Investing in a sauna can be a transformative step towards improving your physical and mental well-being. From enhanced relaxation to better cardiovascular health, the benefits of regular sauna use are well-documented. However, saunas can be a significant investment, leaving many to wonder if they can use their Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to help cover the cost. The good news is, you can! At Havenly, we’ve partnered with TrueMed to make our saunas HSA/FSA eligible, allowing you to save on your purchase by using pre-tax dollars. In this article, we’ll explain how saunas qualify for HSA/FSA purchases, the benefits of using these funds, and how to navigate the process.
Is a Sauna HSA/FSA Eligible?
Yes, saunas can be HSA/FSA eligible, but there’s a process involved. Saunas are considered wellness products that offer numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, stress relief, and detoxification. To qualify for HSA/FSA funds, you typically need a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a healthcare provider. This letter must outline a specific medical condition that justifies the use of a sauna as a treatment or preventative measure.
With our partnership with TrueMed, Havenly makes it easier than ever to use your HSA/FSA funds for purchasing a sauna. Here’s how you can do it:
1. Fill Your Cart: Add your desired sauna to your cart and proceed to checkout.
2. Choose “TrueMed - Pay with HSA/FSA” during the checkout process.
3. Complete the Health Assessment: Take a quick 3-minute survey to determine whether you qualify to use HSA/FSA funds for your purchase.
4. Get Evaluated: Our medical practitioner partners will review your intake form. If approved, you'll receive a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN), which you’ll need to keep for compliance reasons.
5. Confirm Your Order and Save: Once your purchase is approved, you’ll enjoy savings of 30-40% on your order!
For more details, visit our HSA/FSA Funds page.
Understanding HSA and FSA: What’s the Difference?
Before you use your funds, it’s essential to understand how HSAs and FSAs work. Both accounts offer tax advantages but differ in terms of eligibility, contribution limits, and usage.
What’s an HSA?
A Health Savings Account (HSA) is a tax-advantaged account that allows you to save money for qualified medical expenses. Contributions to an HSA are tax-deductible, and the funds grow tax-free. The money in an HSA can be used for a wide range of medical expenses, including copays, prescriptions, and now, even saunas.
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Eligibility: To contribute to an HSA, you must be enrolled in a High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP). These plans are available through the Health Insurance Marketplace and the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP).
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Advantages: HSAs have no expiration date, meaning you can carry over funds year after year. Additionally, the account is owned by you, so you keep it even if you change jobs or retire.
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Contribution Limits: In 2024, the contribution limit is $4,150 for individuals and $8,300 for families.
For more information on HSAs, you can visit the official Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) guide.
What’s an FSA?
A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is also a tax-advantaged account but differs from an HSA in a few key ways. FSAs are usually offered by employers, allowing employees to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible medical expenses.
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Eligibility: FSAs are available with any type of health insurance offered through an employer.
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Advantages: FSAs allow you to put part of your paycheck into the account before taxes, reducing your taxable income. However, FSA funds generally need to be used within a fiscal year, with limited carryover options.
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Contribution Limits: In 2024, the contribution limit for an FSA is $3,200 per individual.
For more details on FSAs, you can visit the Healthcare.gov FSA page.
HSA vs. FSA: Key Differences
To help you better understand the differences between HSA and FSA, here’s a comparison table:
Feature |
Health Savings Account (HSA) |
Flexible Spending Account (FSA) |
Eligibility |
Must be enrolled in an HDHP |
Available with any type of health insurance through an employer |
Contributions (2024) |
Pre-tax; $4,150 limit for individuals and $8,300 for families |
Pre-tax through payroll deductions; $3,200 individual limit |
Roll Over |
Funds roll over indefinitely |
“Use it or lose it” policy—funds must be used by the end of the plan year or before grace period |
Ownership |
Owned by the individual; can be taken from job to job |
Owned by the employer; not portable if you change jobs |
Investment Options |
Funds can be invested, potentially increasing in value over time |
Generally, no investment options; acts more like a spending account |
Qualified Expenses |
Available for a wide range of medical expenses, including future medical costs |
Must be used for current year medical expenses; limited carryover options |
Tax Advantages |
Contributions, investment growth, and withdrawals for qualified medical expenses are tax-free |
Contributions are pre-tax, reducing taxable income |
(Details in the table are based on current IRS regulations. We recommend visiting the IRS website regularly to stay updated on any changes that might affect your decisions.)
Why Are Our Saunas Eligible for HSA/FSA?
Saunas are increasingly recognized for their profound health benefits, from improving cardiovascular function to reducing stress levels. However, to use HSA/FSA funds to purchase a sauna, you’ll need a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN). This letter serves as proof that your sauna purchase is a necessary medical expense, prescribed to treat or alleviate a specific condition.
At Havenly, we’ve partnered with TrueMed to streamline this process. TrueMed allows our customers to use HSA/FSA funds to buy a sauna, provided they obtain an LMN. Here’s how it works:
1. Determine Eligibility: When purchasing a sauna from Havenly, you’ll fill out a form to assess whether you qualify for an LMN.
2. Medical Review: Your responses will be reviewed by our partnered healthcare providers. If eligible, you’ll receive your LMN, which you’ll need to keep on file for compliance.
3. Use Your Funds: Once you have your LMN, you can use your HSA or FSA funds toward your sauna purchase, enjoying savings of up to 30–40%.
For more information on obtaining a Letter of Medical Necessity, you can refer to the Department of Labor's guidelines.
Benefits of Buying a Sauna with HSA/FSA
Purchasing a sauna with your HSA or FSA funds not only makes the investment more affordable but also offers several health benefits:
1. Tax-Advantaged Savings
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Pre-Tax Dollars: By using your HSA or FSA, you can buy a sauna with pre-tax dollars, effectively reducing the overall cost by 30-40%. This makes saunas a more accessible investment for your home wellness routine.
2. Proven Health Benefits
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Physical and Mental Wellness: Saunas are officially considered eligible medical expenses due to their numerous health benefits, including improved circulation, enhanced immune function, stress reduction, and detoxification.
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Low-Intensity Exercise Alternative: Saunas can mimic the cardiovascular benefits of low-intensity exercise, offering pain relief, fatigue reduction, and even improved skin tone due to increased collagen production.
How to Use Your HSA/FSA for Your Sauna Purchase at Havenly
Using your HSA or FSA at Havenly is straightforward, thanks to our partnership with TrueMed. Follow these steps:
If Your HSA/FSA Debit Card Has Sufficient Funds:
- Add items to your cart and check out.
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Select “TrueMed - Pay with HSA/FSA” as your payment option.
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Complete the eligibility form and enter your HSA/FSA card details.
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Finalize your purchase and enjoy your savings!
If Your HSA/FSA Debit Card Does Not Have Sufficient Funds:
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Click on the “Get pre-qualified” link on the product page.
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Complete the health assessment. If approved, you'll receive your LMN.
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Use a personal credit card or PayPal to complete your purchase.
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Submit your LMN and receipts to your HSA/FSA provider for reimbursement.
For more detailed instructions, visit our HSA/FSA Funds page.
Conclusion
Investing in a sauna is an investment in your long-term health and well-being. By using your HSA or FSA funds, you can make this investment more affordable while enjoying significant tax savings. With Havenly’s partnership with TrueMed, the process of purchasing a sauna with your HSA/FSA is simpler than ever. Whether you’re looking to enhance your physical health, mental well-being, or both, a sauna from Havenly is a worthwhile addition to your home.
Ready to take the next step? Explore our selection of premium saunas and start your journey to better health today with the added benefit of HSA/FSA savings!
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