Crohn's disease , exercise , Health savings account !!

[JoeyS646]

I have Crohn's disease. I have a J pouch. I have flare ups from time to time. I take Imuran 100mg everyday . I have a stressful job working at a hospital , cleaning in the middle of the night. I have health insurance and a Health savings account. I have alot of money thrown in there every month to pay for what I need for what I have. I have a Car bill , insurance , rent and etc to pay for . I want to get into karate or judo to help reduce my stress. I want to go to a good club . Not some rec center. Somewhere decent. I talked to human resources at work and they said you can use your HSA to pay for a fitness routine prescribed by your Dr, in other words a note from the Doctor recommending it. They do it for people over weight. This would be no Different. The tax law on this clearly states if it is for the Treatment of the disease , HSA funds may be used. Will my GI doctor right me such a note , will he not. Will my family Dr , will he not. Thats what I am afraid of. I know of a Bill Trying to get passed through congress called H.R.956 phit act. It would allow you to use HSA funds on gym memberships and fitness programs of a wide variety such as martial arts. They say it would help reduce medical costs of Diabetes and other overweight ailments . So my question is. Can I use my HSA to pay for a karate class to reduce my stress . Will my Dr. write that for me ,or will a Dr write that for me ?

 

[Lisa]

You need to check with your HSA to see what is and is not allowed for reimbursement. It should be spelled out in the paperwork or you may be able to even check on line. As for a doctor writing a prescription, that may or may not be needed, again you need to check. If one is needed, if you have a good relationship with your doctor they may be able to help you out with a recommendation. Good luck.