You can now use your HSA (Health Saving Account) or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) Card to pay for Massage Therapy Services

Massage Therapy can be perscribed under the required medical expense , the IRS regulations state that medical care expenses MUST be primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental ailment. In IRS Publication 502 (see link below), “Therapy” is included as defined for therapy received as medical treatment.

Examples of illnesses that could qualify include carpal tunnel syndrome, stress, back pain, arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression and pain management.
Schedule an appointment with your doctor. If you have been suffering from any of the above conditions, including stress, let him or her know that you are participating in a HSA and or FSA and that you’d like to use some of your funds toward massage for treatment or prevention of your condition.

In order for you prescription to qualify for IRS regulations, your
physician will need to provide the following:

1. Why do you need massage therapy? As a treatment plan and preventative measure. (Example: to relieve back pain, reduce stress & anxiety, prevent carpal tunnel, TMJD syndrome, etc.)

2. How frequent do you need treatment? (Example: 2 sessions per month)

3. How long should you receive treatment? (Example: 6 months, a year)

After you’ve obtained your prescription, keep it with your tax documents should you ever be asked to verify the expense.

For my clients, it is not necessary that I receive a copy of your subscription, but it is helpful so that I may provide you with a more detailed receipt for your records.

Keep in mind, with the implementation of the new Affordable Care Act, you can also pay for massages a spouse and even a dependents under the age of 27, if he or she has a qualifying medical condition.