Vibration Plates: FSA and HSA Eligibility
Vibration plates can be FSA and HSA eligible with a letter of medical necessity when a clinician prescribes them to treat a specific condition.
5 minute read
Short answer
Vibration plates can be reimbursed from an FSA, HSA or HRA with a letter of medical necessity. They are a qualified medical expense when a licensed clinician ties them to the treatment of a condition, such as balance loss, osteoporosis, or circulation problems.
Without a letter, a vibration plate is just fitness equipment. The IRS rule is that amounts paid to "improve one's general health" are not medical expenses under Publication 502. But when a clinician names a condition and explains in writing how vibration therapy treats it, the purchase can be reimbursed with a letter.
The short answer on vibration plates
Vibration plates are FSA, HSA and HRA eligible with a letter of medical necessity when a clinician ties them to a condition. Publication 502 defines medical care around treating a condition, and separately says "you can't include in medical expenses health club dues or amounts paid to improve one's general health". A vibration plate meets the first standard, not the second, once a clinician diagnoses a condition and explains how vibration therapy treats it.
How to buy a vibration plate
You can buy a vibration plate with any card at any retailer. The letter has to exist before the purchase it covers, so request it before you buy. Once you have the letter from your clinician, complete your purchase, and Burst files the claim. Burst files the claim with your FSA, HSA or HRA administrator, and the administrator pays you out of your account by deposit or check.
When vibration plates are reimbursable and when they're not
Reimbursement always comes down to the letter: does a clinician tie the vibration plate to a medical condition, or are you buying it with no diagnosis behind it?
Scenario | FSA, HSA or HRA? | Notes |
|---|
Vibration plate for general fitness, with no letter | Not reimbursable | No condition behind it, so it's general health improvement under Publication 502. Get a letter first and it can qualify. |
Vibration plate prescribed to treat osteoporosis
With a letter
Clinician names the condition and explains how vibration therapy strengthens bone density
Vibration plate for balance loss or vestibular disorder
With a letter
Reimbursable when prescribed by a physical therapist or physician as treatment
Vibration plate for circulation or lymphatic issues
With a letter
Reimbursable when a clinician ties it to a diagnosed circulatory or lymphatic condition
Vibration plate for muscle recovery or athletic performance | With a letter | Athletic training alone doesn't qualify, but if a clinician ties it to a condition, such as post-injury rehab, it's reimbursable with a letter |
What the letter has to say about vibration plates
A clinician writing a letter of medical necessity for a vibration plate must name a specific condition and explain in one sentence how vibration therapy treats it. The condition must be something a doctor can diagnose: osteoporosis, sarcopenia (age-related muscle loss), a balance disorder, a circulation problem, or a similar medical condition. The letter doesn't need clinical trial data or a prescription. Just the clinician's professional judgment that the device is medically necessary for your condition. Publication 969 applies the same qualified medical expense standard whether you're reimbursed from an FSA, HSA or HRA.
Related recovery and fitness equipment
Vibration plates are one of several recovery devices covered by the same eligibility rule. Other fitness and recovery equipment like massage guns and massage chairs are also reimbursable with a letter when a clinician ties them to a condition. Treadmills, walking pads, and other home fitness equipment work the same way: reimbursable with a letter once a clinician ties them to a condition.
Getting vibration plate reimbursed with Burst
Get the letter first, then buy anywhere with any card.
Money in your FSA or HSA was never taxed. Say the vibration plate is $300. Pay for it from your FSA/HSA instead of your checking account and you keep about $90 that would have gone to taxes. The letter costs $35 once. You come out about $55 ahead. The exact figure depends on your tax bracket.
Here is what you get for the $35. You shop anywhere and pay the way you already pay. A licensed clinician reviews your request and you have your letter within 24 hours, or within 2 hours with expedited review ($10 more, weekdays 8am to 8pm ET). Burst files the claim. The money comes back to your bank account. If the claim is denied, Burst writes the appeal and refunds you. You pay $35, once.
The letter ties the plate to something you're managing, like osteoporosis or muscle loss. You don't need a diagnosis in hand. The clinician reviewing your request decides what fits your situation.
Get reimbursed for my vibration plate
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my FSA for a vibration plate?
Yes, with a letter of medical necessity from a clinician. Your vibration plate is reimbursable when a clinician prescribes it to treat a condition like osteoporosis, balance loss, or circulation problems.
What conditions might make a vibration plate reimbursable?
A vibration plate is reimbursable when a clinician prescribes it to treat conditions such as osteoporosis, balance disorders, sarcopenia, or circulation problems. The clinician must name the specific condition and explain how vibration therapy treats it.
Is a vibration plate reimbursable for athletic training or muscle growth?
Not on its own. Athletic training and muscle building are general fitness goals, which Publication 502 doesn't cover. But if a clinician diagnoses a specific condition, such as post-injury rehab, and ties the vibration plate to treating it, you can get a letter and be reimbursed.
What makes vibration plates different from massage guns?
Both are reimbursable when a clinician prescribes them to treat a condition. Neither is reimbursable for general recovery or fitness. They follow the same eligibility rule.
Does my doctor need to prescribe a specific brand of vibration plate?
No. Your clinician just needs to state that vibration therapy is medically necessary to treat your condition. You can buy any brand or model that fits your budget.
Can I get reimbursed for a vibration plate I already bought?
No. The letter must exist before the purchase it covers. Request your letter before you buy to ensure reimbursement.
Keep reading: Letter of medical necessity for exercise equipment, Massagers and massage guns: FSA and HSA eligibility, 75+ surprising FSA/HSA eligible items, and all guides on this topic.
Sources
IRS Publication 502 - Medical and Dental Expenses (health club dues and fitness equipment eligibility rules, general definition of qualified medical expenses, distinction between general health improvement and medical treatment)
IRS Publication 969 - Health Savings Accounts and Other Tax-Favored Health Plans (FSA, HSA and HRA qualified medical expense rules)
Healthcare.gov Glossary (account types and qualified medical expense definitions)
