Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are both types of tax-advantaged accounts that allow individuals to set aside money for medical expenses. One potential use for these types of accounts is to purchase fitness and athletic recovery equipment. This can be a convenient and cost-effective way to improve your overall health and wellness, and can help you to recover from injuries or surgeries more quickly.

What are FSA and HSA accounts?

There are a few key differences between FSAs and HSAs that you should be aware of when deciding which account to use for your fitness and athletic recovery purchases.

FSAs are employer-sponsored accounts that allow employees to set aside a portion of their pre-tax salary for medical expenses. This means that you can use the money in your FSA to pay for qualifying medical expenses, including fitness and athletic recovery equipment, without incurring any tax liability. However, FSAs generally have a "use it or lose it" provision, which means that you must use the money in your account within a certain timeframe (usually the end of the calendar year) or forfeit any remaining funds.

HSAs are similar to FSAs, but they are available to individuals who are enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). Like FSAs, HSAs allow you to set aside money for medical expenses on a pre-tax basis. However, HSAs offer a few additional benefits. First, HSAs do not have a "use it or lose it" provision, so any unused funds in your account will roll over from year to year. This can be especially useful if you are planning to make a large purchase, such as a treadmill or stationary bike, as you can save up funds over time and use them when you are ready to make the purchase.

Second, HSAs offer more flexibility in terms of how you can use the funds in your account. In addition to paying for qualifying medical expenses, you can also use your HSA funds for non-medical expenses, such as gym memberships or fitness classes. This can be a great way to improve your overall health and wellness, and can help you to save money on these types of expenses in the long run.

So, which type of account is right for you? If you are an employee with access to an FSA, this can be a convenient and cost-effective way to pay for fitness and athletic recovery equipment. However, you will need to be mindful of the "use it or lose it" provision, and make sure to use the funds in your account within the specified timeframe.

If you are enrolled in a HDHP and have the option to open an HSA, this may be the better choice for you. The ability to save up funds over time and use them for non-medical expenses can be especially useful if you are planning to make a large purchase, and the lack of a "use it or lose it" provision means that you don't have to worry about losing any unused funds.

Regardless of which type of account you choose, it is important to keep good records of your purchases. You will need to keep receipts or other documentation to prove that your purchases were eligible expenses, in case you are audited by the IRS.

When shopping for fitness and athletic recovery equipment, be sure to do your research and compare prices from multiple retailers. You may be able to find good deals on gently used equipment from classified ads or online marketplaces, or you may be able to negotiate a discount by purchasing multiple items at once.

What can I purchase with my FSA or HSA?

Here are some examples of items that may be eligible for purchase with FSA or HSA funds:

• Exercise machines, such as treadmills, stationary bikes, and ellipticals
• Compression systems
• Resistance bands and free weights
• Athletic tape and braces
• Massage tools and other recovery equipment, such as foam rollers and percussion massagers
• Heart rate monitors and other fitness trackers
• Swimming pool passes or membership fees
• Personal training sessions or fitness classes
• Gym memberships

Many of our customers use their FSA or HSA to purchase percussion massagers like the Theragun or Hypervolt. These are not explicitly covered under FSA/HSA guidelines, so you will need to get a medical exception from your provider.

It's important to note that not all medical expenses are eligible for reimbursement from FSAs or HSAs. You will need to check with your specific plan to determine what is covered. In general, expenses that are eligible for reimbursement must be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent a medical condition.

It is also important to note that FSA and HSA funds can only be used to pay for your own medical expenses, or those of your dependents. You cannot use these funds to pay for someone else's medical expenses, even if you are paying for their care.

In conclusion, FSAs and HSAs can be a convenient and cost-effective way to pay for fitness and athletic recovery equipment. By setting aside money on a pre-tax basis, you can save money on your overall medical expenses and improve your overall health and wellness. Just be sure to keep good records of your purchases and familiarize yourself with the rules and restrictions of your specific plan.