Heating Pads: FSA Eligibility

What is a heating pad?

A heating pad is an Over-the-Counter (OTC) medical product eligible for reimbursement with a consumer-directed healthcare account. A heating pad is an object that relieves muscle tension, swelling, and adds comfort by being wrapped around, or placed on a part of the body. A heating pad usually is filled with a material that can be microwaved, refrigerated or frozen in order to apply the desired temperature to the neck.

Some heating pads may be scented for calming or relaxing aesthetics. Some heating pads may also use electrical power, via a power outlet and/or batteries in order to provide their own heat. Some heating pads may have built in heating equipment that can be controlled or changed according to preference.

Heating pads allow application of heat to the body, which soothes and relaxes muscles. Muscles may become tense due to repetitive labor, long periods spent bent over a desk or workstation, or physical exertion. Heat on muscles may also be called thermotherapy or therapeutic heat. Therapeutic heat might also help relieve pain and tension, especially in knotted areas. The exact mechanisms are not understood, but heat is an excellent way to relieve the symptoms of non-inflammatory body pain (PainScience.com).

Heat pads should never be applied to a fresh injury or to an infection.

Heat pads may also incorporate moisture to assist in transferring thermal energy via moisture in the surrounding casing.