Can You Use HSA For Betterhelp?

This article will explore the topic of whether or not HSA can be used to cover costs that are related to mental health services being provided online by Betterhelp. It will not only introduce HSA but also explain what types of services are eligible or not to have it used for. The article will also explain what features of Betterhelp may make it easier or more difficult to obtain such funds. The article will also provide insight into other options that can be used to make online services more affordable.

Can You Use HSA For Betterhelp?

It is not clear as to whether you can use HSA for Betterhelp’s online services due to a number of reasons:

• Betterhelp Is An Online Platform
• HSA Is Focused On Mental & Medical Disorders
• Betterhelp – Diagnosis & Medication
• Costs Involved

Betterhelp Is An Online Platform

We will introduce the company in the upcoming sections of the article but for the sake of this discussion we must introduce it here as well. Betterhelp is an online platform that is dedicated to the mental health well being of clients from across the globe and acts as a bridge to allow service providers to provide services to those in need. 

Furthermore, this platform allows clients to take services from the comfort of their home using subscriptions packages that include unlimited sessions with a service provider each client is matched with. These sessions are conducted over the phone, through video sessions and chatting whereby the service provider counsels the client and attempts to help them through their problems. It is a service that covers a number of areas such as:

• Stress
• Anxiety 
• Relationship issues
• Parenting problems
• Depression
• Addiction
• Eating issues
• Sleep difficulties
• Trauma
• Anger management issues
• Family conflict
• LBGTQ matters
• Grief
• Religion 
• Self-esteem issues

However, when it comes to HSA, it is unclear whether this type of account covers services that occur online. It is not mentioned on their websites and hence one may have to contact them directly and put up their case to them citing various factors such as the online providers details, costs involved, treatment details and duration of treatment. Only then will there be some clarity.

HSA Is Focused On Mental & Medical Disorders

The Health Savings Account focuses on disorders or diseases that an individual may be facing. Although it is apparent from their website and that of the IRS that they tend to focus on diseases directly attributed to the body, they do cover doctor’s office visits and medication costs and this could apply to mental disorders to which include:

• Alzheimers
• Dementia
• Schizophrenia

This list is not all inclusive and the above examples are given because their effects on the body are apparent in the sense that they affect the brain directly and require medication. Hence, it is possible HSA could cover costs associated with these disorders.

There are a number of areas that the HSA covers financially which include:

• Acupuncture
• Ambulance
• Artificial limbs
• Artificial teeth
• Birth control treatment
• Blood sugar test kits for diabetics
• Breast pumps and lactation supplies
• Chiropractor
• Contact lenses and solutions
• Crutches
• Dental treatments (including X-rays, cleanings, fillings, sealants, braces and tooth removals*)
• Doctor’s office visits and co-pays
• Drug addiction treatment
• Drug prescriptions
• Eyeglasses (Rx and reading)

It also covers common over the counter medicines like:

• Feminine antifungal or anti-itch products
• Hemorrhoid treatment
• Laxatives or stool softeners
• Lice treatments
• Motion sickness medicines
• Nasal sprays or drops
• Ointments for cuts, burns or rashes
• Pain relievers, such as aspirin or ibuprofen
• Sleep aids
• Stomach remedies

Furthermore, it may cover services if a letter of medical necessity is completed such as:

• Weight-loss program only if it is a treatment for a specific disease diagnosed by a physician (e.g., obesity, hypertension, heart disease)
• Compression hosiery/socks, anti embolism socks or hose
• Massage treatment for specific ailment or diagnosis
• CPR classes for adult or child
• Improvements or special equipment added to a home or other capital expenditures for a physically handicapped person

However, it does not cover costs or services such as:

• Aromatherapy
• Baby bottles and cups
• Baby oil
• Baby wipes
• Breast enhancement
• Cosmetics and skin care
• Cotton swabs
• Dental floss
• Deodorants
• Hair re-growth supplies and/or services
• Health club membership dues
• Humidifier

It is difficult to discern whether or not it covers mental health related costs especially those associated with availing services online. 

Betterhelp Diagnosis & Medication

Another factor that makes things more difficult to predict in terms of eligibility of services being covered by HSA is Betterhelp’s policies. The company does not allow service providers working at its platform to diagnose patients or provide medical/drug treatment to them even if they are qualified to do so. There are a number of reasons for this that may include difficulty in diagnosing accurately over the internet, diagnosis is concomitant with drug usage and the effects of a wrong diagnosis on the patient. 

Nevertheless, oftentimes HSA and other health benefits require that there is some diagnosis or medical drug prescription for a service to qualify for this certain pre tax advantage. However, Betterhelp’s services only blur the line more.

Costs Involved

If you study what types of costs the HSA covers, you will notice that they do cover doctor office visits made by patients. However, when it comes to online therapy, there are very little costs in availing or accessing the service. This further makes it difficult to obtain benefits due to the low costs services of online therapy platforms.

What Is HSA?

The Health Savings Account (HSA) is an initiative, pre-tax, that allows you to reduce the overall expenses associated with your health care costs. It allows you to save up pre tax money to pay for qualified medical services that may include dental and vision services as well. It is also expanding to cover female hygiene products too especially because of growing demand. 

This account can be used to pay for deductibles, co pays, co insurance and other expenses but does not generally cover premiums. It also allows you to contribute to an HSA if you have a High Deductible Health Plan – nonetheless you can always use funds from an HSA to pay for your expenses.

This account also helps cover costs that are associated with long term services, medical drugs, weight loss programs and the such. Some programs or costs do not require any sort of documentation whereas others may require some sort of proof or documentation such as a letter of medical necessity. 

What Is Betterhelp?

Betterhelp is one of the largest online platforms that provides multiple services for all types of people who are suffering from mental health problems and require counseling. What is great about this service is that it is online hence it is available anywhere and every time. You do not have to go to the doctor’s office to get an appointment or wait in line for your turn. This is great if you feel pretty down and getting out of bed is a challenge for you!

With approximately 1700 licensed therapists available online at the click of a button, Betterhelp ensures that its clients receive the best help they can get by connecting them to professional therapists and counselors who know what they need to do This is apparent by the total number of sessions which Betterhelp has already conducted from their platform; a whopping 70 million sessions already completed! This is possible because the company understands the needs of clients well and hence provides therapy related services to them online and not just at  physical location. In a world where things are changing constantly and the unknown is always around the corner, it is becoming more of a need rather than a desire to get services online and at your doorstep – we simply don’t have time nowadays!

Betterhelp is an affordable online mental health platform that allows you to avail mental health counseling services at very low rates from your home. It also offers financial aid to those who deserve it. Furthermore, the site actually discourages financial plans like insurance because the coinsurance associated with such plans may actually exceed the service’s total costs – yes it is an affordable platform.

If you are interested in finding out more about this platform click here!

Conclusion

This article provided an overview as to whether Betterhelp is eligible for HSA or not. It looked at multiple factors that affect eligibility and also highlighted features or services of both HSA and Betterhelp to provide a comprehensive understanding of the situation at hand. 

References

https://www.hsabank.com/hsabank/learning-center/irs-qualified-medical-expenses

https://www.healthcare.gov/glossary/health-savings-account-hsa/