Don’t Let Those FSA Dollars Go to Waste!

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.