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Treadmill: HSA Eligibility

Treadmill: requires a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) to be eligible with a Health Savings Account (HSA)

A treadmill may be eligible for reimbursement with a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), or health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a healthcare provider. The LMN must show that the treadmill is being used to treat a diagnosed medical condition. A treadmill is not eligible for reimbursement with a limited-purpose flexible spending account (LPFSA) or a dependent care flexible spending account (DCFSA).

How do I get a Letter of Medical Necessity for a treadmill? 

To get an LMN for a treadmill so you can pay for it with your health savings account, you’ll need documentation from a licensed healthcare provider showing that the treadmill will be used to treat a diagnosed medical condition. 

Treadmills are classified as dual purpose fitness equipment and may only be HSA eligible when recommended for a medical condition by a healthcare provider. 

What documentation should my LMN include? 

The LMN should include: 

  • The diagnosis 

  • The treatment (in this case, a treadmill) 

  • How the treadmill will be used in treatment for the condition 

  • How long you will use the treadmill for the condition 

  • The provider’s name and credentials 

The LMN must be dated before any reimbursement submission. 

Which medical conditions may qualify a treadmill for HSA reimbursement? 

A healthcare provider may issue an LMN for a treadmill for diagnosable medical conditions such as: 

  • Obesity 

  • High blood pressure 

  • Type 2 diabetes 

  • Chronic back pain 

  • Heart disease 

  • Arthritis 

  • Post-surgery rehabilitation 

Does the treadmill brand or model matter for HSA eligibility? 

No, the treadmill brand and model don’t affect HSA eligibility. Any treadmill may qualify with an LMN from a healthcare provider showing that the treadmill is helping to treat a diagnosed medical condition.  

How do I pay: HSA funds at checkout vs. reimbursement 

To buy a treadmill with the pre-tax dollars in your health savings account, you can either: 
 

  • Pay upfront with your HSA card at checkout. 

If you reimburse yourself, keep an itemized receipt of the purchase and the LMN from a healthcare provider. The receipt should include the date of the purchase, the item, the retailer, and how much you paid.

Can I use FSA funds for a treadmill? 

Yes, you can use flexible spending account (FSA) funds to pay for a treadmill. But you must have an LMN from a healthcare provider showing that the treadmill is being used to treat a diagnosed medical condition. Additionally, be sure to check with your FSA administrator about what your specific plan will allow. 
 
Reviewed by the Health-E Commerce Compliance Team 

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