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In this post: We cover HSA for Massage Therapists, how to help our clients get massage coverage, and how to be accepted as a provider.
Attention, massage therapists! Are you ready to revolutionize the way your clients experience wellness? Get ready to unlock the power of Health Savings Account (HSA) coverage for massage therapy. Let’s dive in and discover how you can become a catalyst for positive change in the realm of holistic healthcare!
As dedicated massage therapists, we prioritize providing our clients with the highest level of care possible. Recognizing the vital role massage therapy plays in fostering overall health and well-being.
Did you know that clients can often use their Health Savings Account (HSA) to cover massage?
It’s a benefit that many may not be aware of, and as providers, there are steps we can take to make this option more accessible to our clients.
Understanding HSA for Massage Therapists
Individuals can use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), tax-advantaged savings accounts, to pay for qualified medical expenses. Typically paired with high-deductible health insurance plans, HSAs offer several benefits. Some benefits include tax-deductible contributions, tax-free withdrawals for qualified medical expenses, and potential investment growth. This allows individuals to save money on healthcare expenses. HSAs cover a wide range of medical expenses, including doctor’s visits, prescription medications, and medical procedures.
Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) allow individuals to set aside pre-tax dollars for qualified medical expenses. While the list of eligible expenses is extensive, massage therapy falls into a gray area for many.
While massage may not always be covered, it sometimes can! One way we can make this more feasible for our clients is by ensuring our businesses are categorized correctly with our credit card providers.
Typically, most massage therapists find themselves lumped into code #7297 for Massage Parlors when it comes to credit card processing. However, this categorization doesn’t accurately reflect the nature of our services. There is good news though! It is a relatively straightforward request to change the coding to #8099 for Medical Services and Health Professionals.
Call your credit card processor and ask which code you currently fall under. If you are in the dreaded Massage Parlors category, request a change. When we make this change, we are aligning our businesses more closely with the healthcare services we provide. Which potentially increasing the likelihood of massage therapy coverage by HSAs and elevates us as an industry!
It is essential to note that not all HSA accounts are created equal. If you’re considering accepting HSA cards as payment, it’s crucial to educate your clients about the eligibility criteria.
Here are some key points to keep in mind:
1. Medical Necessity: For coverage eligibility, healthcare providers may need to prescribe massage therapy to address specific medical conditions like chronic pain, injury recovery, or stress-related health issues. It’s crucial to review the specific plan requirements, as some may mandate this documentation while others do not.
2. Documentation: Clients may need to obtain a written prescription or a letter of medical necessity from their healthcare provider. The presciption should outline the condition and recommending massage therapy as part of the treatment plan. This understanding of required documentation can assist clients in navigating the reimbursement process more effectively.
3. Keeping Records: Clients should retain receipts and documentation related to massage therapy sessions as proof of the expense’s medical necessity. This includes invoices, dates of service, and the provider’s information. Having organized records can streamline the reimbursement process and provide peace of mind for clients.
5. Reimbursement Process: Depending on the HSA provider, clients may need to submit a reimbursement request along with the required documentation. Some providers may offer debit cards for direct payment. Clients should check with their plan for specific procedures to ensure a smooth reimbursement process.
Empowering Wellness: Embracing HSA Coverage for Massage Therapy
As massage therapists, envision the opportunity to offer your clients a path to enhanced wellness by unlocking the potential of Health Savings Account (HSA) coverage for massage therapy. By advocating for correct categorization of your business and educating clients about HSA eligibility, you empower them to invest in their well-being without financial barriers. Embrace this exciting option to elevate your practice and help clients access the transformative benefits of massage therapy with ease!
Let’s continue to advocate for the importance of self-care and make massage therapy more accessible to all.
Author Profile
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Ali Boehm
- Boulder College of Massage Therapy Graduate
- Nationally Certified through NCBTMB
- Colorado Licensed Massage Therapist
- Certified CranialSacral Level 1 through Upledger
- Certified Herbal Therapist through Nutrition Therapy Institute
- Certified Fujian Massage through Barefoot Masters
- Fort Lewis College - Majored in Art, Minored in Business Administration
- 6 Year Winner of Best Massage Therapist for "Best of The Boat" Competition
- Massage Business Owner Since 2008
Wow. This is so helpful. I do have clients who ask if I take HSA cards and I have no idea, but let’s process the card to see what happens.
I will ask Quickbooks to provide my category code and update so I can take HSA cards. Does this mean I have to be meticulous with my SOAP notes and provide them to the insurer?
Thank you
It could mean you need to submit notes, but more than likely you won’t.