Are Protein Shakes Covered by an FSA?

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) offer a tax-advantaged way to pay for eligible healthcare expenses. Many individuals use FSAs to save money on common medical costs. A frequent question concerns the eligibility of protein shakes, which are widely used for various health and fitness goals. Understanding the specific criteria for FSA reimbursement is important.

General Rules for FSA Reimbursement

Flexible Spending Accounts cover medical care expenses, which the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) defines as costs for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, or for affecting any structure or function of the body. This includes items from prescription medications to certain over-the-counter products. However, general health supplements, vitamins, and food items typically do not qualify for FSA reimbursement. They are considered beneficial for general health rather than for treating a specific medical condition. Protein shakes, when consumed for general wellness or athletic performance, generally fall into this ineligible category.

When Protein Shakes Qualify

Protein shakes can become an eligible expense only when a licensed healthcare provider determines they are medically necessary to treat a specific medical condition. This means the protein shakes are a required component of a treatment plan for an illness or disability, not merely for general health improvement. For instance, protein supplementation might be prescribed for individuals with specific metabolic disorders, those recovering from major surgery, or patients experiencing severe malnutrition or certain gastrointestinal issues. In these situations, the protein shakes are considered integral to alleviating or preventing the progression of a diagnosed condition. Establishing this medical necessity requires documentation from a healthcare provider, typically a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN).

Getting a Letter of Medical Necessity

To support a claim for protein shake reimbursement, a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) is essential. This letter must be issued by a licensed healthcare provider, such as a physician, nurse practitioner, or registered dietitian. The LMN certifies that the protein shakes are medically necessary for a specific condition, not just for general well-being. It should detail the medical condition or diagnosis requiring the protein shakes, state that the shakes are medically necessary for the treatment or mitigation of that condition, and specify the recommended type, dosage, and duration of use. The healthcare provider’s signature, date, and contact information must also be included on the letter.

Submitting Your Reimbursement Claim

Once you have obtained the necessary Letter of Medical Necessity and purchased the protein shakes, submit your reimbursement claim to your FSA administrator. When submitting your claim, you must include two key documents: an itemized receipt for the protein shakes and the fully completed Letter of Medical Necessity. The itemized receipt should clearly show the purchase date, the vendor’s name, a description of the item, and the total cost. After submission, claims typically undergo a processing period, often ranging from a few business days to approximately two weeks, with reimbursement issued via direct deposit or check.