Light Therapy: HSA Eligibility

When does red light/blue light therapy qualify for reimbursement? 

Red and blue light therapy qualify for HSA reimbursement when they’re used to treat a medical condition, such as skin disorders.  

Red light therapy doesn’t qualify for reimbursement if it’s being used for anti-aging or general wellness.  

Which conditions can light therapy devices treat? 

Light therapy may be used to treat the following conditions: 

• Psoriasis 

• Eczema 

• Rosacea 

• Acne 

• Vitiligo 

• Newborn jaundice 

• Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma 

• Wounds 

Does the device type or brand matter for eligibility? 

No, the primary purpose of the device determines whether it qualifies—not the type or brand. Masks, panels, wraps, and handheld devices may all be eligible if their primary purpose is to treat a condition. Likewise for brands.  

If the device is used to primarily treat a medical condition, it will likely qualify for HSA reimbursement. 

Blue light, yellow light, red light: What's the difference? 

Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, encompasses a wide range of treatments that use ultraviolet light to treat skin conditions. The lights used in treatment have different colors.  

The main colors of light are: 

• Blue: This type of light resembles the light from your cell phone. It penetrates the uppermost layer of your skin and is a common light therapy treatment for jaundice.  

• Yellow: This light penetrates more deeply than blue light and can help with redness, irritated skin, rosacea, and swelling. 

• Red: This type of light includes laser lights. It penetrates even deeper into the skin and can treat wrinkles, acne, and scars.  

Reviewed by the Health-E Commerce Compliance Team