Whisker’s litter robot just became the first automatic litter box eligible for HSA and FSA expenses

There are many surprising wellness devices that your health savings account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) can cover, but this one is particularly inaccessible because it does not only promote human well-being: Whisker’s litter robot.

Today, Whisker announced that in partnership with HSA/FSA e-commerce platform Sika Health, its automatic litter devices are the first and only of their kind to qualify for HSA and FSA eligibility for pet parents with medical conditions – such as limited mobility, pregnancy, chronic pain, arthritis, allergies and other conditions you can find here – that make litter box maintenance difficult.

This includes items from Whisker’s recently launched Litter-Robot range, as well as the Feeder-Robot for automatic feeders. A Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) is required for purchase, which can be facilitated by Sika Health, and Whisker fully covers the $30 LMN treatment fee. Free shipping is also offered (excluding Alaska, Hawaii and Puerto Rico) as well as a 90-day trial.

That’s right, FSAs and HSAs aren’t just for doctor appointments and medications anymore. “This trend is transforming how employees view their benefits because these accounts are no longer just for emergencies,” said Chris Byrd, senior vice president of WEX, a global commerce platform that administers HSAs and FSAs.

Curious about what human-only wellness devices your HSA or FSA can cover? We’ve included a few surprising items below. (Just note that some products may only be eligible for coverage based on medical necessity, for which a doctor’s note is required.)

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1. Massage guns

You might be surprised to learn that massage guns like Therabody Theraguns might be eligible for FSA or HSA. Starting at $200, you can also find two massage guns from Caring Mill by Aura, an in-house brand of HSA and FSA stores, that might qualify. One is even heated and comes in a pack of two.

There’s also a heated and vibrating foam roller and Therabody’s TheraCup for cupping therapy combined with heat and vibration.

2. Oura Ring

The Oura Ring, from CNET favorite smart ringis now eligible for FSA and HSA. You can place an order through Oura Ring using your FSA or HSA card, or later submit your purchase for reimbursement.

3. Oops portable

OUR best overall sleep tracker is Whoop 4.0, and we recently reviewed the Whoop 5.0who we appreciate for her health and hormonal knowledge. At FSA and HSA stores, your Whoop 5.0 purchase also comes with the SuperKnit wristband, a 12-month subscription, a waterproof wireless PowerPack, and a lifetime warranty.

4. Smart blood pressure monitors

The Garmin Index BPM smart blood pressure monitor is available for $200. It integrates Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and can be connected to your smartphone via the Garmin Connect app.

At a more affordable $76, there’s also the Omron Evolv Wireless Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor, which connects to smart devices via an app to help you track your blood pressure readings.

5. Heart rate monitors with chest strap

For $80, you can get the Garmin Heart Rate Monitor 200, which provides real-time heart rate and heart rate variability data that can be sent to compatible Garmin smartwatches, apps, and other devices. It also comes in two sizes: XS-S and M-XL.

6. Light therapy devices

Whether you are looking for red light therapy LED mask like that of Dr. Dennis Gross or a panel like that offered by reVive for your skin care routine, you may be able to get one using your HSA or FSA.

7. Compression boots

Also listed in HSA and FSA stores are: Therabody Jet Bootscompression boots that reduce muscle soreness, increase blood flow and promote recovery. The JetBoots Prime costs $600 and the JetBoots Pro Plus costs $1,200, and they also come with vibration and red light therapy.

8. Baby Monitors

Wellness devices covered by the HSA and FSA are not just for adults. Baby Monitorslike the Nanit Pro camera for $250 and the Owlet Dream Duo for $400, can be purchased using these accounts. The Dream Duo even comes with a sock that can track your baby’s oxygen levels, pulse, and sleep patterns.

But first, make sure your items are eligible

Byrd says it’s important to pay attention to the fine print and HSA or FSA eligibility requirements. “Generally speaking, eligibility is tied to use for treatment of a medical problem,” he says. “If the item or service is for general health and wellness reasons or for cosmetic reasons, it will generally not be eligible. Items like the Theragun and acne masks fall into this category, where they are HSA eligible, subject to medical need. In such cases, a doctor’s note, commonly known as a letter of medical necessity, is normally required.”

To ensure an item is HSA eligible, check your HSA provider’s dashboard or online application.

What is the difference between an HSA and an FSA?

“The main difference is that an HSA is an individual account,” says Byrd. “It can be set up through an employer plan or individually through the HSA provider of your choice. It stays with you, even if you change jobs, whereas an FSA is tied to your employer and often has a ‘use it or lose it’ rule at the end of the plan year.”

Individuals participating in an HSA must be enrolled in an HSA-qualified health insurance plan, while FSAs work with any group health insurance plan.

“Another key difference that people may not realize is that they can invest HSA funds, but not FSA funds,” Byrd adds. Depending on your provider, you may be able to invest your HSA funds in mutual funds or index funds, so your money can grow tax-free over time for future healthcare expenses.