If you have been in to see me, you already know how a visit works. What you may not know is that you can pay for it with a health savings account (HSA) or a flexible spending account (FSA). Here is how that works at the clinic, and what to check before your plan's deadline.
Your HSA or FSA can be used for acupuncture
The IRS lists acupuncture as a medical expense in Publication 502, its guide to medical costs. HSA and FSA cards are generally meant for expenses of that kind. That is the general rule, not a promise about your account. Every plan administrator sets its own paperwork, so a look at your plan's eligible-expense list is worth two minutes.
Paying with your card at your next visit
I accept HSA and FSA cards. You pay at the end of your visit the same way you always have, with that card instead of your usual one. Use the HSA or FSA card itself if you want the payment to count as a plan expense.
If your plan asks for a receipt or itemized proof, tell me when you check out and I will give you one.
Already paid out of pocket this year?
Many plans let you pay yourself back for eligible visits you paid for another way. With an FSA, that usually means submitting a claim with a receipt for a visit from this plan year. With an HSA, you can generally reimburse yourself for eligible expenses from after the account was opened. Your plan administrator can tell you what your plan allows and what paperwork it wants.
Superbills for insurance
I do not bill insurance directly. I can give you a superbill: an itemized receipt with my name, license number, the date of service, what we did and what you paid. You can submit it to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.
Whether your insurer pays anything depends on your plan. If you have not asked before, call the number on your insurance card and ask:
Does my plan cover acupuncture from an out-of-network provider?
Is there a yearly limit on visits or dollars?
Do I need a referral or a doctor's note?
Where do I send a superbill, and how long do I have to submit it?
Check your deadline
Many FSAs have a year-end deadline, and some plans allow only a limited carryover or grace period. HSAs work differently: the money generally stays with you from year to year. Your plan administrator can tell you the date that applies to you.
If you have FSA money to use before a deadline, book your next visits early. December fills up. If we are in the middle of a course of treatment, tell me about your deadline and we can plan the remaining visits around it.
A few practical points
Book the usual way. You can book online or call or text (720) 285-6251.
Bring the card. It is easy to leave an HSA or FSA card at home if you do not use it often.
Keep your receipts. Even when you pay with the card, hold on to the receipt in case your plan administrator asks for it later.
Michael Sugiura, L.Ac., is a Colorado licensed acupuncturist (license ACU.0002378) at The Subtle Point, 3600 S Beeler St, Suite 150, Denver, CO 80237. This post is general information, not medical, tax or insurance advice. Ask your plan administrator what your plan covers.