How to Use an HSA or FSA with a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN)

Many people use a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for eligible health-related expenses. Some wellness or tracking tools can qualify when your clinician recommends them for a specific medical purpose. This article explains how an LMN (Letter of Medical Necessity) works and how to talk with your clinician and your plan administrator so you can try to use HSA/FSA funds for MyLabInsight.

HSA vs. FSA — The Basics

• HSA: Paired with high-deductible health plans; funds roll over year to year; you own the account.
• FSA: Employer-sponsored; generally "use-it-or-lose-it" within the plan year (some have small carryover or grace periods).

Plan rules vary. Always check your plan's list of eligible expenses and required documentation.

What Is an LMN and When Is It Needed?

An LMN is a signed statement from a licensed clinician (e.g., physician, NP, PA) explaining that a product or service is recommended to help diagnose, mitigate, treat, or monitor a specific condition. Administrators often require an LMN for items that are potentially medical but not automatically covered, such as certain apps, devices, or wellness programs.

How MyLabInsight Fits

MyLabInsight is an educational tool that helps you organize lab values and view safe trends alongside lifestyle data (sleep, activity, weight, etc.). If your clinician believes that structured tracking of labs and related patterns will help manage a documented condition (for example, lipid management, blood-pressure monitoring context, or glucose/A1C follow-up), they may be willing to provide an LMN describing that need.

Important: MyLabInsight does not diagnose, treat, or replace clinical care. Coverage is at your administrator's discretion.

What to Ask Your Clinician

• Describe your condition and why consistent tracking helps (e.g., "monitoring lipid trends between visits," "organizing BP context with sleep," "tracking A1C patterns over time").
• Ask if they can write an LMN specifying:
  • your diagnosis or ICD-10 code (if appropriate),
  • the recommended tool (MyLabInsight app),
  • the medical purpose (e.g., trend tracking to support ongoing management), and
  • the recommended duration (often 12 months).
• Use the email form above to receive a ready-to-use LMN template you can share with your clinician.

How to Submit to Your HSA/FSA

1. Purchase your plan (see Pricing) and save your receipt (email or PDF).
2. Obtain the signed LMN from your clinician.
3. Log in to your HSA/FSA portal and choose "Submit a claim" or "Reimbursement."
4. Upload the receipt and the LMN. Select the category your plan provides (often "medical equipment/supplies," "health app/program," or "other with LMN").
5. If asked, note that MyLabInsight is an educational tracking tool recommended to support management of the named condition (per LMN).
6. Keep copies of all documents for your records.

Common Pitfalls (and How to Avoid Them)

• Missing purpose in LMN: Ensure the letter clearly states the condition and medical purpose.
• Expired LMN: Many plans require renewal annually.
• Wrong documentation type: Some portals need an itemized receipt showing date, amount, and vendor (MyLabInsight).
• Unclear medical use: Administrators may deny claims for "general wellness" — the LMN should tie usage to a specific documented condition.

FAQs

Q: Will my HSA/FSA definitely cover MyLabInsight?
A: Not guaranteed. Each plan administrator reviews claims independently. An LMN improves your chances but doesn't guarantee approval.

Q: Can I submit a claim without an LMN?
A: Most plans require an LMN for wellness apps. Check your plan's covered-expenses list first.

Q: Do I need a new LMN every year?
A: Many plans require annual renewal. Check your plan's policy.

Educational Takeaway

Using HSA/FSA funds for MyLabInsight may be possible when your clinician provides an LMN documenting medical necessity for trend tracking. Start by talking with your clinician and checking your plan's requirements.

*This article is for educational use only and does not provide medical, tax, or legal advice. Consult your clinician, tax professional, and plan administrator for guidance specific to your situation.*