Private insurance companies provide very limited coverage for massage. Meaning it is not typically available as a standard benefit. However, massage coverage may be available through alternative medical coverage options. As we begin to offer physical therapy (stay tuned for information about Core Therapies!) and continue NRT/Myotherapy services in a clinic setting, you may find you have other options for paying for your massage related services.
Many employers offer Flexible Savings Accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Accounts (HSA) as part of their employee benefit package. These tax-advantaged medical savings accounts are often used by people who are enrolled in high deductible insurance programs. The funds contributed to the accounts are typically not subject to Federal income tax at the time of the deposit. When the funds in the account are used to cover qualified medical expenses, they are not subject to taxation at the time of use.
In certain circumstances, money from an FSA or HAS may be used to cover massage therapy. For example; when the therapy is being utilized to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental ailment. Examples of illnesses that may be covered include carpal tunnel syndrome, stress, back pain, arthritis, diabetes, hypertension, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression and chronic pain.
If you suffer from or have been diagnosed with one of these conditions and you have an FSA or HSA account, you may speak with your physician about obtaining a prescription for massage therapy. The physician’s prescription must provide three pieces of information:
- Reason for treatment/medical necessity (example: chronic low back pain)
- Frequency/number of sessions (example: two sessions per week)
- Duration (example: 3 months)
If you intend to use your FSA or HSA account for NRT services, be sure to check with your insurance provider so that you understand their specific usage requirements. Or better yet, allow us to do it on your behalf. Stacie Sickels, our Billing Manager for Core Therapies, will be happy to do the legwork for you! You may contact Stacie at 602-258-0248 or at stacie@corecrossfit.com.
CoreCrossFit and Core Therapies provide therapeutic massage (Neuromuscular Release Therapy and Myotherapy) for $35 for a 30 minute session or $65 for one hour. You may schedule your appointment by calling the front desk at 602-254-5301 or email ali@corecrossfit.com.
Also, checkout this article recently published in the Wall Street Journal’s Health & Wellness section about the medical benefits of massage.
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