💡 Quick Answer: OrangeTheory is HSA/FSA eligible because it helps prevent, manage, and reverse a variety of health conditions including cardiovascular disease, obesity, and metabolic disorders, and many others. According to IRS Publication 502, all you need is a Letter of Medical Necessity.
Luckily, we make it ridiculously simple. Crates Health is the fastest way to get your personalized and compliant letter for OrangeTheory and thousands of other wellness products, plus we handle your reimbursements directly through our platform with just one click.
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What is OrangeTheory Fitness
OrangeTheory is the science-backed fitness chain that turns heart rate training into an addictive game you’ll actually want to win. Picture this: you’re in a studio with treadmills, rowing machines, and weights while giant screens track your real-time heart rate alongside everyone else’s. The goal? Spend 12-20 minutes in the coveted “Orange Zone” (84%+ of your max heart rate) to trigger the “afterburn effect” that keeps torching calories for up to 24 hours after class.
With over 1,300 studios nationwide, OrangeTheory combines cardio and strength training in constantly changing 60-minute workouts. You’ll rotate between treadmills (or bikes/striders), water rowers, and the weight floor while coaches guide you through science-backed intervals. The OTBeat heart rate monitor shows exactly which zone you’re in, making it feel like a personal video game where everyone’s rooting for each other. The community vibe is infectious. Members genuinely celebrate when someone hits a new personal record, and the energy makes even the most brutal workout feel like a party.
Why OrangeTheory Fitness Qualifies for HSA/FSA
According to IRS regulations, gym memberships can qualify as eligible medical expenses with a Letter of Medical Necessity under specific circumstances outlined in Publication 502.
IRS Publication 502 states that medical expenses are “the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and for the purpose of affecting any part or function of the body,” but “must be primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental condition or illness.”
This means OrangeTheory membership can qualify for HSA/FSA reimbursement for prevention or treatment of:
- Cardiovascular disease and hypertension
- Obesity and metabolic disorders
- Type 2 diabetes
- Depression and anxiety disorders
- Osteoporosis and bone density issues
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- ADHD and attention disorders
- Sleep disorders and insomnia
The key requirement is that your healthcare provider must note the heart rate-based interval training as medically necessary for managing your specific health condition, not just for general wellness. This documentation comes in the form of a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN).
How to Assess Your Eligibility
Traditional Route: Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician, discuss your health conditions and fitness goals, and request a Letter of Medical Necessity if exercise is recommended as part of your treatment plan. This typically requires an office visit, potential wait times, and can cost $50-100+ depending on your insurance.
Faster, Smarter Route: Use Crates Health to get your Letter of Medical Necessity online in just a few minutes. Our platform connects you with licensed healthcare providers who can evaluate your conditions remotely and issue the appropriate documentation if you qualify. No office visits, no waiting weeks for appointments, and no surprise medical bills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do other heart rate training and fitness classes qualify for HSA/FSA?
Absolutely! With the right medical documentation, you can potentially use HSA/FSA funds for other HIIT classes, gym memberships, personal training sessions, fitness apps, and wearable devices, as long as they’re recommended for treating specific medical conditions.
How does reimbursement work?
Some retailers accept HSA/FSA cards (most don’t though). When they don’t, you need to use your personal card and then reimburse yourself. This means finding and storing receipts and then uploading them and your LMN to your HSA/FSA admin portal. With Crates, we make this process simple: upload your receipt and get one click reimbursements all from our platform.
What is a Letter of Medical Necessity?
A Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) is a document from a licensed healthcare provider that explains why a specific expense like your OrangeTheory membership is medically necessary for treating a diagnosed condition. It’s the official paperwork that proves your heart rate training isn’t just for general fitness. Each LMN typically remains valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
Will my claim get denied?
Every HSA/FSA admin is unique and may initially deny some claims. Usually, it is related to receipt format (must be itemized), LMN format, or other supporting documentation. With Crates, we will support you through this process and make sure you get your money back.
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