Using FSA to buy exercise equipment

danifo0811

Has anyone done this? Is it a hassle or straight forward.

it says medically necessary. What does that mean? Does high cholesterol or depression count ?

My husband is not overweight but does little exercise. He is seeing the doctor tomorrow and is going to ask but I want to know if it is realistic.

now_or_never13

I'm assuming it is a government program??

If it is, it would be far too much of a hassle... buy some equipment yourself if you want it.

kuger4119

My wife (a nurse) thinks it is unlikely that you would be allowed to use a Flexible Spending Account to pay for exercise equipment. The only shot would be if you could get an actual prescription.


http://www.ehow.com/how_6885946_prescription-exercise-equipment-flexible-spending.html

taso42

it says medically necessary. What does that mean? Does high cholesterol or depression count ?

It means your doctor needs to write you a prescription.

suzywantsitall

bump

yustick

An FSA is generally your own money deducted from your paycheck before taxes, allowing you to spend the money on qualified medical expenses tax free.

I used an FSA account for personal training about 5 years ago. However, the rules have changed. At that time, I just had to have a note from my Dr. advising me to exercise 3 times per week....there my have been specific language needed....I don't recall.

I contacted the FSA administration company in advance, asked what I needed, then sent it to them for approval, all before I put in my FSA election for the year.

I didn't consider it a hassle.

RedHotHunter

I have one and can tell you I read through the details. Gym memberships and/or fitness equipment do not qualify. The way I understand it, your doctor would have to write a prescription for the item(s). With that said, it never hurts to call your healthcare service and ask them outright.
Good luck to you :flowerforyou:

RedHotHunter

I hope its a hassle, Why should tax payers buy your equipment, and if I want it I have to buy my own, sorry just feel there is way too much of government spending. If he needs it, and money is a problem, check the local Goodwill or other thrift stores.

:noway: Pardon me? You speak rather harshly on something you apparently dont know a thing about. An FSA and/or HSA are spending accounts for your health funded by YOUR OWN money. There isnt any random taxpayer money in your FSA account. :grumble:

taso42

I hope its a hassle, Why should tax payers buy your equipment, and if I want it I have to buy my own, sorry just feel there is way too much of government spending. If he needs it, and money is a problem, check the local Goodwill or other thrift stores.

fail

suzywantsitall

I know what it is, I have one. Its money that is Tax free.

RedHotHunter

I know what it is, I have one. Its money that is Tax free.

It's money I earned. It being tax free has NOTHING to do with YOU and/or your taxes.

a778c466

I know what it is, I have one. Its money that is Tax free.

You know what it is but you felt the need to delete your previous post. Interesting.

RedHotHunter

I know what it is, I have one. Its money that is Tax free.

You know what it is but you felt the need to delete your previous post. Interesting.

Good thing I quoted her hateful butt :flowerforyou:

danifo0811

I don't mean to put tax payers on the hook for our benefit. I would be happy to have the money in hand and taxed.

I started a new job in November and was told to fill out the form for 2013. It was entered under 2012. I realized after the first paycheck because they deducted $500 off of it so I could have $2000 to use by the end of the year. I phoned to correct it but I was told no changes unless a life change has happened.

We are trying to come up with useful things so we don't need to spend $2k on bandaids and sunscreen.