Can I Use My FSA Card for a Gym Membership?
Learn if your gym membership qualifies as an FSA expense. This guide details the essential criteria and process for reimbursement.
Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) allow pre-tax payment for healthcare expenses. While FSAs cover many medical costs, the eligibility of a gym membership is not straightforward. Generally, standard gym dues for general health and wellness are not considered eligible FSA expenses.
General Eligibility for Gym Memberships
Using FSA funds for a gym membership is not permitted for general health improvement or routine fitness. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) views gym memberships as expenses for overall well-being, which do not automatically qualify as medical care. Therefore, standard gym dues, personal training, or workout classes without a specific medical directive are not eligible.
For a gym membership to be an eligible FSA expense, a medical professional must prescribe it to treat a specific medical condition. This means a physician must diagnose an illness, such as obesity, heart disease, or diabetes, and determine that gym exercise is a necessary part of the treatment plan. The membership must solely treat that diagnosed disease or affect a bodily structure or function.
Obtaining Required Medical Documentation
To make a gym membership FSA-eligible, obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a medical professional. This document provides formal evidence that the gym membership is medically necessary for treating a diagnosed condition.
The LMN must detail how the gym membership specifically treats the medical condition, rather than promoting general health. It should also specify the duration for which the gym membership is medically necessary. The medical professional must sign and date the LMN, which is valid for about 12 months and requires annual renewal if the medical necessity continues. Secure this documentation before incurring the gym membership expense for successful reimbursement.
Submitting Claims for Reimbursement
After securing your gym membership and LMN, you can submit a claim for reimbursement from your FSA. While some gyms may accept FSA debit cards for medically necessary services, this is uncommon for general memberships. Retain all supporting documentation, including your LMN and itemized receipts.
The most common method for using FSA funds for a gym membership is through reimbursement. This involves gathering proof of payment, such as itemized receipts detailing the date, service, and dollar amount, along with your approved LMN. Submit these documents to your FSA administrator. IRS rules prohibit reimbursement for future expenses; claims must be for expenses already incurred. Keep copies of all submitted documents for your records.