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FSA Store® Issues Alert for June 30 flexible spending account (FSA) Spending Deadline: Check Your Balance and Use, Don't Lose, Tax-free Funds
FSA Store® Issues Alert for June 30 flexible spending account (FSA) Spending Deadline: Check Your Balance and Use, Don't Lose, Tax-free Funds

Yahoo

time5 days ago

  • Business
  • Yahoo

FSA Store® Issues Alert for June 30 flexible spending account (FSA) Spending Deadline: Check Your Balance and Use, Don't Lose, Tax-free Funds

FSA Store recommends three steps to help account holders avoid forfeiting unused funds to the June 30 deadline – a common FSA deadline for government employees DALLAS, June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Individuals who are employed by federal, state, and local governments and who rely on these employers for their health benefits could be facing a June 30 spending deadline for their flexible spending account (FSA) funds. To help these account holders avoid forfeiting funds, FSA Store – the first and leading online marketplace to exclusively sell products and telehealth services that are FSA-eligible – is issuing a reminder to check balances and spend down remaining FSA funds before the end of the month (if this deadline applies to you). "Financial pressures are high for American families, and using tax-free FSA funds to pay for healthcare needs throughout the year is one way consumers can reduce their taxable income and ensure that their healthcare needs are being met," said Rachel Rouleau, chief compliance officer for Health-E Commerce®, parent brand to FSA Store. "Lack of understanding and awareness about deadlines and how to use tax-free funds is the most common reason people forfeit FSA funds, which is why we offer deep consumer education and account management tools, and a guaranteed FSA-eligible shopping experience to reverse this trend." What is an FSA? An FSA is a tax-advantaged, employer-sponsored benefit that allows employees to set aside pre-tax dollars for healthcare expenses. Contributions to an FSA reduce an individual's taxable income and funds can be used for medical appointments, prescriptions, over-the-counter products, and a broad list of everyday healthcare products and telehealth services – all of which helps reduce out-of-pocket healthcare costs. Three steps to avoid losing money to the June 30 FSA deadline: Check your deadline. Remember, not all FSAs follow the same schedule. While most private employers use a December 31 deadline, June 30 is a common deadline for government-sponsored and state employee plans. After this date, any unused funds are forfeited unless your plan includes one of the following options: Grace period extension. Employers may opt to give employees a grace period of two-and-a-half months after their plan year deadline to spend down remaining FSA funds from the previous calendar year. Carryover extension. Employers may allow employees to carry over up to $640 in FSA funds from the current plan year to the next. Check your FSA balance. According to the Employee Benefit Research Institute, the average FSA contribution in recent years has been around $1,300. However, approximately 50% of users forfeit at least some of their FSA funds, with the average loss totaling over $400 per person. Meanwhile, industry estimates show that FSA users forfeit an average of $3 billion each year by missing this check your balance, log into your FSA portal or contact your plan administrator. offers tools to help track spending, view deadlines, and shop confidently without guessing which items are eligible. Map out healthcare spending. The list of FSA-eligible items and services has expanded over the years to make these accounts more advantageous to people at all ages and stages of life. Many individuals and families are surprised to learn that FSA funds can be used for: Over-the-counter medications Sunscreen and SPF skincare First-aid kits Allergy treatments Acne treatments and dermatology Menstrual care products Drug-free pain relief tools High-tech health devices like migraine masks, hearing aids, and diagnostic monitors Telehealth services for mental health, men and women's hormonal health, weight loss, sleep health, vision care, fertility planning, and much more To help account holders maximize their tax-free funds, FSA Store offers a Deadline Spending Guide and interactive deadline spending tool, a searchable eligibility list, product bundles, the ability to shop by price to align with their remaining funds, and much more. Consumers are encouraged to consider FSA Store's list of most frequently purchased products so far this year. About Health-E CommerceHealth-E Commerce is the parent brand to FSA Store and HSA Store, online stores that serve the 70+ million consumers enrolled in pre-tax health and wellness accounts. The company also created Caring Mill®, a popular private-label line of health products through which a portion of every purchase is donated to the Children's Health Fund. Since 2010, the Health-E Commerce brands have led the direct-to-consumer e-commerce market for exclusively pre-tax health and wellness benefits. Health-E Commerce plays an essential role in expanding product eligibility for important new products and telehealth services within the list of eligible medical expenses. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Health-E Commerce Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

The March FSA deadline is almost here: 35 surprising things you can buy with your money
The March FSA deadline is almost here: 35 surprising things you can buy with your money

Yahoo

time06-03-2025

  • Business
  • Yahoo

The March FSA deadline is almost here: 35 surprising things you can buy with your money

If you're one of the lucky people who has a grace period for using your Flexible Spending Account money, that date is quickly approaching: March 15 is the use-it-or-lose-it deadline. If you didn't spent all your FSA cash in 2024, you could now officially lose it. But if you don't have any medical bills left to pay and you're all stocked up on the usual suspects — glasses, contacts, prescriptions, over-the-counter meds — there are tons of other FSA-eligible items you may not be aware of. Plus, it gives you a reason to splurge on yourself. (Who wouldn't want that?) Surprisingly, FSA dollars can be spent on big ticket items like treadmills, massage guns and light therapy devices. You can even shop at Amazon or several other stores with your money — there are designated FSA shops on most major retailers' websites with a slew of eligible items. Not sure what to buy? Keep reading for some of our favorite FSA-eligible health-care product picks. During open enrollment, many employers give workers the option to sign up for a Flexible Spending Account, also known as a flexible spending arrangement. This account allows you to use tax-free dollars to pay for medical-related expenses and products. For 2024, you could contribute up to $3,200 (it's now up to $3,300 for 2025), per the IRS. Employers could also match up to $3,200, for a max of $6,400. Unlike a health savings account, funds from your FSA typically don't roll over into the next year, though some plans allowed up to $660 to be carried over into 2025, so it's worth checking. If you're one of the lucky few with rolled over money, your grace period is coming to an end on March 15. Otherwise, any amount you've saved needs to be spent before the end of the year on qualifying expenses so you don't lose it. Keep your FSA card handy, because there are a ton of stores where you can shop. They include: FSA store Amazon FSA store Walmart FSA shop Target FSA shop Walgreens FSA store These days, health-related products truly run the gamut, and you can even pay for some shiny new tech with your tax-free dollars. Even better, many of the products below have been vetted by Yahoo experts, including the Renpho massage gun, the NordicTrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill and the Oura Ring Gen3 Horizon. The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.

What is a dependent care FSA?
What is a dependent care FSA?

Yahoo

time18-02-2025

  • Business
  • Yahoo

What is a dependent care FSA?

A dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA) is a tax-advantaged account that lets you build tax-free savings for adult and childcare expenses. It's a nice perk, but it requires some planning, and there are rules you need to follow. DCFSAs are part of employer benefits or cafeteria plans. If your employer offers it, you can sign up during open enrollment or a qualifying life event and choose how much to contribute from each paycheck. Your employer may give you a debit card to pay for eligible expenses, or you can pay out of pocket and submit a claim form for reimbursement. To be eligible for dependent care benefits, you have to work for an employer that offers it and meet IRS requirements for claiming dependent care expenses, including the following: The expenses must pay for caring for a child under 13 or a spouse or dependent who cannot care for themselves. You (and your spouse if filing jointly) have earned income during the year. You're paying for care so you can work or look for work. Funding your DCFSA with pre-tax money lowers your taxable income and, ultimately, your tax bill. For a married couple in the 22% federal tax bracket, tax savings from a dependent care FSA could total $1,100. You can save up to the annual contribution limit, which is $5,000 (or $2,500 if you're married and filing separately) for both 2024 and 2025. Aim to use your DCFSA funds by the end of the plan year, or you'll forfeit them to your employer. An employer can offer up to a 2 ½ month grace period where you can continue to incur and claim approved expenses. Talk with your human resources group or check your employee benefits plan for specific details. The dependent care FSA contribution limit is staying the same for 2025. How much you can save depends on your tax filing status. Single or head of household: $5,000 Married, filing jointly: $5,000 Married, filing separately: $2,500 Since you have to set your contribution amount for the year ahead of time — usually during open enrollment — you'll have to do some planning. Estimate your 2025 expenses, by looking at what you spent in previous years or adding up monthly fees for your children's preschool, for example, to determine how much you should save. Remember, you forfeit unused FSA funds at the end of the calendar year. Expenses are FSA-eligible if they are work-related, meaning they're costs you pay for the care of a qualifying dependent so you can work or look for work. Examples of dependent care FSA-approved expenses could include: Daycare, preschool, or similar programs. A babysitter, au pair, or nanny who watches your child while you work. Before- or after-school programs and summer day camps. Dependent care centers, like adult day care. Some expenses that are not FSA eligible include private school tuition, overnight camps, and music lessons or sports programs. You may be able to combine dependent care tax breaks and maximize your savings. Consider these additional savings for households with children or dependents. Child tax credit: The child tax credit is a tax break for households with kids under 13. You can claim this credit, worth up to $2,000 per child for 2024, even with a DCFSA. Child and dependent care tax credit: The child and dependent care tax credit lowers your tax bill based on what you paid for dependent care. Because the DCFSA and childcare credit cover similar expenses, you can use both as long as you don't claim the same expenses for both benefits. Households can claim up to $3,000 for one dependent or $6,000 for two or more dependents. A dependent care FSA is one of several savings accounts with tax benefits. Here are two others worth noting. Healthcare FSA: Use pre-tax money to save and pay for eligible health expenses through a healthcare savings account only available through your employer. Health savings Account (HSA): Like an FSA, you can use an HSA to save for medical expenses with pre-tax dollars, but only if you're enrolled in a high deductible health plan. You don't need an employer to open an HSA, and there is no annual deadline to use the funds. Go further: All you need to know about Health Savings Accounts Your dependent care FSA balance does not roll over. Unused funds usually expire at the end of the year unless your employer offers a grace period of up to 2 ½ months into the new year. FSA-eligible expenses are for qualifying adult or childcare that allows you to work or look for work. These programs could include elder care, babysitting, nursery school, and before- or after-school care. You can use a dependent care FSA with the child tax credit. The child tax credit gives up to $2,000 per qualifying child. You may also be able to combine your FSA with the child and dependent care credit, which is a tax break for dependent care expenses. The dependent care credit provides $3,000 for one dependent and $6,000 for two or more dependents. You can't claim expenses already reimbursed through your FSA.

The 10 best FSA-approved foot massagers, according to podiatrists
The 10 best FSA-approved foot massagers, according to podiatrists

CNN

time28-01-2025

  • Health
  • CNN

The 10 best FSA-approved foot massagers, according to podiatrists

Investing in the best foot massager isn't just a luxury, but a necessity for maintaining overall podiatric health and daily comfort. And when you have the option of getting some hard-earned cash back from your employer-sponsored flexible spending account, this FSA-eligible expense is a smart step in the right direction. 'Foot massagers are a great way to soothe tired, achy feet and FSA-approved massagers have the added bonus of potentially saving people some of the expense,' says Dr. Michael Nirenberg, a clinical and forensic podiatrist at Friendly Foot Care in Indiana. 'I have seen both FSA and non-FSA foot massagers that are excellent. My feeling is that health care is expensive, and if you can save a little money, go for an FSA-approved foot massager.' From FSA-approved foot massagers that help boost circulation and eradicate everyday pains to options that simply melt away stress and promote relaxation, here's exactly what to look for and which options to shop for some extra pep in your step. Caresky Pro Shiatsu Foot Massager Between its three heat levels, safety timer, numerous massage modes and remote control for ultimate convenience, this FSA-approved foot massager checks off every box. 'I recommend the Caresky Pro Foot Massager,' says Nirenberg says. 'This massager gives a good balance between features and safety. It offers multiple types of massage and heat, and while at first glance it looks bulky, it is not heavy.' The best part? It comfortably fits feet up to size 14. TheraFlow Small Dual-Foot Massager If staying pain-free on the road is a priority for you, be sure to grab this compact, expert-approved pick that doesn't require any batteries or charging ports to operate. 'This is a portable, manual option that is great for targeting plantar fasciitis pain and improving circulation,' says Dr. Gregory Alvarez, podiatrist at Ankle & Foot Centers of America. Cloud Massage Shiatsu Foot Massager To feel like you're walking on clouds, consider adding this comfortable option to your cart. 'This one offers deep-tissue massage, heat and compression therapy, making it suitable for chronic foot pain and swelling,' Alvarez says. Bob and Brad Foot Massager The allure of this FSA-approved foot massager is that it's designed to feel like a lifelike massage that uses hands and fingers to melt away pain and sensitivity. Its remote control further adds to its convenience, while multiple massage modes, heat settings and intensities allow you to walk away feeling lighter and more comfortable in your step. Renpho Shiatsu Foot Massager With Heat Alvarez recommends this popular model because 'it combines kneading, rolling and heat functions in a compact design, ideal for stress relief and circulation.' As it focuses predominantly on massaging the arches and heel of the foot — as opposed to the toes — it makes for a solid option for those struggling with plantar fasciitis. Miko Shiatsu Foot, Calf and Ankle Massager With Heat Whether you're experiencing swelling, neuropathy or chronic pain, this foot massager with access to your calves provides some much-needed relief with your choice of intensity. 'This massager offers many different options and massage levels for those with sensitive feet,' Nirenberg says. Plus, the included remote allows you to personalize your foot massage, well, remotely. Tisscare Foot Massager With Heat This FSA-eligible foot massager combines heat therapy with shiatsu massage to deliver a spa-grade therapeutic experience from the comfort of your favorite chair. It's equipped with five levels of air compression and three massage modes to melt away sore spots. Use the adjustable handle to angle it toward either your feet or your calves for a bespoke massage experience to promote circulation where you need it most. Tadoune 2-in-1 EMS Foot Massager Mat For ultimate relief on the go, look no further than this 2-in-1 foot massager mat that doubles as a back massager (it's also suitable for virtually anywhere you can use a little extra TLC). Despite its simple interface, it boasts a whopping eight modes and 19 intensities. Thanks to a 15-minute auto shutoff feature, you can doze off while using it — worry-free. Yoyomax Electric Foot Massager With Heat and Ice Therapy Our experts agree the application of heat can do wonders for achy feet, but it can come at the risk of sores and infections, especially for users with diabetes. An alternate option with plenty of restorative benefits is this foot massager boasting a cold therapy component, proven to reduce inflammation and promote recovery. Fit King Air Massager This wraparound-style massager uses air compression to deliver a therapeutic massage from the knee all the way down, with two massage modes and three intensity levels. The attached handheld remote means, unlike the others hidden in your couch cushions, it'll never get lost. The massager comes with two calf extensions to fit a wider range of users. Personalized modes When looking for an FSA-approved foot massager, 'it is best to first think about what you want the massager to do for you and your particular situation,' Nirenberg says. He recommends looking for foot massagers that allow you to alternate between massage types, like shiatsu, kneading and rolling, to suit your needs and comfort level. 'Features vary as well,' he says. 'Do you want vibration, heat or even a remote control if you do not want to have to bend down to operate the device? I know a lot of my older patients simply cannot bend down without difficulty, often due to arthritis, and for them, having a massager with a remote control [is a wise option].' Alvarez says the foot massager should boast an ergonomic design that caters to different foot sizes so you can be sure it works for you. While FSA-approved foot massagers can indeed be therapeutic from a medical vantage point, he says they are also designed to be a useful tool for relaxation. Wider massage ranges According to Nirenberg, our calves play an important role in pumping blood throughout our feet and legs, so a massager that can assist in this function may be a worthy option. 'I try to find foot massagers that not only work on my feet but my calves as well,' Nirenberg says. 'These seem to get the blood moving better.' Safety features When heat and pressure are involved, you always want to look for safety features like auto shutoff. 'Another safety feature I like are massagers that can be set to turn off after a period of time automatically,' Nirenberg says. 'This way, if a person falls asleep, the machine will not keep going and lead to an injury.' FSA eligibility It may sound obvious, but it's worth the reminder: Before adding to cart, double-check that the foot massager in question is actually eligible for FSA reimbursement. 'Ensure the massager is explicitly labeled as FSA eligible and check the manufacturer's details, or consult your FSA plan administrator for confirmation,' Alvarez says. Expert consultation Before investing in an FSA-approved foot massager, speak with your medical provider or podiatrist to confirm whether the device is right for you. 'As an important caution for diabetic patients, those with neuropathy or poor circulation should check with their podiatrist first,' says Nirenberg, adding that some massagers can be quite strong or get very warm, posing a risk of developing sores or infections. 'Over my 30-plus years in practice, I have seen some diabetic patients end up with serious infections and even amputations from heating or massage devices.' The following FAQs have been answered by podiatrist Gregory Alvarez. What are the different types of FSA-approved foot massagers? What are the different types of FSA-approved foot massagers? FSA-approved foot massagers typically fall into the following categories. Manual massagers, which are handheld or roller devices that provide customizable pressure. Electric massagers, which are powered devices with features like vibration, kneading and heat therapy for deeper relaxation and therapeutic benefits. Compression massagers, which use air pressure to improve circulation and reduce swelling, and is particularly beneficial for those with conditions like edema. Hydrotherapy massagers, which are foot spas that combine water jets and massage functions for added do I use FSA dollars on an FSA-approved foot massager? How do I use FSA dollars on an FSA-approved foot massager? To use FSA dollars, purchase a foot massager labeled as FSA eligible through a retailer that accepts FSA cards or provides an itemized receipt for reimbursement. Some massagers may require a letter of medical necessity (LMN) from your health care provider, so check with your FSA plan to confirm any additional documentation requirements. Are FSA-approved foot massagers similar in quality to regular foot massagers? Are FSA-approved foot massagers similar in quality to regular foot massagers? FSA-approved foot massagers are often the same quality as regular foot massagers. The key difference lies in their eligibility for FSA spending, which requires the device to meet specific health-related criteria. Many high-quality brands design products that qualify for FSA approval, ensuring you get both therapeutic benefits and value. For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights. Dr. Gregory Alvarez, podiatrist at Ankle & Foot Centers of America Dr. Michael Nirenberg, clinical and forensic podiatrist at Friendly Footcare in Indiana CNN Underscored thoroughly tests all the products we cover and provides full transparency about how we test them. We have an experienced team of writers and editors who have many years of testing experience and ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. Contributing editor Marissa Miller has 15 years of experience writing and reporting on all things health and well-being, and serves as a certified personal trainer with a specialization in orthopedic exercise. For this article, she consulted two board-certified podiatrists for their advice on selecting the best FSA-approved foot massagers. Explore trending products HigherDose Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna Sunlighten mPulse Aspire Smart Tatdol Portable Home Steam Sauna Box Maxxus Lifesauna Aspen 2-Person Infrared

The 10 best FSA-approved foot massagers, according to podiatrists
The 10 best FSA-approved foot massagers, according to podiatrists

CNN

time28-01-2025

  • Health
  • CNN

The 10 best FSA-approved foot massagers, according to podiatrists

Investing in the best foot massager isn't just a luxury, but a necessity for maintaining overall podiatric health and daily comfort. And when you have the option of getting some hard-earned cash back from your employer-sponsored flexible spending account, this FSA-eligible expense is a smart step in the right direction. 'Foot massagers are a great way to soothe tired, achy feet and FSA-approved massagers have the added bonus of potentially saving people some of the expense,' says Dr. Michael Nirenberg, a clinical and forensic podiatrist at Friendly Foot Care in Indiana. 'I have seen both FSA and non-FSA foot massagers that are excellent. My feeling is that health care is expensive, and if you can save a little money, go for an FSA-approved foot massager.' From FSA-approved foot massagers that help boost circulation and eradicate everyday pains to options that simply melt away stress and promote relaxation, here's exactly what to look for and which options to shop for some extra pep in your step. Caresky Pro Shiatsu Foot Massager Between its three heat levels, safety timer, numerous massage modes and remote control for ultimate convenience, this FSA-approved foot massager checks off every box. 'I recommend the Caresky Pro Foot Massager,' says Nirenberg says. 'This massager gives a good balance between features and safety. It offers multiple types of massage and heat, and while at first glance it looks bulky, it is not heavy.' The best part? It comfortably fits feet up to size 14. TheraFlow Small Dual-Foot Massager If staying pain-free on the road is a priority for you, be sure to grab this compact, expert-approved pick that doesn't require any batteries or charging ports to operate. 'This is a portable, manual option that is great for targeting plantar fasciitis pain and improving circulation,' says Dr. Gregory Alvarez, podiatrist at Ankle & Foot Centers of America. Cloud Massage Shiatsu Foot Massager To feel like you're walking on clouds, consider adding this comfortable option to your cart. 'This one offers deep-tissue massage, heat and compression therapy, making it suitable for chronic foot pain and swelling,' Alvarez says. Bob and Brad Foot Massager The allure of this FSA-approved foot massager is that it's designed to feel like a lifelike massage that uses hands and fingers to melt away pain and sensitivity. Its remote control further adds to its convenience, while multiple massage modes, heat settings and intensities allow you to walk away feeling lighter and more comfortable in your step. Renpho Shiatsu Foot Massager With Heat Alvarez recommends this popular model because 'it combines kneading, rolling and heat functions in a compact design, ideal for stress relief and circulation.' As it focuses predominantly on massaging the arches and heel of the foot — as opposed to the toes — it makes for a solid option for those struggling with plantar fasciitis. Miko Shiatsu Foot, Calf and Ankle Massager With Heat Whether you're experiencing swelling, neuropathy or chronic pain, this foot massager with access to your calves provides some much-needed relief with your choice of intensity. 'This massager offers many different options and massage levels for those with sensitive feet,' Nirenberg says. Plus, the included remote allows you to personalize your foot massage, well, remotely. Tisscare Foot Massager With Heat This FSA-eligible foot massager combines heat therapy with shiatsu massage to deliver a spa-grade therapeutic experience from the comfort of your favorite chair. It's equipped with five levels of air compression and three massage modes to melt away sore spots. Use the adjustable handle to angle it toward either your feet or your calves for a bespoke massage experience to promote circulation where you need it most. Tadoune 2-in-1 EMS Foot Massager Mat For ultimate relief on the go, look no further than this 2-in-1 foot massager mat that doubles as a back massager (it's also suitable for virtually anywhere you can use a little extra TLC). Despite its simple interface, it boasts a whopping eight modes and 19 intensities. Thanks to a 15-minute auto shutoff feature, you can doze off while using it — worry-free. Yoyomax Electric Foot Massager With Heat and Ice Therapy Our experts agree the application of heat can do wonders for achy feet, but it can come at the risk of sores and infections, especially for users with diabetes. An alternate option with plenty of restorative benefits is this foot massager boasting a cold therapy component, proven to reduce inflammation and promote recovery. Fit King Air Massager This wraparound-style massager uses air compression to deliver a therapeutic massage from the knee all the way down, with two massage modes and three intensity levels. The attached handheld remote means, unlike the others hidden in your couch cushions, it'll never get lost. The massager comes with two calf extensions to fit a wider range of users. Personalized modes When looking for an FSA-approved foot massager, 'it is best to first think about what you want the massager to do for you and your particular situation,' Nirenberg says. He recommends looking for foot massagers that allow you to alternate between massage types, like shiatsu, kneading and rolling, to suit your needs and comfort level. 'Features vary as well,' he says. 'Do you want vibration, heat or even a remote control if you do not want to have to bend down to operate the device? I know a lot of my older patients simply cannot bend down without difficulty, often due to arthritis, and for them, having a massager with a remote control [is a wise option].' Alvarez says the foot massager should boast an ergonomic design that caters to different foot sizes so you can be sure it works for you. While FSA-approved foot massagers can indeed be therapeutic from a medical vantage point, he says they are also designed to be a useful tool for relaxation. Wider massage ranges According to Nirenberg, our calves play an important role in pumping blood throughout our feet and legs, so a massager that can assist in this function may be a worthy option. 'I try to find foot massagers that not only work on my feet but my calves as well,' Nirenberg says. 'These seem to get the blood moving better.' Safety features When heat and pressure are involved, you always want to look for safety features like auto shutoff. 'Another safety feature I like are massagers that can be set to turn off after a period of time automatically,' Nirenberg says. 'This way, if a person falls asleep, the machine will not keep going and lead to an injury.' FSA eligibility It may sound obvious, but it's worth the reminder: Before adding to cart, double-check that the foot massager in question is actually eligible for FSA reimbursement. 'Ensure the massager is explicitly labeled as FSA eligible and check the manufacturer's details, or consult your FSA plan administrator for confirmation,' Alvarez says. Expert consultation Before investing in an FSA-approved foot massager, speak with your medical provider or podiatrist to confirm whether the device is right for you. 'As an important caution for diabetic patients, those with neuropathy or poor circulation should check with their podiatrist first,' says Nirenberg, adding that some massagers can be quite strong or get very warm, posing a risk of developing sores or infections. 'Over my 30-plus years in practice, I have seen some diabetic patients end up with serious infections and even amputations from heating or massage devices.' The following FAQs have been answered by podiatrist Gregory Alvarez. What are the different types of FSA-approved foot massagers? What are the different types of FSA-approved foot massagers? FSA-approved foot massagers typically fall into the following categories. Manual massagers, which are handheld or roller devices that provide customizable pressure. Electric massagers, which are powered devices with features like vibration, kneading and heat therapy for deeper relaxation and therapeutic benefits. Compression massagers, which use air pressure to improve circulation and reduce swelling, and is particularly beneficial for those with conditions like edema. Hydrotherapy massagers, which are foot spas that combine water jets and massage functions for added do I use FSA dollars on an FSA-approved foot massager? How do I use FSA dollars on an FSA-approved foot massager? To use FSA dollars, purchase a foot massager labeled as FSA eligible through a retailer that accepts FSA cards or provides an itemized receipt for reimbursement. Some massagers may require a letter of medical necessity (LMN) from your health care provider, so check with your FSA plan to confirm any additional documentation requirements. Are FSA-approved foot massagers similar in quality to regular foot massagers? Are FSA-approved foot massagers similar in quality to regular foot massagers? FSA-approved foot massagers are often the same quality as regular foot massagers. The key difference lies in their eligibility for FSA spending, which requires the device to meet specific health-related criteria. Many high-quality brands design products that qualify for FSA approval, ensuring you get both therapeutic benefits and value. For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights. Dr. Gregory Alvarez, podiatrist at Ankle & Foot Centers of America Dr. Michael Nirenberg, clinical and forensic podiatrist at Friendly Footcare in Indiana CNN Underscored thoroughly tests all the products we cover and provides full transparency about how we test them. We have an experienced team of writers and editors who have many years of testing experience and ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. Contributing editor Marissa Miller has 15 years of experience writing and reporting on all things health and well-being, and serves as a certified personal trainer with a specialization in orthopedic exercise. For this article, she consulted two board-certified podiatrists for their advice on selecting the best FSA-approved foot massagers. Explore trending products HigherDose Full-Spectrum Infrared Sauna Sunlighten mPulse Aspire Smart Tatdol Portable Home Steam Sauna Box Maxxus Lifesauna Aspen 2-Person Infrared

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