Can I use my HSA or FSA for a massage?

Did you know? Massage Therapy is eligible for reimbursement through most FSA and HSA. Some do require a Letter of Medical Necessity from your doctor, but this means you can potentially be reimbursed from your insurance for your massage therapy treatment from us! You need a note from your primary care physician.

Both FSA's (Flexible Spending Accounts) and HSA's are tax-advantaged accounts that let people save money to pay for qualified medical expenses, but they have a few important differences:

HSA (Health Spending Account):

An HSA is tax-advantaged medical savings account for taxpayers in the US who are enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). The money in your HSA can help pay health insurance deductibles and medical expenses, including Dental and Vision care. The 2019 annual limit for contributing funds for individuals with single medical coverage is $3,500. The annual contribution limit is $7,000 for those covered under family medical plans. If money is withdrawn for qualified medical expenses, it is never taxed. However, If money is withdrawn for other purposes before age 65, you'll owe 20% taxes on the amount withdrawn. After age 65, money can be withdrawn without penalty.

FSA (Flexible Spending Account):

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), also known as a Flexible Spending Arrangement, are established by an employer. Usually, it's funded by a pre-tax payroll deduction, but employers can also contribute to it or provide it entirely. FSA can be used in conjunction with any health insurance, although health insurance is not required to have one. FSA funds can cover deductibles, copays, and other medical expenses like Vision and Dental. Some FSA includes a “Use it or lose it” clause, where the money not used in the account is forfeited back to the company by the end of the year. Employers can allow enrollees to carry over up to $500 to the following year or use their funds during the grace period, which ends on March 15th every year.

How to use HSA or FSA for Massage Therapy:

In some cases, the first step in using your FSA or HSA money for massage therapy is to pay a visit to your primary care doctor. Let the doctor know you have an FSA or HSA and seek massage therapy as the solution to a medically eligible condition. The doctor will prescribe your massage session if he/she deems it medically necessary.

The physician must provide three pieces of information on your prescription:

1. Why the massage is medically necessary

2. The number of sessions you'll need or the frequency of your visits

3. The length of the treatments needed.

Some clients will have a debit card directly linked to their spending accounts, but many will need the therapist to provide a form to submit for reimbursement.

The form should include:

1. The client's name and address

2. The Massage Therapist's name, address, and license number

3. The date and description of the service

4. The amount paid

5. The CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) code

Massage is so much more than just a stress release or relaxing activity. For many, massage can relieve pain that medications cannot fix, and it can even help with depression, anxiety, and many other ailments.

Many people do not know that Licensed Massage Therapy is recognized as part of the medical community by physicians and insurance companies alike. All Thai Serenity Spa therapists are licensed and certified in medical-massage.

If you think this situation could apply to you, be sure to talk to your doctor. Then visit us, call/text us at 682-628-9514 or jump online to book your next appointment!