What is an FSA?
FSA= A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is an account that you put pre-tax dollars into to use for qualified medical expenses. The account is owned by the employer and unused funds at the end of the year are granted to the employer.
Can I use FSA funds to purchase my chair?
The simple answer is YES
However, as most people know, all insurance providers are different, and they individualize their plans according to regulations in their state.
But here is what we DO know!
The IRS regulations for chairs that are eligible for use of FSA funds are as follows (and I encourage you to search yourself 😉):
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p502.pdf
Chair, Specialized or Ergonomic: HAS/FSA Eligibility CHAIR, SPECIALIZED OR ERGONOMIC:
Simply put, there are two requirements:
- 1 The chair must meet the criteria of an “ergonomic chair” as defined by the IRS.
- 2 The chair must be medically necessary to treat, mitigate, or prevent a condition.
#1 So, let’s address criteria
How is “ergonomic chair” defined by these regulators?
-
Back Rest/Angle Adjustment- being able to reposition the angles of the back rest to ensure optimal back support and the most comfortable position possible
-
Adjustable Arm Supports- Proper arm support and positioning is important to prevent carpal tunnel and other stress syndromes. At the very least, they need to be height adjustable
-
Swiveling Base- This refers to the ability to turn while seated to avoid awkward motions and reduce strain on the back
-
Lumbar Support- This is indispensable to provide reinforcement for the lower back and correct posture. It is an added bonus if this section is independently adjustable to provide optimal positioning.
Does Anthros meet this criteria?
Not only does Anthros meet this criterion, but it far exceeds the requirements:
Back Rest/Angle Adjustment
Anthros has an independently adjustable 2 part back system that adapts to any body type to provide optimal support.
Adjustable Arm Supports
Anthros offers arm supports that adjust in four dimensions- width, height, front/back, and angle in/out. This allows the individual to have arms supported optimally at any work set up.
Swiveling Base
Anthros uses premium casters to provide smooth and easy turning of the chair to avoid unwanted twisting of the back or neck.
Lumbar Support
Anthros is the only ergonomic chair with a patent pending lumbar sacral pelvis support that is independently adjustable from the upper back. This allows the individual to adjust the amount of support based on their unique needs to achieve optimal posture and positioning.
Criteria #2 is that the chair is required to treat, mitigate and/or prevent a condition.
This is where the letter of medical necessity (LMN)comes in. This LMN can be from a medical provider such as a chiropractor, medical doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner. It serves as evidence that you are struggling with or are at risk of a medical condition that can be helped by sitting in an appropriate chair.
What types of medical conditions could the Anthros chair treat, mitigate or prevent?
Here are some examples of conditions that can be exacerbated by sitting poorly all day, every day:
If you are looking for an FSA eligible office chair, look no further than Anthros.
Anthros is the only chair in the world that is guaranteed to improve posture or your money back. The science-backed, patented design is registered with the FDA as a posture-improving chair and is proven to have the lowest pressure (most comfortable) cushion on the planet (verified by university testing).
Take the next step to reducing pain, increasing comfort, and maximizing performance!
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