Can you use your Health Equity card to pay for massage therapy? Well, it depends.

Most of us know that Health Equity cards (linked to HSAs, FSAs, or HRAs) cover medical expenses – but massage therapy lives in a gray area that confuses a lot of people.

The short answer: massage therapy isn’t automatically covered unless a doctor prescribes it for a specific medical condition.

Let’s break this down so you can understand exactly when you can and can’t swipe that card for a massage.

Can You Use Your Health Equity Card for Massage Therapy?

Here’s the deal – the IRS has specific rules about what counts as a qualified medical expense. General wellness massages or those relaxing spa treatments? Those are typically not covered.

Why? Because the IRS says medical expenses must be primarily for treating or preventing a specific physical or mental health condition. Your “I had a stressful week” massage doesn’t quite make the cut.

To make massage therapy eligible:

• You need a doctor’s prescription stating massage is medically necessary
• The massage must treat a specific medical condition (like an injury or chronic pain)
• You need to keep detailed documentation (prescription, receipts, etc.)

With proper documentation, you can use your Health Equity card directly or submit for reimbursement later. Without it? You’re likely paying out of pocket with no tax benefits.

What Makes a Massage Medically Necessary?

Not all massages are created equal in the eyes of the IRS and Health Equity. Here’s what typically qualifies:

• Massage therapy for recovering from an injury
• Treating chronic pain conditions (like fibromyalgia)
• Managing muscle spasms or severe tension
• Part of a physical therapy treatment plan

Your “treat yourself” spa day? Unfortunately not qualified.

According to the American Massage Therapy Association, massage therapy has legitimate medical applications, but that distinction matters tremendously for reimbursement purposes.

How to Get Your Massage Covered by Health Equity

Want to use your tax-advantaged health funds for massage? Follow these steps:

1. Get a doctor’s prescription or letter of medical necessity
   This is the golden ticket. Without it, don’t even try.

2. Confirm your massage therapist’s credentials
   Make sure they’re licensed professionals, not just anyone with a massage table.

3. Check your specific plan rules
   Some plans have additional restrictions beyond IRS guidelines. The IRS Publication 502 is a good reference point.

4. Keep ALL documentation
   Save your prescription, detailed receipts, and any treatment plans.

5. Use your Health Equity card correctly
   Either swipe at the provider (if they accept it) or submit claims through the portal.

Common Questions About Massage & Health Equity

“Can I just tell the massage therapist it’s for medical reasons?”

Nice try! But no – you need actual documentation from a physician, not just your word.

“What if my massage therapist is also a chiropractor?”

This might help, but you still need that medical necessity documentation. According to Healthcare.gov, provider qualifications matter, but medical necessity is still key.

“Can I get reimbursed for massage chairs or tools?”

Generally no – equipment typically isn’t covered unless specifically prescribed by a doctor for a medical condition.

“Will Health Equity audit my massage expenses?”

They absolutely might! The Journal of Accountancy notes that unusual medical expenses are common audit triggers. Don’t risk it.

The Bottom Line on Health Equity and Massage

While your HealthEquity card is super convenient for many health expenses, massage therapy requires jumping through some extra hoops.

Without a doctor’s prescription, don’t expect massage to be covered.

With proper documentation? Go ahead and enjoy that medically necessary treatment!

Remember that tax rules can change, so double-check current guidelines before proceeding. And if you’re ever in doubt, contact Health Equity directly – it’s better to ask first than face denied claims later.

Does this seem like a lot of work? Maybe. But if you have legitimate medical needs for massage therapy, those tax advantages can really add up!