Complaint Review: Massage Envy

Sept 15, 2009 I went to Massage Envy Eagan to get a massage for the Massage for The Cure event.  It was $35 for an hour massage with $10 going to Susan G. Komen Foundation.  I was hard-sold a membership for their wellness plan, with the girl saying I could use my Flex-Spending (FSA) dollars to pay for the monthly fee of $52.49.  I specifically asked if I would need a prescription or letter of medical necessity from my doctor.  The girl (Erika) said No, I wouldn't.  I had extra money set in my FSA so I signed up.  Now that a month has passed and my claim has processed, I've been notified that my FSA will NOT reimburse me for the massage because it's not medically necessary.

I've called once and gone into the store once and tried to cancel my membership.  I talked to Skip Anderson (Manager) and he would not even acknowledge that membership is a possibility.  I pleaded with him and explained that his employee lied to me to get me to sign the contract, but he said it was my fault for not researching it myself.  I think I did my due diligence by asking the question of someone who was portraying herself as an expert in FSA claims.  Apparently their dishonesty is a common practice given the amount of reports against this business.

My advice -- stay FAR FAR AWAY from their membership program unless you're 100% sure you want to get the massages and are willing to pay $53 a month and deal with rude people.