Can My FSA Be Used for Preventative Health Measures, Such as Fitness Classes?

While fitness classes, gym memberships, and personal training may be great for maintaining your general well-being or good health, they generally do not qualify as standard FSA expenses on their own because they do not meet the IRS requirement that the product or service be a “qualified medical expense.” The IRS distinguishes between expenses to promote general health and well-being and those used to diagnose, treat, mitigate, or prevent a diagnosed medical condition, such as heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, or chronic pain.

Usually, no. Personal training, gym membership, and fitness classes are generally not standard FSA expenses unless there is a product- and condition-specific medical reason tied to IRS-qualified care. In order to prove this, you may be asked to obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a licensed healthcare provider. This will help to support your claim, but does not guarantee its approval. See IRS FAQS on Nutrition and Wellness for clarification on eligible expenses.

Remember that your plan administrator will have the final say on whether your claim is approved or denied. The IRS only sets out the basic guidelines to follow, but your administrator is responsible for interpreting and enforcing those rules. Check your plan administrator’s online list of eligible expenses or call their customer service number to make sure your expense is covered.

Labeling a service or product as a “preventative health” measure does not guarantee FSA eligibility. General practices and habits aimed at preventing disease, injury or physical deterioration are not FSA eligible. A healthy organic food diet, gym membership, and physical therapy are not necessarily IRS-qualified medical expenses.

The question is whether the expense results from the diagnosis, treatment, mitigation, or prevention of a specific disease or condition. For “preventative health” measures to be FSA-eligible, they must be undertaken because of a diagnosed medical condition. Cancer screenings, flu shots, and physical therapy recommended by a licensed healthcare provider may be eligible. Procedures used to diagnose, prevent, or treat a diagnosed condition are generally eligible. See the guidelines laid out in IRS Publication 502 for medical care deductions.

No, personal training is not usually eligible as an FSA expense. Using a personal trainer to lose weight, improve muscle tone or aid in your general health and fitness levels is too general to qualify.

Personal training may only qualify as an FSA expense when it is used as part of a specific treatment or prevention plan for a particular illness or medical condition sucPersonal training may only qualify as an FSA expense when it is used as part of a specific treatment or prevention plan for a particular illness or medical condition, such as heart disease, diabetes, or obesity.h as heart disease, diabetes or obesity.

You will need to obtain an LMN from a licensed healthcare provider, who explicitly states the diagnosis, recommended treatment plan, and the need for personal training as part of that plan. An LMN does not guarantee eligibility as evaluation will be done on a case-by-case basis.

• Fitness-related purchases are only FSA eligible when used to prevent, treat or mitigate a diagnosed medical condition or risk factor for disease.
• If your fitness-related purchase is linked to a metabolic (diabetes), cardiovascular (hypertension), musculoskeletal (back pain), or sleep-related (sleep apnea) health concern that has been diagnosed by a licensed healthcare provider, it may be eligible.
• The best way to prove the link is by obtaining an LMN from a licensed healthcare provider that clearly outlines your diagnosis, treatment plan (including the fitness aspect) and the duration of the treatment
• Note that even though you may be using the same product or service as another person, they may be approved and you may not be. It is up to your plan administrator and is on a case-by-case basis.
• You should seek care if you experience any pain, limited mobility, or other concerning symptoms that could indicate an underlying disease or condition, so that you can be evaluated by a healthcare professional who can then recommend a specific course of treatment, which may include a recommendation of a fitness-related purchase.

FSA funds may be used for essential IRS-approved healthcare expenses. You may use FSA for doctor copays and health plan deductibles but not insurance premiums. Medical devices such as blood pressure monitors, crutches or CPAP machines may also be eligible. Birth control, breast pumps, condoms, and long-term care costs may also be approved.

Expenses like gym memberships, dance classes, sports, or fitness equipment for general health are not considered eligible. Fitness eligibility is limited to the treatment or mitigation of a diagnosed medical condition. A LMN must be provided, but does not guarantee approval. You should always check the rules of your plan or the IRS Publication 502 before making a purchase or paying membership fees.

Qualified customers may be eligible to use HSA/FSA funds for certain products and services offered by Truemed partners when supported by a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN). These can include health-support tools, fitness programs, fitness equipment, yoga, and other health-related services. These services may be accessed by eligible customers. Purchases may be FSA-eligible if they are part of a medical treatment plan and supported by an LMN issued by an independent licensed healthcare provider.

ClassPass

Offers boutique fitness classes, yoga, cycling, strength training, and other health experiences.

24 Hour Fitness

Offers gym membership with equipment and class access to strength, cardio, and routine-based health management.

Future

Offers a personalized fitness coaching platform.

Truemed* helps qualified customers use their HSA and FSA benefits for eligible health-related purchases.

• First, check whether your chosen product or service is considered an FSA-eligible item on its own merit or whether you may need an LMN to support consideration as a qualifying medical expense.
• Complete a health survey reviewed by an independent licensed clinician who will review your medical history and may issue a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) if clinically appropriate. Truemed does not make eligibility determinations; only plan administrators make final eligibility determinations.
• Buy the item by paying directly with your HSA or FSA card at checkout, or by paying with a regular debit or credit card and claiming HSA or FSA reimbursement afterward.
• Truemed also offers support in the event you get a denial of reimbursement and need to provide substantiation documentation. However, the final decision rests with your plan administrator.
• *Truemed is for qualified customers. HSA/FSA tax savings vary. Learn more at truemed.com/disclosures

• You may be eligible to use HSA or FSA funds if an independent licensed practitioner determines that a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) is appropriate based on your clinical intake form.
• Truemed does not make eligibility determinations, and the plan administrator makes final reimbursement decisions.
• There is no additional cost to use Truemed because the cost of Truemed’s services is included in the purchase price.

*Truemed is for qualified customers. HSA/FSA tax savings vary. Learn more at truemed.com/disclosures.