💡 Quick Answer: Yes, red light therapy is HSA and FSA eligible when used to prevent or treat medical conditions. The IRS recognizes medical expenses under Publication 502 when recommended by a healthcare provider. You need a Letter of Medical Necessity, and Crates Health gets you approved in minutes.
The Hidden Cost Of Light
At-home panels can run from 300 dollars into the thousands. Studio visits often cost 50 to 100 dollars per session. A year of weekly sessions can top 2,500 dollars. With an LMN, those dollars can become tax free.
Why Red Light Therapy Is Actually Medicine
Red and near infrared light at therapeutic doses can reduce pain and improve function in some musculoskeletal conditions. A 2017 meta analysis across 18 trials found low level laser therapy reduced pain, with larger effects when dosing followed recognized guidelines. Evidence is not uniform and protocols vary, but it is credible enough for clinicians to recommend as part of targeted care.
For knee osteoarthritis, results are mixed across trials, which is why individualized dosing and realistic expectations matter. Your LMN should match the device parameters to your condition.
What The IRS Actually Says
Publication 502 allows expenses primarily for prevention or treatment of disease, and the IRS 2023 FAQs explain how wellness items become medical when used to treat a diagnosed condition and documented properly. That is exactly how photobiomodulation qualifies.
What Qualifies With An LMN
- Clinic sessions or memberships explicitly tied to your diagnosis.
- At-home devices when dosing parameters and use are in your plan of care.
- Replacement parts or accessories necessary for the treatment plan.
The LMN That Gets Approved
- Diagnosis or prevention target, for example: chronic neck pain, tendinopathy, knee OA, post surgical pain control.
- Wavelength category and dosing approach.
- Frequency and duration of treatment, usually described for 12 months.
- Provider credentials and signature aligned to FSAFEDS LMN fields.
The Actual Math On Savings
Studio User
75 dollars per session, 50 sessions per year equals 3,750 dollars.
Tax savings at 30 percent equals about 1,125 dollars.
At-Home Panel
2,000 dollar device.
Tax savings at 30 percent equals about 600 dollars.
FAQs
Is red light therapy FDA cleared? Many photobiomodulation devices are Class II medical devices with clearances for indications like temporary relief of pain. Your use still needs to match a medical purpose to qualify for HSA or FSA.
Does it work for everyone? No. Evidence is condition specific, dosing matters, and results vary. That is why you want a provider to document the medical rationale and parameters in your LMN.
Bottom line: When it is part of a real treatment plan, red light therapy can be covered with pre-tax dollars.
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