Health Savings Accounts (HSA) are growing in popularity, and it’s easy to see why. By choosing an HSA plan, participants pay a higher deductible but are then qualified to contribute tax-free money into an HSA plan. While the rules vary depending on insurance carrier, state, and coverage, generally HSAs can also be carried over from year to year – even if you change jobs or retire.
While we can’t advise on client’s specific plans, programs, and restrictions, we can share some general information about using an HSA plan toward Pilates.
Talk to Your Doctor First
The biggest key to help you use insurance benefits for Pilates is to talk to your physician. If you are in need of rehabilitation or your doctor is recommending Pilates as a treatment, you should get that in writing! In short, just like almost everything medical that insurance covers, you will need an “exercise prescription.”
Exercise Prescription
Physicians can prescribe how specific conditions should be treated by a particular type of medication, therapy or exercise. Conditions that would benefit from Pilates are no different! Your doctor may already be familiar and comfortable taking this approach for any issues you might be having. If so, ask for an exercise prescription! What we’ve learned is that an exercise prescription will usually detail the type of exercise training recommended, the amount of training needed, and an overall time frame.
Aiding Ailments
Pilates exercise helps to improve flexibility, strength, coordination, and balance. It is also an excellent tool to help rehabilitation and post-surgery recovery. If you experience that your range of motion has decreased, you’re having pain in your body, having trouble recovering from surgery or have a chronic condition such as arthritis, fibromyalgia or bursitis, talk to your doctor. These types of ailments, and many more, can benefit from Pilates exercise and your physician may be able to help you get the care you need.
Different Deductibles
As mentioned, HSA plans usually require a higher deductible to be satisfied before certain insurance benefits begin. You might find that you can utilize your HSA card (and pre-tax HSA funds) for Pilates using an exercise prescription, but maybe this doesn’t count toward your medical plan deductible. Again, this is specific to your insurance plan, and you’ll need to talk to your insurance company to see what’s right for you.