Are Vibration Plates HSA/FSA Eligible?

Vibration plates offer a ton of health benefits, supporting muscle activation, calorie burn, and circulation for those looking to elevate their recovery and avoid injury after exercise.

That said, can you use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to purchase a vibration plate?

Let’s explore what makes vibration plates HSA/FSA-eligible and how you can maximize your benefits when investing in your health and wellness.

Are Vibration Plates Considered Medical Equipment?

An FSA or HSA can reimburse eligible medical equipment. However, a product must be considered a medical expense under IRS guidelines. Per IRC 213(d)(1), this includes “amounts paid for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or for the purpose of affecting any structure or function of the body.¹"

Such equipment includes¹:

• Blood pressure monitors
• Defibrillators
• Thermometers
• Grab bars
• Shower chairs
• First aid supplies, such as bandages and antiseptics

Supplies like electric toothbrushes, pedometers, and fitness tracking watches used for “general health” typically don’t qualify for HSA or FSA reimbursement—unless prescribed by a healthcare provider.

But what about vibration plates?

Vibration plates are used for a variety of health-related purposes, including:

• Physical therapy – Aiding in muscle recovery and mobility improvement.
• Circulation enhancement – Helping those with poor blood flow.
• Pain relief and rehabilitation – Assisting in injury recovery, back pain, and joint support.
• Bone density improvement – Benefiting individuals with osteoporosis or bone loss concerns. Learn more in our blog about vibration therapy for osteoporosis.

This begs the question: Are vibration plates HSA/FSA eligible?

Because vibration plates can serve medical functions, they may qualify for FSA coverage if deemed necessary for a specific medical condition. However, not all vibration plates are automatically eligible.

How to Check If Your Vibration Plate Is HSA/FSA Eligible

The FSA Store provides a comprehensive list of eligible tax-free items that qualify for an HSA/FSA.

Per these guidelines, exercise equipment is eligible with your healthcare provider's Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN). That said, the equipment must be prescribed to treat a medical condition, such as²:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure

To qualify, your LMN must outline why your medical condition necessitates the exercise equipment. For example, your medical provider may describe how a vibration plate alleviates your joint and back pain. For FSAs, this letter must be renewed yearly for your equipment to continue to be eligible.

Are Lifepro Vibration Plates HSA/FSA Eligible?

Yes, Lifepro vibration plates are HSA/FSA eligible. To use your HSA/FSA funds for a Lifepro vibration plate, you need to obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN), as mentioned. Lifepro has partnered with Truemed to streamline this process, allowing customers to qualify for an LMN in about 2 minutes. This eligibility enables you to use pre-tax HSA/FSA funds for the purchase, potentially saving an average of 30% on the cost.

To make an HSA/FSA-eligible purchase:

1. Look for the Truemed logo during checkout.
2. Complete a quick health assessment, which will be reviewed by a licensed provider.
3. Pay using your HSA/FSA card or a regular credit card (if using a regular card, you'll need to submit for reimbursement later).

It's important to note that while Lifepro vibration plates are HSA/FSA eligible, exercise equipment in general is not automatically eligible for FSA/HSA reimbursement. The equipment must be used to treat a specific medical condition, as determined and prescribed by a doctor.

Benefits of Using HSA/FSA for Vibration Plates

Using your $3,000 worth of FSA/HSA funds for a vibration plate purchase comes with key advantages:

• Tax-free savings – Your FSA/HSA funds are pre-tax dollars, reducing your overall taxable income each year.
• Investment in wellness – Instead of letting funds go unused, put them toward your health and recovery. These funds can also be used for family members, like children or a spouse, who require a vibration plate for medical purposes.
• Support for chronic conditions – If you have muscle pain, circulation issues, or joint concerns, a vibration plate can be a valuable addition to your wellness routine.

It’s important to remember that, unlike HSA funds, FSA funds do not roll over from year to year. This means you must use the full allotment, or lose it by December 31st.

Should I Use HSA or FSA Funds?

HSAs often provide more flexibility in covering wellness-related expenses. Unlike an FSA, you would own the account (rather than your employer), and the funds would carry over every year, meaning you may not need to renew your LMN either. Remember, Lifepro vibration plates are both FSA and HSA eligible!

Alternatives If Your Vibration Plate Isn’t FSA Eligible

If your chosen vibration plate doesn’t qualify for HSA/FSA use, you can explore other options, like:

• Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) – This employer-funded group health plan can be used to pay for medical expenses up to a fixed amount. This type of plan provides reimbursements, rather than a savings account.
• Reimbursement through insurance – Some insurance plans may partially reimburse medical devices or exercise equipment used for medical purposes.
• Other FSA-eligible wellness products – Consider alternative recovery tools like compression therapy, massagers, or orthotics, and speak to your healthcare provider to see if they’re eligible for an FSA or reimbursement.

Discover FSA-Eligible Lifepro Vibration Plates

Whether a vibration plate qualifies for FSA funds depends on the purpose of its use and whether your healthcare provider deems it necessary for your health and wellness.

That said, your wellness journey is unique, and Lifepro is committed to supporting you every step of the way. If you're looking for an HSA or FSA-eligible vibration plate, explore Lifepro’s range of products designed for rehabilitation and recovery.

Not sure where to start? Check out our Lifepro vibration plate comparison guide or connect with our support team to find the best vibration plate for your needs. Let’s make your health and wellness a priority—together.

Sources:

1. FSA Store. Medical Equipment: FSA Eligibility. https://fsastore.com/fsa-eligibility-list/m/medical-equipment?srsltid=AfmBOoq4e7HxJ6f1t9bbL2Dz1d7AKUw-RJkDODHFzwej5dx59Cw51WMD
2. FSA Store. Exercise Equipment: FSA Eligibility. https://fsastore.com/fsa-eligibility-list/e/exercise-equipment
3. U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Using a Flexible Spending Account (FSA). https://www.healthcare.gov/have-job-based-coverage/flexible-spending-accounts/
4. U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Health Savings Account (HSA). https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/health-savings-account-hsa/
5. U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs): 3 things to know. https://www.healthcare.gov/job-based-help/