Despite some IRS revisions to the United States tax code at the end of 2010, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) can still be used to cover expenses related to structured weightloss programs, personal trainer fees, vitamins, and exercise equipment and programs.
However, in order to be covered they must be prescribed by a physician with a written Letter of Medical Necessity and they must be for the purpose of treating a medical condition or specific disease, such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, obesity, etc. and cannot be solely for general health, physical appearances or a sense of well-being.
A fitness and wellness program can improve the “general health” of the participant or it can “treat” a specific medical condition. If your doctor diagnoses you with a specific medical condition such as obesity or heart disease, then a fitness and wellness program would be reimbursable.
Likewise, weightloss medications are considered “cosmetic” and are not reimbursable. However, certain prescribed drugs for weightloss would be reimbursable to treat a medical condition i.e. obesity or high blood pressure.
It’s all about how you play the paperwork game…
We recommend that if you have an HSA and you would like to begin a membership with us then you should purchase our services via our secure online checkout system with your HSA-linked debit card. That way an invoice is automatically generated that you can print out for reimbursement purposes.
Keep in mind that we offer all of our services to our members. So if you would like to quit smoking with hypnotherapy, but your physician will only write a letter of medical necessity for your obesity and diabetes, don’t worry. We will work with you to help you deal with your obesity and diabetes and we will include the hypnotherapy to quit smoking. There are no extra costs. Everything we offer is included in your membership.
(note: if you have an HRA or FSA you will need further clarification about your specific guidelines and eligible expenses)
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