You might associate a health savings account or flexible savings account with paying for medications and doctor’s appointments, but nowadays they can cover a wide range of wellness technology. “This trend is transforming how employees view their benefits, as these accounts aren’t just for emergencies anymore,” says Chris Byrd, senior vice president at WEX, a global commerce platform that administers HSAs and FSAs.
When researching wellness products that HSAs and FSAs might cover, we found several unexpected items. However, it’s important to note that certain items may only be eligible for coverage based on medical need, for which you’d need a doctor’s note.
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You may be surprised to learn that massage guns like Therabody’s Theraguns could be FSA- or HSA-eligible. Starting at $200, you can also find two massage guns from the brand Caring Mill by Aura, an in-house brand from the HSA and FSA Stores, that could be eligible. One is even heated and comes in a two-pack.
There’s also a vibrating, heated foam roller and Therabody’s TheraCup for cupping therapy paired with heat and vibration.
2. Oura Ring
The Oura Ring, CNET’s favorite smart ring, is now FSA- and HSA-eligible. You can place an order through Oura Ring using your FSA or HSA card, or later submit your purchase for reimbursement.
3. Whoop wearable
Our best overall sleep tracker is the Whoop 4.0, and we recently reviewed the Whoop 5.0, which we like for its healthspan and hormonal insights. On the FSA and HSA Stores, your Whoop 5.0 purchase also comes with the SuperKnit band, a 12-month membership, a waterproof Wireless PowerPack and a lifetime warranty.
4. Smart blood pressure monitors
5. Chest strap heart rate monitors
CNET’s pick for the best chest strap heart-rate monitor with the best battery life is the Garmin HRM-Pro Plus Chest Strap Heart Rate Monitor, which is HSA and FSA-eligible. It can connect to your smartphone, Garmin watch or another compatible fitness device to provide real-time heart rate data.
For $50 less, you can also get the Garmin Heart Rate Monitor 200.
6. Light therapy devices
But first, make sure your items are eligible
Byrd explains that it’s important to pay attention to the fine print and requirements for HSA or FSA eligibility. “Broadly speaking, eligibility is tied to use for treatment of a medical condition,” he says. “If the item or service is for general health and well-being or cosmetic reasons, it’s typically not going to be eligible. Items like the Theragun and acne masks fall into this category, where they are HSA eligible, conditioned on medical need. In such cases, a note from a medical practitioner, commonly known as a letter of medical necessity, is normally required.”
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