HSA/FSA Info

Using Your HSA or FSA to Cover Health and Wellness Coaching Services

 

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) are accounts that hold pre-tax dollars that can be used towards health-related expenses. These are great options to plan for both expected and unexpected expenses and reduce your overall tax liability.

 

The IRS uses broad language stating “amounts paid for the primary purpose of treating a disease are deductible as medical care.”

 

This is great news because this means that you may be able to use your HSA or FSA to cover the cost of Health and Wellness Coaching (HWC) services to prevent, treat, or manage a medical condition. More generally, this makes HWC supportive services more affordable and more accessible, providing an opportunity to make positive and sustainable lifestyle changes.

 

Here’s how you may be able to make this work for you.

1. You need a physician-provided Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) which states that health and wellness coaching is needed to prevent, treat, or manage a medical condition.
2. Check with your HSA or FSA provider to confirm HWC expenses will be covered/reimbursed and for their documentation and credentialing requirements.
3. The coaching services you use must be tied to preventing, treating, or managing a medical condition to qualify.

Note: This does not constitute legal, medical, or financial advice. Do your own research to understand what this means for you before avail yourself of HWC services.

 

The National Board for Health & Wellness Coaches (NBHWC) has provided the following Sample Letter of Medical Necessity:

You can download the entire information bulletin from NBHWC on the subject of HSA and FSA Accounts by clicking here: NBHWC HSA and FSA Information