Massage chair recliners can potentially be eligible for reimbursement through a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), but there are several criteria and steps that need to be met to ensure eligibility.

Firstly, it's important to understand what FSA are. An FSA is a tax-advantaged financial account that allows employees to set aside pre-tax dollars from their paychecks to pay for eligible out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. 

For a recliner massage chair to be considered eligible for FSA or HSA funding, it must meet specific criteria:

Medical Necessity

The massage chair must be deemed medically necessary by a healthcare professional. This is often supported by a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a doctor, which states that the chair is required to treat a specific medical condition.

FDA Approval

The heat and massage chair should be FDA-approved and classified as a medical device, which is crucial for it to be considered a legitimate medical expense.

Provider Policies

It's essential to check with your FSA provider to confirm that they accept massage chairs as an eligible expense, as policies can vary.

Documentation

You will likely need to submit documentation such as a prescription from your healthcare provider and proof of purchase to your FSA or HSA provider for reimbursement.

Reimbursement Process

The process typically involves obtaining the necessary medical documentation, ensuring the chair is FDA-approved, checking with your FSA or HSA provider, and then submitting the required documents for reimbursement.

Tax Deductions

If a healthcare provider prescribes a massage chair for a specific medical condition, you might be able to claim it as a medical expense deduction on your taxes.

When it comes to choosing an FSA-eligible massage chair, it's important to select one that aligns with your therapeutic needs and offers therapeutic benefits that directly contribute to alleviating a medical condition. Some types of massage chairs that might qualify include full body massage chairs, zero gravity massage chairs, and heat therapy massage chairs.

In conclusion, while massage chairs can be considered for FSA funding, it's crucial to have a medical prescription, ensure FDA approval, and follow the specific policies and procedures of your FSA provider to ensure reimbursement.