Pain

Are Ergonomic Chairs FSA Eligible?

Written by Ashley Williams, PT, DPT, ATP/SMS, CASp | May 9, 2023 2:04:46 PM

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 šŸ˜‰):

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 ā€œergonomic chairā€ as defined by the IRS.
  • 2 The chair must be medically necessary to treat, mitigate, or prevent a condition.

#1 So, letā€™s address criteria 

How is ā€œergonomic chairā€ 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.

https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p502.pdf

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:

  • Upper Back Pain

    The adjustable 2 part back system is designed to accommodate and support any body type. The low back pad is meant to support the pelvis in a neutral position which results in the spine naturally moving into its natural S curve. The upper back can then be adjusted to support the upper spine in this position. This promotes upright posture and optimal disc space at the vertebral level.

  • Low Back Pain

    The adjustable 2 part back system is designed to accommodate and support any body type. The low back pad is meant to support the pelvis in a neutral position which results in the spine naturally moving into its natural S curve. This takes pressure off the low back discs. The upper back can then be adjusted to support the upper spine in this position. This promotes upright posture and optimal disc space at the vertebral level.

  • Neck Pain

    The adjustable 2 part back system is designed to accommodate and support any body type. The low back pad is meant to support the pelvis in a neutral position which results in the spine naturally moving into its natural S curve. The upper back can then be adjusted to support the upper spine in this position. This promotes upright posture and reduces forward head posture that can result in strain and pain.

  • Shoulder Pain

    The adjustable 2 part back system is designed to accommodate and support any body type. The low back pad is meant to support the pelvis in a neutral position which results in the spine naturally moving into its natural S curve. The upper back can then be adjusted to support the upper spine in this position. This promotes an upright posture and the tapered upper back allows shoulders to roll back. This opens the chest and shoulder girdle, minimizing compression of nerves and muscle imbalance that can result in shoulder pain.

  • Elbow or Wrist Pain

    The adjustable 2 part back system is designed to accommodate and support any body type. The low back pad is meant to support the pelvis in a neutral position which results in the spine naturally moving into its natural S curve. The upper back can then be adjusted to support the upper spine in this position. This promotes an upright posture and the tapered upper back allows shoulders to roll back. This opens the chest and shoulder girdle, and promotes good head/neck posture, minimizing compression of nerves and muscle imbalance which can result in radiating pain down from the shoulder to the elbow and/or wrist.

  • Sciatica

    The contoured premium foam cushion is supportive over long periods of time to maintain the pelvis and legs in a neutral position without hammocking. The contours also promote neutral alignment of the upper legs which all can contribute to

  • Hip Pain

    The contoured premium foam cushion is supportive over long periods of time to maintain the pelvis and legs in a neutral position without hammocking. The contours also promote neutral alignment of the upper legs maintaining an optimal joint position of the femur to the pelvis. The need to sit is not going away anytime soon. Invest in your health with Anthros and use your HSA/FSA funds to fix your sit today!

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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