If you’re looking to buy an Apple Watch, you would be wondering if it is FSA-eligible. I’m right there with you if we can get a device as functional as the Apple Watch with tax-free funds, nothing like it.
Unfortunately, the Apple Watch is not considered FSA-eligible because fitness trackers such as the Apple Watch and Fitbit are not devices used for medical diagnosis.
Devices that have been designed for medical diagnosis, treatment, and cure are eligible for FSA. Fitness tracking and general monitoring of health with fitness trackers and bands are not enough to categorize these devices into the FSA eligibility list.
However, what is confusing to me is that certain smart rings, such as the Oura ring, are FSA-eligible. I get that they are more recovery and sleep-focused, but they have the same purpose of general health monitoring and not being medically accurate for diagnoses.
Can I get a reimbursement on my FSA card for the Apple Watch?
While the FSA card cannot be used to purchase the Apple Watch, under certain circumstances wherein your doctor deems the Apple Watch useful for improving and maintaining your cardiovascular health or weight, it may be eligible for reimbursement with a letter from a doctor.
However, the odds of this happening are very slim.
What I would recommend is getting the letter and sending it to your provider via email for approval prior to actually purchasing the watch. This way, in case the letter doesn’t get approved, you wouldn’t think of it as money down the drain.
Wrap Up
FSA and HSA accounts are a great way to help you manage your health without breaking the bank. However, not all purchases that seem like contributing to your health are FSA eligible. I strongly recommend you check the list of FSA eligibility items and also check with your FSA provider prior to making a purchase to make sure it’s an eligible expense.
