Can I use my HSA or FSA funds for Massage?

I get this question a lot, especially close to the end of the year when many people realize they have use-it-or-lose-it funds in their Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Arrangement (FSA) they need to spend. But don’t panic – not yet. I may be able to help.

The good news is, you MAY be able to use your FSA or HSA funds for massage. And that’s also the bad news – I can’t tell you for sure. Every plan is different.

But what I can tell you is that my business is classified with my credit card processor to accept most FSA and HSA debit cards. That classification is in the form of a Merchant Category Code (MCC). My MCC is Medical Services and Health Practitioners 8099, which by the way is also the category that is most descriptive of my services: therapeutic massage for chronic pain and headaches/migraines, symptoms and side effects of cancer/cancer treatment, soft tissue strains and injuries, and stress/anxiety reduction.

Another requirement that some healthcare plans stipulate is a prescription or referral from a doctor. As a Licensed Massage Therapist in Maryland, I can accept physician referrals and prescriptions. You should keep a copy of this referral/prescription as well, just in case you are required to provide it with your FSA/HSA documentation.

Speaking of documentation, many FSA and HSA plans also require you to send them your receipts for services paid for with your debit card. Or, you may have to pay out of pocket and be reimbursed, in which case you’ll definitely need a receipt to submit with your reimbursement request. I can provide receipts for you at the time of checkout. If you forget, or realize after the fact that you needed one, just call or email me. I can still send you one.

To be absolutely sure about the FSA/HSA question, unfortunately, you’re going to have to call your healthcare plan administrator to verify. Each plan or program has unique requirements and eligibility varies.