HSA/FSA
Pressure Relief: Are Compression Socks & Sleeves HSA or FSA Eligible?
Learn how to squeeze the most out of your HSA or FSA when it comes to compression garments.
October 7, 2024
Sam O'Keefe
Co-founder & CEO of Flex
Overview
Overview
Overview
Overview
If you watched the Olympics, you may have noticed athletes sporting compression socks or arm sleeves.
Sure there is star appeal, but you don’t have to be Steph Curry or Eliud Kipchoge to wear them, they were originally designed for people with circulation issues — like helping to prevent swelling in legs or avoiding health problems such as blood clots, varicose veins, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Read on to learn how compression socks and other products work, why you might want to consider using them, and learn the money-saving answer to: Are compression socks and sleeves HSA or FSA eligible?
What Are Compression Socks and Sleeves?
Compression garments provide mechanical structure and pressure to the body part they are designed for.
They have been shown to improve venous blood flow (blood that is returning to the heart), reduce oscillatory stress (think of the impact on your calves when running), and improve proprioception (your ability to understand where your body is in space). Regarding athletic performance, a slew of other research suggests they may be beneficial for recovery, improve physical performance, and reduce fatigue during exercise.
When it comes to compression, pressure matters.
The pressure rating of garments varies between products and purpose (you can find ratings from 20-50+ mmHg), but medical-grade compression items are typically rated at 30-40 mmHg or above. Further, they are commonly graduated, which means they are tightest at the end of the limb (i.e., the ankle or wrist) and gradually reduce in pressure as they move towards the body, which helps gently squeeze blood back to the heart.
There are many kinds of compression garments too:
Gloves: For hand and wrist support, they are especially useful for arthritis (often called “arthritis gloves”) or carpal tunnel.
Arm, forearm, elbow, and shoulder sleeves: Designed for joint support, injury prevention, and post-workout recovery.
Arch and ankle support: Ideal for stabilizing the foot and ankle, commonly used in managing plantar fasciitis.
Leg, calf, knee, and thigh sleeves: Popular among runners, lifters and athletes for improving circulation and reducing muscle fatigue.
Stockings/hosiery: Full-leg support, often used for varicose veins or edema.
How are they different from braces?
While compression sleeves and braces both offer physical support, they serve different purposes.
Braces are rigid, providing structure and immobilization, typically for injury recovery. Compression sleeves, on the other hand, are more flexible, focusing on enhancing blood flow and reducing fatigue without restricting movement.
What Health Conditions Can You Use Compression Sleeves For?
Compression sleeves are versatile tools, here are some common health conditions and uses:
Edema and Lymphedema: Specialized compression stockings and sleeves help control swelling caused by lymphedema by encouraging lymphatic fluid to move out of the affected area and can reduce edema by promoting circulation and preventing fluid buildup in the limbs.
Swelling: General swelling from injury or surgery can be managed with compression sleeves, which helps reduce inflammation and promotes faster healing. They can also help if you are bedridden, sit or stand all day at work, or spend a lot of time traveling on airplanes.
Circulation problems: Compression sleeves are commonly recommended if you are at risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or blood clots as the result of diabetes or chronic venous insufficiency, or have developed varicose veins.
Arthritis: Gloves and joint-specific sleeves could reduce swelling and improve mobility in people with arthritis, providing much-needed relief and support.
Carpal tunnel: Compression gloves can be useful in alleviating the symptoms of carpal tunnel by reducing swelling and supporting the wrist in a neutral position.
Plantar fasciitis: Compression socks or ankle sleeves can relieve the pain associated with plantar fasciitis by supporting the arch and reducing strain on the plantar fascia.
Injury prevention: Compression sleeves are often used by athletes to prevent injuries by providing muscle support and enhancing blood flow. While there are differences between medical-grade and sport-specific sleeves, both aim to reduce the risk of injury and improve performance.
Muscle recovery: While the research is mixed, wearing compression sleeves post-exercise can theoretically help with muscle recovery by reducing soreness and fatigue, allowing you to bounce back quicker from your workouts.
What to Look for in Compression Socks and Sleeves?
Choosing the right compression socks and sleeves involves more than just picking a cool color. Here’s a quick guide for what to look for.
Pressure matters
Compression sleeves come in different pressure levels, usually measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The right pressure depends on your needs; lower pressure for general support, and higher pressure for medical conditions like varicose veins or lymphedema.
It’s all about the fit
Repeat the mantra: snug, but not too tight. Your compression gear should cover the area completely without pinching or bunching, ensuring consistent pressure across the targeted area, while also allowing for mobility and comfort.
Graduated vs. anti-embolism compression gear
Graduated compression sleeves are tighter at the bottom and gradually loosen as they go up, promoting blood flow back toward the heart. Anti-embolism stockings, however, are designed specifically for patients who are immobile to prevent blood clots.
Other materials can sweeten the deal
Some compression products are infused with materials like copper, which has been shown to have antimicrobial properties. These can be a good choice if you’re concerned about odors or skin irritation.
Compression Kings: Innovative Sock and Sleeve Solutions For All Your Needs
As we shared earlier, compression garments originated for medical purposes — and looked the part! In recent years, compression has gone more mainstream, garnering attention for athletic performance and recovery, while other companies have made great improvements to the standard stockings.
Here are a few HSA and FSA-eligible products you might want to check out:
Copper Compression
Copper Compression is pushing the boundaries of compression wear by infusing copper directly into the nylon fibers of their products. This unique technology not only extends the lifespan of the gear but also actively combats odors at the source, ensuring a cleaner, fresher experience. Whether you’re wearing their socks, sleeves, braces, or gloves, you’ll enjoy long-lasting durability and superior comfort.
Grace & Able
For those seeking gentle compression with a touch of style, Grace & Able offers compression gloves crafted from breathable cotton-stretch fabric. These gloves are designed for all-day wear, providing soft and soothing support for sore hands without compromising on comfort. Available in eight chic colors, Grace & Able’s compression gear makes it easy to find a pair that matches your personal style while delivering the relief you need.
Can You Buy Compression Socks or Sleeves With Your HSA and FSA?
Yes, you can use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for compression socks, sleeves, or other garments if they have a compression rating of 30-40 mmHg or above and are used to treat a medical condition.
Typical conditions include varicose veins, edema, lymphedema, or to support circulation during pregnancy or recovery from surgery.
Sport-related items are unlikely to qualify as they are considered for general health use.
To ensure eligibility, it's a good idea to check with your HSA/FSA administrator and keep any relevant documentation.
How Flex Can Help You Pay for Compression Socks and Sleeves With Your HSA/FSA
With Flex, paying for your compression socks and sleeves with HSA/FSA has never been easier!
Step 1: Add the HSA/FSA-eligible product you want to your cart
Companies like Copper Compression and Flex & Able have partnered with Flex to make purchasing their products with HSA/FSA much easier.
Step 2: Select “Flex | Pay with HSA/FSA" at checkout
You can buy these items directly from the companies by selecting “Flex | Pay with HSA/FSA" as your payment option at checkout. You can then use either your HSA/FSA card or pay out-of-pocket with a regular credit or debit card (and receive the required documents to submit for reimbursement via email).
It’s as simple as that.
Step 3: Keep Documentation
Keep all documentation, including receipts and, if you need one, the Letter of Medical Necessity, for tax purposes and to ensure compliance with IRS regulations.
The HSA and FSA eligibility of other compression items may depend on your plan, so make sure to verify with your provider first.
How it typically works to pay for compression socks and sleeves with your HSA/FSA
If you want to purchase from a company not partnered with Flex, you may be able to pay with your HSA or FSA debit card if they are able to accept that as a payment option or you will have to pay out-of-pocket first and submit a claim for reimbursement. As always, keep all documentation for tax purposes and to ensure compliance with IRS regulations.
With HSAs/FSAs, Compression Garments Are Worth The Squeeze
Compression socks and sleeves are a cozy solution to circulation woes. Sure, they might not help you splash threes like Curry or set course records like Kipchoge but they can improve certain health conditions and improve quality of life. Couple that with cost savings thanks to your HSA or FSA and it’s like getting a double dose of comfort and financial relief.
If you watched the Olympics, you may have noticed athletes sporting compression socks or arm sleeves.
Sure there is star appeal, but you don’t have to be Steph Curry or Eliud Kipchoge to wear them, they were originally designed for people with circulation issues — like helping to prevent swelling in legs or avoiding health problems such as blood clots, varicose veins, and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
Read on to learn how compression socks and other products work, why you might want to consider using them, and learn the money-saving answer to: Are compression socks and sleeves HSA or FSA eligible?
What Are Compression Socks and Sleeves?
Compression garments provide mechanical structure and pressure to the body part they are designed for.
They have been shown to improve venous blood flow (blood that is returning to the heart), reduce oscillatory stress (think of the impact on your calves when running), and improve proprioception (your ability to understand where your body is in space). Regarding athletic performance, a slew of other research suggests they may be beneficial for recovery, improve physical performance, and reduce fatigue during exercise.
When it comes to compression, pressure matters.
The pressure rating of garments varies between products and purpose (you can find ratings from 20-50+ mmHg), but medical-grade compression items are typically rated at 30-40 mmHg or above. Further, they are commonly graduated, which means they are tightest at the end of the limb (i.e., the ankle or wrist) and gradually reduce in pressure as they move towards the body, which helps gently squeeze blood back to the heart.
There are many kinds of compression garments too:
Gloves: For hand and wrist support, they are especially useful for arthritis (often called “arthritis gloves”) or carpal tunnel.
Arm, forearm, elbow, and shoulder sleeves: Designed for joint support, injury prevention, and post-workout recovery.
Arch and ankle support: Ideal for stabilizing the foot and ankle, commonly used in managing plantar fasciitis.
Leg, calf, knee, and thigh sleeves: Popular among runners, lifters and athletes for improving circulation and reducing muscle fatigue.
Stockings/hosiery: Full-leg support, often used for varicose veins or edema.
How are they different from braces?
While compression sleeves and braces both offer physical support, they serve different purposes.
Braces are rigid, providing structure and immobilization, typically for injury recovery. Compression sleeves, on the other hand, are more flexible, focusing on enhancing blood flow and reducing fatigue without restricting movement.
What Health Conditions Can You Use Compression Sleeves For?
Compression sleeves are versatile tools, here are some common health conditions and uses:
Edema and Lymphedema: Specialized compression stockings and sleeves help control swelling caused by lymphedema by encouraging lymphatic fluid to move out of the affected area and can reduce edema by promoting circulation and preventing fluid buildup in the limbs.
Swelling: General swelling from injury or surgery can be managed with compression sleeves, which helps reduce inflammation and promotes faster healing. They can also help if you are bedridden, sit or stand all day at work, or spend a lot of time traveling on airplanes.
Circulation problems: Compression sleeves are commonly recommended if you are at risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or blood clots as the result of diabetes or chronic venous insufficiency, or have developed varicose veins.
Arthritis: Gloves and joint-specific sleeves could reduce swelling and improve mobility in people with arthritis, providing much-needed relief and support.
Carpal tunnel: Compression gloves can be useful in alleviating the symptoms of carpal tunnel by reducing swelling and supporting the wrist in a neutral position.
Plantar fasciitis: Compression socks or ankle sleeves can relieve the pain associated with plantar fasciitis by supporting the arch and reducing strain on the plantar fascia.
Injury prevention: Compression sleeves are often used by athletes to prevent injuries by providing muscle support and enhancing blood flow. While there are differences between medical-grade and sport-specific sleeves, both aim to reduce the risk of injury and improve performance.
Muscle recovery: While the research is mixed, wearing compression sleeves post-exercise can theoretically help with muscle recovery by reducing soreness and fatigue, allowing you to bounce back quicker from your workouts.
What to Look for in Compression Socks and Sleeves?
Choosing the right compression socks and sleeves involves more than just picking a cool color. Here’s a quick guide for what to look for.
Pressure matters
Compression sleeves come in different pressure levels, usually measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). The right pressure depends on your needs; lower pressure for general support, and higher pressure for medical conditions like varicose veins or lymphedema.
It’s all about the fit
Repeat the mantra: snug, but not too tight. Your compression gear should cover the area completely without pinching or bunching, ensuring consistent pressure across the targeted area, while also allowing for mobility and comfort.
Graduated vs. anti-embolism compression gear
Graduated compression sleeves are tighter at the bottom and gradually loosen as they go up, promoting blood flow back toward the heart. Anti-embolism stockings, however, are designed specifically for patients who are immobile to prevent blood clots.
Other materials can sweeten the deal
Some compression products are infused with materials like copper, which has been shown to have antimicrobial properties. These can be a good choice if you’re concerned about odors or skin irritation.
Compression Kings: Innovative Sock and Sleeve Solutions For All Your Needs
As we shared earlier, compression garments originated for medical purposes — and looked the part! In recent years, compression has gone more mainstream, garnering attention for athletic performance and recovery, while other companies have made great improvements to the standard stockings.
Here are a few HSA and FSA-eligible products you might want to check out:
Copper Compression
Copper Compression is pushing the boundaries of compression wear by infusing copper directly into the nylon fibers of their products. This unique technology not only extends the lifespan of the gear but also actively combats odors at the source, ensuring a cleaner, fresher experience. Whether you’re wearing their socks, sleeves, braces, or gloves, you’ll enjoy long-lasting durability and superior comfort.
Grace & Able
For those seeking gentle compression with a touch of style, Grace & Able offers compression gloves crafted from breathable cotton-stretch fabric. These gloves are designed for all-day wear, providing soft and soothing support for sore hands without compromising on comfort. Available in eight chic colors, Grace & Able’s compression gear makes it easy to find a pair that matches your personal style while delivering the relief you need.
Can You Buy Compression Socks or Sleeves With Your HSA and FSA?
Yes, you can use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for compression socks, sleeves, or other garments if they have a compression rating of 30-40 mmHg or above and are used to treat a medical condition.
Typical conditions include varicose veins, edema, lymphedema, or to support circulation during pregnancy or recovery from surgery.
Sport-related items are unlikely to qualify as they are considered for general health use.
To ensure eligibility, it's a good idea to check with your HSA/FSA administrator and keep any relevant documentation.
How Flex Can Help You Pay for Compression Socks and Sleeves With Your HSA/FSA
With Flex, paying for your compression socks and sleeves with HSA/FSA has never been easier!
Step 1: Add the HSA/FSA-eligible product you want to your cart
Companies like Copper Compression and Flex & Able have partnered with Flex to make purchasing their products with HSA/FSA much easier.
Step 2: Select “Flex | Pay with HSA/FSA" at checkout
You can buy these items directly from the companies by selecting “Flex | Pay with HSA/FSA" as your payment option at checkout. You can then use either your HSA/FSA card or pay out-of-pocket with a regular credit or debit card (and receive the required documents to submit for reimbursement via email).
It’s as simple as that.
Step 3: Keep Documentation
Keep all documentation, including receipts and, if you need one, the Letter of Medical Necessity, for tax purposes and to ensure compliance with IRS regulations.
The HSA and FSA eligibility of other compression items may depend on your plan, so make sure to verify with your provider first.
How it typically works to pay for compression socks and sleeves with your HSA/FSA
If you want to purchase from a company not partnered with Flex, you may be able to pay with your HSA or FSA debit card if they are able to accept that as a payment option or you will have to pay out-of-pocket first and submit a claim for reimbursement. As always, keep all documentation for tax purposes and to ensure compliance with IRS regulations.
With HSAs/FSAs, Compression Garments Are Worth The Squeeze
Compression socks and sleeves are a cozy solution to circulation woes. Sure, they might not help you splash threes like Curry or set course records like Kipchoge but they can improve certain health conditions and improve quality of life. Couple that with cost savings thanks to your HSA or FSA and it’s like getting a double dose of comfort and financial relief.
Flex is the easiest way for direct to consumer brands and retailers to accept HSA/FSA for their products. From fitness and nutrition, to sleep and mental health, Flex takes a holistic view of healthcare and enables consumers to use their pre-tax money to do the same.