Maximizing Your Health Savings: How to Use HSA/FSA Funds for Saunas

As more people prioritize self-care and health, they opt to use HSA/FSA to cover wellness-related expenses. However, navigating the eligibility requirements for using HSA and FSA funds can be challenging. As a result, understanding how saunas qualify under medical guidelines, the steps necessary to secure reimbursement, and the specific benefits they provide will help you maximize the use of your health savings. Read on to learn how to use your HSA and FSA funds to invest in saunas and optimize your wellness journey.

How do HSA and FSA Accounts Function?

Understanding how Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) function is crucial. Both accounts are tax-advantaged financial tools that allow individuals to set aside money for qualifying medical expenses.

HSAs are available to individuals with high-deductible health insurance plans and offer flexibility by allowing unused funds to roll over year after year. On the other hand, FSAs are often employer-sponsored and require you to use the funds within the plan year or risk losing them, although some plans offer limited carryover options.

Both accounts help reduce your taxable income and provide a way to manage health-related expenses more effectively. The IRS maintains specific guidelines for what qualifies as eligible expenses, which generally include devices, treatments, and services directly related to the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, or prevention of disease.

How Saunas Qualify as HSA/FSA Eligible Expenses

To determine whether saunas are eligible for reimbursement through HSA or FSA accounts, it’s important to understand the criteria for eligible expenses. According to IRS guidelines, expenses must be primarily for medical care. This means that luxury or purely aesthetic items and services do not qualify.

However, saunas can be eligible if a healthcare professional recommends them for a specific medical condition. For example, people suffering from chronic pain, arthritis, hypertension, or other conditions that benefit from heat therapy can get a physician’s letter of medical necessity (LMN). This document highlights the medical reasons why the sauna is recommended and is crucial for securing reimbursement.

Health Gains of Saunas That Make Them HSA/FSA Eligibile

The best infrared saunas are among the health investments eligible for Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). These tools have long been used as powerful tools for enhancing mental and physical well-being. However, did you know these tools offer more than a luxurious spa experience and are valuable tools for managing specific health conditions? Their scientifically supported benefits include relieving chronic pain, improving circulation, and managing stress. Understanding these gains can help you build a strong case for reimbursement and demonstrate their medical necessity. They include: 

·       Enhancing Cardiovascular Health and Circulation 

Saunas can positively influence your cardiovascular health. Regularly visiting the sauna has been linked to reduced blood pressure, improved circulation, and enhanced heart function. The high sauna temperatures trigger the blood vessels to dilate, increasing blood flow and mimicking the effects of moderate exercise. Studies have revealed that frequent sauna use can lower the risk of stroke, heart disease, and hypertension.

One research published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine found that people who used the best sauna for home multiple times per week had a significantly lower risk of fatal cardiovascular issues. Due to these measurable health gains, individuals with heart-related conditions may qualify for HSA or FSA coverage for sauna use when prescribed by a healthcare provider.

·       Pain Management and Muscle Recovery

Saunas are widely famed for alleviating chronic pain and aiding muscle recovery. The sauna heat helps to reduce stiffness, relax muscles, and improve joint mobility. This makes sauna therapy particularly beneficial for people suffering from conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, and chronic lower back pain. Heat exposure stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, which can significantly relieve discomfort.

Additionally, increased circulation accelerates healing by delivering oxygen-rich blood to sore muscles. Athletes and wellness enthusiasts recovering from injuries often incorporate sauna sessions into their routines for faster recovery. As a result of these therapeutic effects, saunas may be considered a medical necessity for pain management, making them eligible for HSA/FSA coverage with appropriate medical documentation.

·       Stress Reduction and Mental Health Benefits

Mental health is fast becoming recognized as a crucial component of overall well-being, and saunas can offer significant psychological benefits. The sauna heat induces a relaxation response, helping lower cortisol levels, reduce stress, and promote the discharge of endorphins. Sauna therapy has been found to relieve symptoms of depression and anxiety, improve sleep quality, and enhance overall mood.

Many people struggling with insomnia or stress-related disorders can find relief through regular sauna use. It is worth mentioning that stress management is crucial for preventing various health conditions. As a result, sauna therapy can be deemed medically necessary under some circumstances, falling under HSA/FSA-eligible tools. 

·       Detoxification and Immune System Support

Sweating is one of the body's natural mechanisms for eliminating toxins. Sauna bathing induces profuse sweating, which helps eliminate environmental pollutants, heavy metals, and other harmful substances from the body. Regular sauna sessions can reduce the toxic burden on the liver and kidneys, allowing these organs to function more efficiently. Additionally, using an outdoor infrared sauna has been found to enhance immune system activity.

The rise in body temperature simulates a fever-like state, which activates the immune response, helping the body fight infections more effectively. People struggling with weakened immune systems or chronic illnesses can use sauna therapy as a complementary treatment, and this qualifies them for HSA/FSA reimbursement when recommended by a physician.

Obtaining a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN)

One of the most crucial steps in using HSA or FSA funds for the best outdoor sauna is obtaining a letter of medical necessity from a licensed healthcare provider. This letter should clearly define the medical condition being treated and clarify why a sauna is a necessary part of the treatment plan.

When discussing sauna therapy with your healthcare provider, remember to provide detailed information about your condition and how heat therapy has been beneficial in the past. Your doctor may evaluate and review your medical history before writing the letter. The LMN should include the following elements:

·       The patient’s name and relevant medical condition

·       A statement from the healthcare provider recommending sauna therapy as part of the treatment.

·       The anticipated frequency and duration of sauna sessions

·       The healthcare provider’s contact information and signature

After obtaining the LMN, you must keep a copy for your records and submit it along with any reimbursement requests to your HSA or FSA administrator.

Tips to Help You Maximize Your Health Savings

·       You need meticulous record-keeping and strategic planning to maximize the value of your HSA or FSA funds. Here are tips to help you succeed.  

·       Ensure your healthcare provider understands the therapeutic benefits of saunas and can provide a comprehensive LMN 

·       Maintain a journal of your sauna sessions and any improvements in your health. This documentation will come in handy to support future claims and demonstrate the medical benefits of your sauna bathing 

·       If you foresee ongoing sauna expenses, adjust your HSA or FSA contributions to ensure sufficient funds are available

Finally

Using HSA and FSA funds to purchase a sauna is a well-thought-out way of investing in your health while leveraging tax advantages. By understanding the eligibility requirements and obtaining the necessary documentation, you can unlock the full potential of your health savings. Buy a sauna today and enjoy its benefits, which include reducing stress, managing chronic conditions, and improving overall well-being. These tools are a valuable addition to your wellness routine.