Can I use FSA For Gym Membership | Key Exception

In general, you cannot use a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for a gym membership. The IRS considers these expenses to be for “general health” or “overall well-being,” which are not eligible for tax-free FSA funds.

However, there is a key exception:

• You can use your FSA for a gym membership if it is medically necessary to treat a specific medical condition.

  • To do this, you will need a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a doctor or other medical practitioner.

  • The LMN must explicitly state that the gym membership is required to treat a specific medical condition, such as obesity, a heart condition, high blood pressure, or a physical injury.

  • You will need to keep this documentation, along with your receipts, in case you are asked to provide proof of the expense’s eligibility.

Without a doctor’s note, a gym membership will be considered a non-qualifying expense and you will not be able to be reimbursed for it with your FSA. It’s always a good idea to check with your specific FSA plan administrator to confirm their rules and the exact process for submitting an LMN.

What you need to do:

• Ask your doctor to write a Letter of Medical Necessity detailing:

  • Your diagnosis

  • Why exercise is needed

  • How a gym membership supports your treatment

• Submit this letter to your FSA administrator along with receipts

• Approval is not guaranteed — it depends on your FSA provider’s policies

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What is commonly covered by FSA:

• Physical therapy

• Chiropractic care

• Weight-loss programs prescribed by a doctor

• Exercise equipment (sometimes, with an LMN)

Sample Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN)

Here’s a sample Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) for using FSA funds to cover a gym membership. This letter must come from a licensed healthcare provider.

[Doctor’s Letterhead]
Dr. Jane Smith, MD
123 Wellness Ave.
Healthy Town, ST 12345
Phone: (555) 555-5555
Fax: (555) 555-1234

Date: [Insert Date]

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing this letter on behalf of my patient, [Patient’s Full Name], who is currently under my medical care for the treatment of [specific medical condition(s), e.g., obesity, Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, etc.].

As part of their treatment plan, I am prescribing regular physical exercise to help manage and improve their condition. Specifically, I am recommending a gym membership to facilitate this physical activity in a structured and supportive environment, which is necessary for achieving the desired medical outcomes.

Regular exercise has been shown to significantly benefit patients with [medical condition], including improved cardiovascular health, weight management, blood sugar control, and overall physical and mental well-being. A gym membership will provide access to the equipment and facilities necessary to safely and effectively carry out this exercise regimen.

Therefore, I am formally recommending that [Patient’s Full Name] obtain a gym membership as a medically necessary component of their treatment. Please consider this letter as documentation to support the use of their Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds for reimbursement of this expense.

If additional information is needed, please feel free to contact my office.

Sincerely,
[Signature]
Dr. Jane Smith, MD
[Medical License Number]

Tips:

• Make sure the letter is signed and dated.

• Use official letterhead with contact details.

• Check with your FSA administrator to see if they have specific requirements or a form for this.

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