HSA/FSA
How Your HSA/FSA Can Help with Menstrual Pain Relief
We can’t offer up pain-free periods, but these options — ranging from old remedies to new tech — can help make them more manageable.
July 22, 2024
Sam O'Keefe
Co-founder & CEO of Flex
Overview
Overview
Overview
Overview
Menstrual pain… sucks.
Cramps, one of the most common gynecologic complaints, affect up to 4 out of 5 women and can be experienced on the low end of the pain scale as minor discomfort up to THISISTHEWORSTPAINEVER!!
However, there are a lot of tried-and-true and exciting new ways to remedy these throbs and pains — many of which you can pay for with your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Ready for relief and cost savings too?
What We’ll Cover About Using Your HSA/FSA for Menstrual Pain Relief
Understanding what causes menstrual cramps
Options to help reduce or manage pain, covered by your HSA or FSA
Consumer products that are paving a new way for period relief
How to use your HSA/FSA to pay for menstrual pain relief (and how Flex can help)
Demystifying the Ugh: What Causes Menstrual Cramps?
Sometimes the muscular contractions that expel the uterine lining turn into painful spasms, known as dysmenorrhea.
The culprit? Often, it's high concentrations of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that can trigger more intense and frequent muscle contractions, reduce blood flow, and increase intrauterine pressure. According to the Office on Women’s Health, while most cramps are primary (due to prostaglandins), sometimes they can be secondary, linked to underlying conditions like endometriosis or fibroids.
Where is the pain typically felt?
The pain usually centers around your lower abdomen and lower back, but it can also radiate to the hips and inner thighs. The severity of menstrual cramps can vary from person to person, and even from month to month. Some people experience mild discomfort, while others may have severe pain that interferes with their daily activities.
If your cramps are severe, unusual, or worsen, it’s important to talk to your doctor to see if the cause might be something more serious.
Fighting Cramps on a Budget: Ways to Reduce Menstrual Pain Covered by Your HSA/FSA
Dealing with period pain shouldn't have to be a pain. From home remedies to new age tips, common practice to science-backed tech, many menstrual pain relief options are both effective and covered by your HSA or FSA.
A quick refresher: HSAs and FSAs are tax-advantaged savings accounts designed to help you pay for healthcare expenses. They give consumers more flexibility — funds can be used on many eligible out-of-pocket medical expenses that may not typically be covered by insurance, such as health and fitness products, hearing aids, air purifiers, and, of course, HSA and FSA-approved menstrual pain items.
Let's explore some ways to get relief for you and your wallet.
Exercise
Harness the power of endorphins to reduce discomfort!
According to a randomized controlled trial looking at the effect of aerobic exercise on pain for women with dysmenorrhea, there was a significant decrease in discomfort and intensity for those who followed a treadmill protocol.
Light to moderate exercise like walking, swimming, or dancing are common ways to reduce stiffness, positively impact stress, and boost your mood too. So really, exercise is a great option any day of the cycle.
If you need a little extra incentive, fitness programs, pilates, and exercise equipment, like Peloton or a treadmill, can be covered by your HSA or FSA. Just note that in most cases you’ll need to get a Letter of Medical Necessity from your healthcare provider to do so.
Yoga
It’s not just for the mind and soul: A study in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies found that yoga intervention improved the severity of menstrual pain. Yoga has also been shown to reduce anxiety and is used as a complementary therapy for patients with a range of conditions such as hypertension, migraine headaches, and backaches
If your healthcare provider recommends yoga as part of a treatment plan, you can use your HSA/FSA funds to boost your practice.
Try acupuncture
Tiny needles can bring great relief. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), acupuncture can be effective for some individuals, especially when combined with other methods. If your healthcare provider prescribes acupuncture as part of a treatment plan your HSA or FSA can cover this.
Heat pads
Give your tummy a warm hug! Many sources, like Mayo Clinic, claim that using heating pads for cramps helps increase blood flow and relax muscles, easing pain. Menstrual heating pads (including a few we share more about below) are also HSA-eligible.
Massages
Massages and period massage pads can also help with menstrual pain, as they provide muscle relaxation, general stress reduction, and improved blood flow.
Swedish and deep tissue massages are thought to help alleviate pain and cramps, while studies by the NCCIH suggest that essential oils like lavender and clary sage might have pain-relieving properties.
Can you use HSA for period pain massages?
The eligibility of massage therapy for HSA/FSA coverage varies based on three factors:
Your specific HSA/FSA plan: Some plans cover massage therapy as a preventative or wellness expense, while others don’t.
The massage therapist's qualifications: Ensure the therapist is a licensed professional recognized by a professional organization like the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) or the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)
The reason for the massage: Pain relief is typically covered, while massages solely for relaxation are not.
Make sure to check your plan details, choose a licensed therapist, and follow the procedure while submitting your claim.
OTC medicine
Ibuprofen and naproxen are your over-the-counter pain-relieving allies, and guess what? HSA-approved! You can even use your HSA to stock up on Midol for targeted relief.
Hormonal birth control
Most HBC methods contain either estrogen and progestin or just progestin. These hormones regulate your menstrual cycle by suppressing ovulation and thinning the uterine lining.
According to a literature review published in 2009, birth control pills can reduce the amount of prostaglandins, as well as suppress ovulation, which can reduce blood flow and cramping.
In With the New: Modern Menstrual Pain Relief Covered by Your HSA/FSA
Consumer healthtech is having a moment, from continuous glucose monitoring to fitness, sleep, and ovluation trackers providing actionable data like never before.
When it comes to menstrual cramps, Jovi is an exciting new option.
Jovi Patch: Reusable, drug-free relief
The Jovi Patch is a period relief adhesive that utilizes patented “Signal Relief technology” to disrupt pain signals in the body. You stick the patch on the source of your discomfort and the microscopic particles between the layers of the patch act as an antenna that helps to weaken or alter pain signals before they reach your brain which, in effect, reduces the experience of the pain.
Research is still ongoing, but the signal relief technology that powers the Jovi Patch has been shown to reduce the impact of musculoskeletal pain. Things are looking good for the future of menstrual pain relief!
Sundaze: Heated shorts for portable pain management
If you’ve ever luxuriated in heated gloves while skiing you’ll instantly understand the appeal of Sundaze’s Heated Shorts. With a rechargeable powerbank the size of an iPhone and machine washable fabric, the shorts offer heating up to the level of a hot water bottle for on-the-go period pain relief. According to the company, users report up to 50% decrease in period pain from the shorts alone, without medication!
Daye: Earth-friendly period pain relief
Moving away from tech and into the natural domain, Daye is on a mission to make their products and services as environmentally friendly as possible. Take their tampons, for example: They use organic cotton, applicators made from renewable sugarcane, and ocean-safe, wrappers. For extra pain relief, you can order tampons with a CBD coating which helps to alleviate menstrual discomfort naturally.
Period: Underwear to help you go with the flow
Period makes ultra-absorbent underwear that can soak up a full day’s worth of period blood. This isn’t about reducing physical pain but it can help alleviate the mental stress of worrying about leaks. Specifically, their four-layer system combines with leak-proof seams to offer confidence for containment, while the top-wicking layer keeps you dry. You can wear these instead of tampons or pads, or as a comfortable, extra-secure back up.
How To Use HSA/FSA To Pay For Menstrual Pain Relief
Period pain doesn't have to be a wallet drain. With a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) you can leverage these health-related expense accounts to stock up on your personal cramp-busting arsenal. Here's how:
Know what’s covered:
What items are HSA or FSA eligible, and which are not?
Commonly covered products include OTC medicines, heating pads and hormonal birth control. Other items like acupuncture or massage may be covered, but more likely, you’ll have to obtain a LOMN from your healthcare provider outlining why the item or service is necessary for your treatment plan. Understanding the criteria and gathering the appropriate documentation is key here.
What typically qualifies? The Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) general rule is that “[qualified] medical care expenses must be primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental disability or illness” and includes costs associated with diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention.
Important Reminder: HSA/FSA funds are meant for qualified medical expenses. Using them for non-medical items like tampons or pads might result in tax penalties.
How Flex Can Help You Pay for Menstrual Pain Relief With Your HSA/FSA
Flex makes purchasing eligible relief items with your HSA/FSA a pain-free process!
Step 1: Add the HSA/FSA-eligible product you want to your cart
For example, Jovi, Sundaze and Daye 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 feminine hygiene items may depend on your plan, so make sure to verify with your provider first.
Ready to Start Utilizing Your HSA/FSA For Menstrual Pain Relief?
The first thing you need to know is that you’re not alone. A study published in the National Library of Medicine showed that over 84% of women experience a form of dysmenorrhea, with 43% reporting that it happens every period.
With HSAs and FSAs, you can finally say goodbye to those crampy days and hello to a happier cycle with the right tools on your side.
Menstrual pain… sucks.
Cramps, one of the most common gynecologic complaints, affect up to 4 out of 5 women and can be experienced on the low end of the pain scale as minor discomfort up to THISISTHEWORSTPAINEVER!!
However, there are a lot of tried-and-true and exciting new ways to remedy these throbs and pains — many of which you can pay for with your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Ready for relief and cost savings too?
What We’ll Cover About Using Your HSA/FSA for Menstrual Pain Relief
Understanding what causes menstrual cramps
Options to help reduce or manage pain, covered by your HSA or FSA
Consumer products that are paving a new way for period relief
How to use your HSA/FSA to pay for menstrual pain relief (and how Flex can help)
Demystifying the Ugh: What Causes Menstrual Cramps?
Sometimes the muscular contractions that expel the uterine lining turn into painful spasms, known as dysmenorrhea.
The culprit? Often, it's high concentrations of prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that can trigger more intense and frequent muscle contractions, reduce blood flow, and increase intrauterine pressure. According to the Office on Women’s Health, while most cramps are primary (due to prostaglandins), sometimes they can be secondary, linked to underlying conditions like endometriosis or fibroids.
Where is the pain typically felt?
The pain usually centers around your lower abdomen and lower back, but it can also radiate to the hips and inner thighs. The severity of menstrual cramps can vary from person to person, and even from month to month. Some people experience mild discomfort, while others may have severe pain that interferes with their daily activities.
If your cramps are severe, unusual, or worsen, it’s important to talk to your doctor to see if the cause might be something more serious.
Fighting Cramps on a Budget: Ways to Reduce Menstrual Pain Covered by Your HSA/FSA
Dealing with period pain shouldn't have to be a pain. From home remedies to new age tips, common practice to science-backed tech, many menstrual pain relief options are both effective and covered by your HSA or FSA.
A quick refresher: HSAs and FSAs are tax-advantaged savings accounts designed to help you pay for healthcare expenses. They give consumers more flexibility — funds can be used on many eligible out-of-pocket medical expenses that may not typically be covered by insurance, such as health and fitness products, hearing aids, air purifiers, and, of course, HSA and FSA-approved menstrual pain items.
Let's explore some ways to get relief for you and your wallet.
Exercise
Harness the power of endorphins to reduce discomfort!
According to a randomized controlled trial looking at the effect of aerobic exercise on pain for women with dysmenorrhea, there was a significant decrease in discomfort and intensity for those who followed a treadmill protocol.
Light to moderate exercise like walking, swimming, or dancing are common ways to reduce stiffness, positively impact stress, and boost your mood too. So really, exercise is a great option any day of the cycle.
If you need a little extra incentive, fitness programs, pilates, and exercise equipment, like Peloton or a treadmill, can be covered by your HSA or FSA. Just note that in most cases you’ll need to get a Letter of Medical Necessity from your healthcare provider to do so.
Yoga
It’s not just for the mind and soul: A study in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies found that yoga intervention improved the severity of menstrual pain. Yoga has also been shown to reduce anxiety and is used as a complementary therapy for patients with a range of conditions such as hypertension, migraine headaches, and backaches
If your healthcare provider recommends yoga as part of a treatment plan, you can use your HSA/FSA funds to boost your practice.
Try acupuncture
Tiny needles can bring great relief. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), acupuncture can be effective for some individuals, especially when combined with other methods. If your healthcare provider prescribes acupuncture as part of a treatment plan your HSA or FSA can cover this.
Heat pads
Give your tummy a warm hug! Many sources, like Mayo Clinic, claim that using heating pads for cramps helps increase blood flow and relax muscles, easing pain. Menstrual heating pads (including a few we share more about below) are also HSA-eligible.
Massages
Massages and period massage pads can also help with menstrual pain, as they provide muscle relaxation, general stress reduction, and improved blood flow.
Swedish and deep tissue massages are thought to help alleviate pain and cramps, while studies by the NCCIH suggest that essential oils like lavender and clary sage might have pain-relieving properties.
Can you use HSA for period pain massages?
The eligibility of massage therapy for HSA/FSA coverage varies based on three factors:
Your specific HSA/FSA plan: Some plans cover massage therapy as a preventative or wellness expense, while others don’t.
The massage therapist's qualifications: Ensure the therapist is a licensed professional recognized by a professional organization like the American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) or the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB)
The reason for the massage: Pain relief is typically covered, while massages solely for relaxation are not.
Make sure to check your plan details, choose a licensed therapist, and follow the procedure while submitting your claim.
OTC medicine
Ibuprofen and naproxen are your over-the-counter pain-relieving allies, and guess what? HSA-approved! You can even use your HSA to stock up on Midol for targeted relief.
Hormonal birth control
Most HBC methods contain either estrogen and progestin or just progestin. These hormones regulate your menstrual cycle by suppressing ovulation and thinning the uterine lining.
According to a literature review published in 2009, birth control pills can reduce the amount of prostaglandins, as well as suppress ovulation, which can reduce blood flow and cramping.
In With the New: Modern Menstrual Pain Relief Covered by Your HSA/FSA
Consumer healthtech is having a moment, from continuous glucose monitoring to fitness, sleep, and ovluation trackers providing actionable data like never before.
When it comes to menstrual cramps, Jovi is an exciting new option.
Jovi Patch: Reusable, drug-free relief
The Jovi Patch is a period relief adhesive that utilizes patented “Signal Relief technology” to disrupt pain signals in the body. You stick the patch on the source of your discomfort and the microscopic particles between the layers of the patch act as an antenna that helps to weaken or alter pain signals before they reach your brain which, in effect, reduces the experience of the pain.
Research is still ongoing, but the signal relief technology that powers the Jovi Patch has been shown to reduce the impact of musculoskeletal pain. Things are looking good for the future of menstrual pain relief!
Sundaze: Heated shorts for portable pain management
If you’ve ever luxuriated in heated gloves while skiing you’ll instantly understand the appeal of Sundaze’s Heated Shorts. With a rechargeable powerbank the size of an iPhone and machine washable fabric, the shorts offer heating up to the level of a hot water bottle for on-the-go period pain relief. According to the company, users report up to 50% decrease in period pain from the shorts alone, without medication!
Daye: Earth-friendly period pain relief
Moving away from tech and into the natural domain, Daye is on a mission to make their products and services as environmentally friendly as possible. Take their tampons, for example: They use organic cotton, applicators made from renewable sugarcane, and ocean-safe, wrappers. For extra pain relief, you can order tampons with a CBD coating which helps to alleviate menstrual discomfort naturally.
Period: Underwear to help you go with the flow
Period makes ultra-absorbent underwear that can soak up a full day’s worth of period blood. This isn’t about reducing physical pain but it can help alleviate the mental stress of worrying about leaks. Specifically, their four-layer system combines with leak-proof seams to offer confidence for containment, while the top-wicking layer keeps you dry. You can wear these instead of tampons or pads, or as a comfortable, extra-secure back up.
How To Use HSA/FSA To Pay For Menstrual Pain Relief
Period pain doesn't have to be a wallet drain. With a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) you can leverage these health-related expense accounts to stock up on your personal cramp-busting arsenal. Here's how:
Know what’s covered:
What items are HSA or FSA eligible, and which are not?
Commonly covered products include OTC medicines, heating pads and hormonal birth control. Other items like acupuncture or massage may be covered, but more likely, you’ll have to obtain a LOMN from your healthcare provider outlining why the item or service is necessary for your treatment plan. Understanding the criteria and gathering the appropriate documentation is key here.
What typically qualifies? The Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) general rule is that “[qualified] medical care expenses must be primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental disability or illness” and includes costs associated with diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention.
Important Reminder: HSA/FSA funds are meant for qualified medical expenses. Using them for non-medical items like tampons or pads might result in tax penalties.
How Flex Can Help You Pay for Menstrual Pain Relief With Your HSA/FSA
Flex makes purchasing eligible relief items with your HSA/FSA a pain-free process!
Step 1: Add the HSA/FSA-eligible product you want to your cart
For example, Jovi, Sundaze and Daye 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 feminine hygiene items may depend on your plan, so make sure to verify with your provider first.
Ready to Start Utilizing Your HSA/FSA For Menstrual Pain Relief?
The first thing you need to know is that you’re not alone. A study published in the National Library of Medicine showed that over 84% of women experience a form of dysmenorrhea, with 43% reporting that it happens every period.
With HSAs and FSAs, you can finally say goodbye to those crampy days and hello to a happier cycle with the right tools on your side.
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.