What are HSA and FSA?
In order to understand the process of getting a massage with your insurance plan, let's do a quick overview of HSAs and FSAs. Both of these healthcare arrangements allow you to set aside money for medical costs, such as deductibles, prescriptions, copayments, and coinsurance. This money is not taxed.
Employers sometimes contribute to HSAs and FSAs as well. If you have questions about these plans, speak with your HR department.
A debit card is usually included with these healthcare plans that includes your (and your employer's) contributions. Due to the fact that the funds are already on the flex debit card, most cases won't require you to be reimbursed.
Most insurance plans cover massages, whether you use an HSA or FSA. Make sure you qualify by following these steps.
1. Speak to HR
Get in touch with your HR department or your medical insurance carrier and ask if massage therapy is covered. Although a doctor's prescription may not be enough to get your insurance policy to cover massages, most FSA and HSA customers have zero issues covering their massages.
2. Doctor visit
Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician as soon as you've received approval from your insurance provider. The pro tip here is to not just say you want a massage. Describe your symptoms in detail first.
Massages are appropriate for a wide range of mental, physical conditions and stress related symptoms.
You could also suggest specific types of massage, such as deep tissue, sports, or myofascial release which can help you illustrate the legitimacy of this type of care.
3. Get a prescription
A prescription for a massage will need to be written by your doctor once you've discussed it with them. Essentially, this proves to your insurance company that you need an HSA or FSA massage.
The script will need to include:
Why you would need massage therapy, such as a medical condition or injury.
How many sessions do you require each month? Do you need a massage every month? Or once every 1-2 weeks?
The duration of the treatment. How long are you going to need this treatment? Should they be 60-minute or 90-minute massages? Your doctor will be able to guide you in the right direction on this one. You can also change the length and frequency as you both see fit.
It's easier than you think to get a prescription, so don't worry. Massage can often be prescribed without a doctor's visit.
4. Use Your HSA or FSA for Massage
Once you have your prescription, you’ll need to book an appointment with your Massage Therapist. You can easily book online at www.bodyworkbybritt.com. This can be planned ahead up to 30 days in advance. In order to pay for your massage, you’ll just need to bring your HSA or FSA debit card with you to your appointment or pay online after booking. Put these dollars to work for you!
Make sure you use your FSA plan to its fullest potential before the funds expire at the end of each year.
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