Maintaining physical fitness is an important part of living a healthy life. But the costs that are sometimes associated with it — gym memberships, fitness classes, workout equipment, and more — can really add up. Generally, these expenses are not considered FSA eligible by the IRS because they are typically for the promotion of general good health — and not for the treatment of a medical condition. However, there are certain circumstances in which your FSA may help you save money on these costs. But not everything is eligible, so make sure you’re aware of what’s covered by your FSA, so you can stay both physically and financially fit.
Flexible spending accounts & gym memberships
Are gym memberships FSA eligible? As much as you may want to use your FSA funds to cover your monthly gym membership, weight loss program, or occasional spin classes, they are not considered eligible expenses. However, if your doctor or other medical practitioner recommends exercise at a gym or a weight loss program to treat a specific medical condition, these may be FSA eligible with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN).
Be sure to check with your benefits administrator and check out this post for more about these exceptions and the LMN process. The IRS considers health club and gym membership fees “general health expenses,” and not something that automatically qualifies as medical care. Unfortunately, this means gym memberships are not considered FSA eligible without an LMN.
Similarly, if you're looking to invest in home exercise equipment to meet fitness goals and take better care of your general health, know that these fitness expenses are currently not FSA eligible and follow the same guidelines as gym memberships.
Excluded from promotions
Health trackers
We hear about trackers — like Fitbit or Apple Watch — all the time. While digital fitness trackers have been introduced to company wellness programs as an incentive for employees to get in better shape, devices primarily used to track fitness are considered for general good health use by the IRS and not for the treatment of a specific medical condition. Therefore, they remain ineligible for purchase with an FSA.
However, devices that primarily monitor, screen, or test for the presence of a disease or medical condition are FSA eligible. That's why we carry a wide range of more targeted, hi-tech, 100% FSA eligible health tracking products like the Oura Smart Ring, the Prevention Circul+ Heart & Blood Oxygen Monitor, as well as blood pressure monitors, pulse oximeters, and more.
Foot care
Under the IRS guidelines, even the most advanced cross-training shoes don't qualify as FSA eligible. But that doesn't mean you can't treat your feet with your FSA dollars. Your FSA funds will cover expenses that treat foot pain, such as orthotics, arthritis pain insoles and other orthotic shoe inserts. This type of eligible expense can help you alleviate pain, recover from injury, and reduce the impact of exercise on your feet.
Muscle recovery
Many products that help with muscle strain, pain and physical recovery are qualified for purchase with your FSA. Take advantage of products like KT Tape, deep muscle pain relief device, and Tiger Balm Active Muscle Gel with your tax-free funds.
Wondering about any other specific fitness-related costs? It’s always best to contact your FSA administrator to get more information. And if you want to discover more FSA eligible expenses, take a look at our Eligibility List.
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