the IRS allows for individual doctors to make determinations on behalf of patients, to qualify certain purchases for HSA or FSA spending.

To get a LMN, you'll need to schedule time with your provider to discuss the issue ahead of purchase. Next, you'll have to pay out-of-pocket for the massage, then submit for reimbursement from your HSA or FSA afterward.

Can You Use your HSA or FSA for Home Massage Equipment?

Massage therapy isn't limited to sessions with a professional, you may also be able to use your HSA or FSA for massage tools and equipment available for at-home use. Here are some examples:

Other pain relief items, such as TENS units, may also qualify for reimbursement. Inquire with your healthcare provider about whether you’re eligible for the specific massage gadget you want.

Are foam rollers or other fitness equipment covered?

A staple in fitness and rehabilitation, foam rollers and other kinds of fitness equipment are used to perform self-myofascial release, a form of self-massage that targets trigger points and adhesions in the muscles and connective tissue.

Fitness equipment like foam rollers or resistance bands may qualify as eligible expenses if prescribed for medical purposes, such as rehabilitation or pain management. Again, consulting with your healthcare provider and reviewing your plan's guidelines is key to maximizing your benefits.

Partner Spotlight: MedMassager, Professional-Level Massages Right at Your Fingertips

When it comes to home massages, finding the right tools can make all the difference. Enter MedMassager, a leading provider of therapeutic massage products designed to elevate your self-care routine and enhance your overall health.

Created with input from healthcare professionals, MedMassager’s range of high-end massage products — including foot massagers, body massagers, and their portable mini massage gun — are a must-have in your home health kit. And the best part? They accept HSA/FSA!

How Flex Can Help You Use Your FSA or HSA for Massages

As we noted above, to use your HSA or FSA to get a massage or buy massage equipment, you will first need to get a Letter of Medical Necessity.

However, if an online retailer works with us here at Flex, like MedMassager, obtaining a LMN is a simple part of the checkout flow.

Here’s how it works:

Select the "checkout with Flex" option on the payment page. Complete the following steps to pay with your HSA or FSA debit card:

  1. Fill out a short eligibility form, sharing relevant information with Flex’s medical team.
  2. If you qualify, Flex sends the LMN to you via email.
  3. Then, simply enter your HSA or FSA card details and complete the purchase.

No need to wait for a LMN from your doctor or submit for reimbursement. Paying for pain relief shouldn't have to be a pain!

Your Journey of Savings and Satisfaction Awaits

Considering that 80% of physician visits are for pain, a trip to a masseuse or an investment in at-home massage equipment is much more than a luxury, it’s an invaluable therapy to help you address your health on your own terms.

By harnessing your HSA or FSA, you can be proactive towards your own well-being. Now doesn’t that feel good?