Now you can use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) debit card
to pay for massages at Vital Energy Services!
Here's how it works:
I accept HSA and FSA cards and use Merchant Classification Code (MCC) 8099 'Medical Services and Health Practitioners, Not Elsewhere Classified.' HSA/FSA cards may have restrictions as to what Merchant Classification Codes are accepted. If your card is not covered under MCC 8099, I recommend that you contact your card issuer in order to determine the options moving forward, as coverage is dependent upon the specific HSA/FSA plan.
FIRST STEPS
To set up massage as a "qualifying expense", just set up a visit to your healthcare professional. When you're there, let them know that you would like to use some of your FSA or HSA funds toward massage for treatment or prevention of your condition.
A health care professional must provide three (3) pieces of information on the prescription for the cost of massage therapy to be an eligible medical expense with the request for reimbursement.
MEDICAL NECESSITY: Why you need massage therapy. A doctor's note or letter of medical necessity that specifically identifies that the recommendation & expense is for treatment of the medical condition
(example: to relieve back pain)
FREQUENCY: Number of sessions per month (i.e: min. of 2 sessions per month)
DURATION: Length of your treatment (i.e: 12 months)
Once you've obtained the prescription, file it away in case you are ever asked to back up the expense. It's not necessary to bring the prescription in to get your massage.
Bring in your FlexCard or your designated HSA debit card to pay for your next visit.
If you don't have a FlexCard or an HSA debit card, you can pay for your massage and turn in your receipt for reimbursement.
Note: You can't include tips or pay for your packages up front.
IS MY MASSAGE ELIGIBLE?
Many don't realize that HSA & FSA funds can be used to pay for virtually any type of medical service, as long as it pertains to the treatment or prevention of a specific health condition.
Massage therapy can be a qualified medical expense as long as a health care professional or physician recommends it with a written prescription.
The IRS states that medical care expenses must be primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental ailment.
Some examples of ailments that can qualify include: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Stress, Back Pain, Arthritis, Diabetes, Hypertension, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, Anxiety, Depression, and Pain Management.
PLAN AHEAD
During the 4th quarter is when many people decide how much money to set aside in their FSA or HSA for the next year.
During your financial planning, don't forget to include the cost of your massage therapy in the total yearly amount.
You also can set aside money for massage therapy for a spouse, if they have a qualifying medical condition.