Using FSA/HSA Funds for Medical/Orthopedic Vehicle Seating and Mounts
- Services @ TS
- Oct 8
- 5 min read
We recently had a customer successfully purchase a set of scheel-mann seats and mounts using their FSA funds WITH proper medical documentation from their healthcare provider. This real-world example confirmed that these orthopedic seating products can qualify for FSA reimbursement when medically necessary, which is why we've put together this comprehensive guide to help other customers navigate this process.
The recent success story of one of our customers is definitive proof: You can use your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) funds to purchase our specialized seats and mounts.
While standard automotive components are not covered, your tax-advantaged healthcare account will cover vehicle modifications and adaptive equipment that a physician deems medically necessary. This eligibility is based on the official IRS guidelines for medical expenses.
For those dealing with chronic conditions, recovery, or mobility challenges, our seating solutions can be deemed medically necessary Adaptive Equipment or a Capital Expense for Medical Care, making the purchase eligible.
The Power of Medical Necessity: FSA vs. HSA
Both Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) allow you to use pre-tax money to pay for qualified medical expenses defined under IRS Publication 502 and IRC Section 213(d)(1).
Account Type | Key Feature | Relevance to Seats/Mounts |
FSA (Flexible Spending Account) | Funds are "use it or lose it" within the plan year (with minor grace periods). | Eligible when classified as Adaptive Equipment or a Capital Expense for Medical Care required for treatment. |
HSA (Health Savings Account) | Funds roll over year-to-year and are yours forever. | Same IRS criteria as FSA, making it an excellent long-term option for medically necessary modifications. |
The foundational rule is that the expense must be "for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or for the purpose of affecting any structure or function of the body."
The Proven Process: Step-by-Step
Our customer was successful very recently because they followed the official IRS guidelines for purchasing specialized equipment. The key is to treat the seats and mounts as a "Vehicle Modification for Health Reasons" or "Adaptive Equipment", not just a standard car part.
Step 1: Secure the Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN)
This is the single most important document, serving as the official proof required by the IRS. Your doctor (or other licensed medical practitioner) must write a formal letter or prescription on their letterhead that includes the following:
Specific Diagnosis: Clearly state the patient's medical condition (e.g., severe scoliosis, chronic spinal arthritis, etc.).
Medical Rationale: Explain why our specialized seats and/or mounts are required to treat, mitigate, or alleviate that condition, and state that standard factory seating is insufficient.
The IRS Classification: The letter confirms that the product falls under the official IRS category of a Car Modification for Health Reasons or Adaptive Equipment.
Timing: Get this letter before or immediately following your purchase.
Step 2: Purchase and Get an Itemized Receipt
Proceed with the purchase of our mounting systems and scheel-mann seats. If your FSA/HSA provides a debit card, you may attempt to use it, but be prepared for it to be initially declined, as the purchase is classified as non-standard.
Documentation: Ensure you receive a detailed, itemized invoice or receipt that clearly lists the items (seats, mounts) and the total cost.
Step 3: Submit Your Claim for Reimbursement
If you paid out-of-pocket (which is common for LMN-required items), you must submit a claim to your FSA or HSA administrator.
Required Documents: You will submit both the detailed, itemized receipt (Step 2) and the official Letter of Medical Necessity (Step 1).
The Approval: Your administrator will review these documents against IRS rules. Since our customer's LMN successfully established that the specialized seating was required for their medical care, the claim was approved and the customer was reimbursed using their pre-tax funds.
Why the Seats Qualify Under IRS Guidelines
The eligibility hinges on the IRS rules covering Capital Expenses Related to Medical Care.
IRS Category | Definition and Application to Your Purchase |
Adaptive Equipment | Equipment required to allow a person with a physical disability to function. Our specialized seats/mounts adapt the vehicle to the patient’s medical needs. |
Car Modification | The guidelines cover the full cost of "special equipment installed in a car for the use of a person with disabilities." The specialized nature of our product allows it to be correctly classified this way. |
By securing the LMN, you are not exploiting a "loophole," but correctly utilizing a legitimate provision in tax law intended to make medically necessary items affordable. We encourage you to contact your FSA/HSA administrator to confirm their specific documentation process.
Timing of Open Enrollment for 2026 Benefits
Most employer-sponsored health plans—and FSAs tied to those plans—use a fall open enrollment window during which employees must elect or re-elect their benefits for the coming year. While exact dates vary by employer, many “open enrollment” periods take place in November (or sometimes late October) and last a few weeks. It’s during this time that employees set their FSA contribution amounts and choose health plan options that will be effective in 2026. Missing that window typically means you’ll have to wait until the next annual enrollment period, unless you experience a qualifying life event (such as a move, marriage, or loss of coverage).
If you’ve been considering upgrading to scheel-mann seats because of back pain, posture issues, or other medical concerns, now is the perfect time to start planning. Talk to your doctor about whether a medical note or prescription could qualify the purchase for FSA reimbursement, and make sure to budget your 2026 contributions accordingly. Setting your plan in place during open enrollment ensures you’ll have funds available when you’re ready to move forward with your seat system.
Disclaimer: While we are excited by this success and now strive to inform our customers, we are not tax or benefits experts. The approval of your claim is ultimately determined by your individual FSA/HSA administrator and their interpretation of IRS code. Always contact your plan administrator before making the purchase to ensure you understand their specific requirements.
We are looking forward to working with customers who need detailed product specifications to support their FSA claim. Remember, while we can provide product information and specifications, only licensed healthcare providers can determine medical necessity and provide the required documentation for FSA eligibility.
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