Question

I have read where some use the HSA card to purchase food. Do you need a Dr. Request for this?  

Answer 1

Following. I have tried this year but so far, all my claims have been denied.  

Answer 2

I don't think you can w/an HSA, but you can w/a Flex spending acct. they are different things.  

Answer 3

While your HSA account may allow you to pay for the food with the card, you must have a doctor’s prescription in order for it to be a qualified expense for HSA under IRS law.  

Comments

@peculate so my doctors office is where I get IP. She just needs to write a script & I keep it in my records?  

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@markup oh wow! That’s great! Yes you are correct!  

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@peculate thank you! Yes, this dr is especially interested in obesity & managing health with healthy food choices. She’s a GI doctor & I couldn’t stop taking ulcer meds & bp medication. She got me started on IP & I’m off medication!  thanks again for you info!  

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@markup I’m so happy for you! That’s awesome!  

Answer 4

MyHSA covers IP. I allocate everything to wellness and get $800 in IP a year covered for a reboot

Comments

@fundus lucky you.  

Answer 5

Check with your insurance. Every plan is different. Some just need a note from your doctor to say you would benefit (health wise)from the diet and then they let you use it!  

Answer 6

I write a doctors note for my patients. They haven’t had any problems. It is a medical protocol diet.  

Answer 7

What is HSA?  

Comments

@rufford13598a Rine Health Spending Account

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@fundus thank you

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Health SAVINGS Account.  

Answer 8

What about just insurance? Will they pay anything?  

Answer 9

Two components. call YOUR insurance and find out what your plan covers. Providers won’t know what your plan covers. There are just too many insurance plans. Then find out if your clinic can bill your insurance. If they can’t u may be able to have them give u a receipt and u can submit it to your insurance company for reimbursement. But it all starts with your insurance.  

Answer 10

I use my HSA card every week for IP products.  

Answer 11

Some HSA accounts will pay for food if you have a note from your doctor saying it is medically necessary. Give your HSA a call. They will walk you thru what you need to do.  

Answer 12

You can only use your HSA if you have a prescription from the doctor for a specific issue ( not just weight loss or general health, but high blood pressure or diabetes etc). Some people may have a clinic that allows them to use it otherwise, but if the IRS finds out, you will get penalized.  

Answer 13

That’s a tough one. It’s a super gray area. The challenge is if you get audited. Very unlikely, but something to consider.  

Answer 14

No. I use mine for the food