Every year, tons of Flexible Spending Account (FSA) dollars disappear on December 31st — in recent years, roughly half of all FSA users forfeited some of their balance, totaling billions nationally (eep!).
If you have “use-it-or-lose-it” FSA money sitting there waiting for a purpose, here’s some genuinely good news:
Yoga can be reimbursed — when it’s part of a treatment plan recommended by a healthcare provider.
Below is a clear, research-based breakdown (straight from IRS guidelines + major FSA administrators) so you understand what’s eligible and how you can put those funds toward your practice — or toward other wonderful wellness options.
Is Yoga Really FSA-Eligible?
Yes — sometimes.
It all comes down to one magical phrase: medically necessary.
Here are things FSAs routinely cover that I also highly recommend including in your wellness world:
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic care
- Physical therapy
- Orthotics
- Medically necessary fitness or mobility programs
And yes — yoga can be part of that list when a licensed healthcare provider recommends it for a diagnosed medical condition.
Common examples include:
- chronic low back pain
- anxiety
- high stress
- arthritis
- mobility limitations
- hypertension
- injury recovery
To make it official, your provider writes a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) — usually just a simple 2–3 sentence note stating that yoga is part of your treatment plan.
AFY Offerings You Could Use FSA Funds For (With an LMN)
1. Annual OM-Demand Membership (Online Yoga)
Perfect for stress reduction, mobility, chronic pain support, consistency — and bonus: with an annual membership you can pay for the whole year and submit one receipt!
2. Goat Yoga Gift Certificates
Yes, even Goat Yoga can qualify with an LMN — the IRS does not differentiate between barnyard yoga and studio yoga.
3. AFY Gift Certificates + Class Passes
These flexible gift cards can be used for:
- Park Yoga
- Horse Yoga
- Online classes
- Private sessions
How to Use FSA Funds for Yoga
- Ask your healthcare provider whether yoga can support your specific condition.
- Request a Letter of Medical Necessity.
- Purchase the yoga offering you want.
- Submit your receipt + LMN to your FSA administrator for reimbursement.
Here’s to getting the most out of your health — and your hard-earned dollars. May your FSA funds support your body, your breath, your nervous system, and maybe a goat or two along the way.
