A Note about FSA & HSA Accounts
If you are someone who would like massage to be a more regular part of your total wellness plan but have a hard time finding the money month-to-month, you should know that a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) are fantastic ways to make this happen. An option for most employer based health insurance plans, an FSA or HSA are methods for you to put aside money from each paycheck tax-free, and use this for qualified medical expenses.
Massage Therapy is considered a qualifying expense as long as it is accompanied by a note of medical necessity by your Chiropractor or Doctor. The IRS states that medical care expenses must be primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental ailment. Examples of illnesses that qualify include carpal tunnel syndrome, stress, back pain, arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression and pain management, to name a few.
SO, GOOD NEWS! Your massage therapy costs are no longer a problem!
Just follow these simple steps prior to or during your open enrollment period.
1.) Call your Chiropractor or Doctor and inform her or him that you would like a prescription or note of medical necessity for massage therapy. Most doctors will not require an office visit, especially if you are an established patient.
Ensure your provider includes how many treatments are being prescribed. Once a month? Twice a month? You decide how many treatments you would like to receive with your doctor.
Ensure the duration of treatment is included as well. Typically, 12 months is recommended.
Keep this in a safe place in case you are asked for proof by your FSA or HSA.
2.) Sign up for a FSA or HSA during your health insurance open enrollment period. Make sure to set aside the right amount of money to cover your massages. (e.g. once a month, $70 x 12mo = $840) This money is made available to you immediately at the beginning of the new insurance year, which means you can begin getting massages right away. Keep in mind that gratuity is not a valid use of FSA or HSA funds.
3.) Depending on your FSA or HSA, you may receive a FLEXcard (Visa or MasterCard) which can be used at the time of payment. If you are not provided a FLEXcard, you simply need to submit your massage receipts for reimbursement.