The Truth About Letters of Medical Necessity (LMNs)
Letters of Medical Necessity can transform everyday purchases into legitimate medical expenses, potentially saving you hundreds in taxes. Yet most people either don't know about them or assume they're too complicated to obtain. The truth is, getting these letters is straightforward with the right healthcare provider.
What Is a Letter of Medical Necessity?
An LMN is a document from a licensed healthcare provider explaining why a specific product or service is medically necessary for treating a medical condition. It bridges the gap between "this might be healthy" and "this is medically required."
The letter must include:
- Your name and provider information
- Clear medical diagnosis
- Why the item/service is medically necessary
- Professional recommendation
- Date and provider signature
When You Need an LMN
LMNs are required for items serving both medical and non-medical purposes, proving you're using them primarily for medical treatment.
Common items requiring LMNs:
- Vitamins and supplements for specific conditions
- Special dietary products for medical conditions
- Exercise equipment for rehabilitation
- Air purifiers for respiratory conditions
- Massage therapy for medical treatment
- Skincare products for diagnosed conditions
How Wellness Pay Simplifies the Process
Getting LMNs shouldn't be complicated. Wellness Pay has streamlined this process:
Our approach:
- Comprehensive consultations that identify LMN opportunities
- Providers trained in HSA/FSA compliance
- Efficient documentation meeting IRS standards
- Blood work establishing medical necessity for supplements
Real examples:
- Blood work revealing vitamin deficiencies, leading to LMNs for specific supplements
- Consultations identifying skin conditions requiring specialized products
- Health screenings uncovering conditions that justify certain treatments
The Bottom Line
LMNs transform borderline purchases into qualified expenses, but require legitimate medical conditions and proper documentation. Working with providers who understand both medical needs and HSA/FSA compliance maximizes your benefits while ensuring appropriate care.
Join the Wellness Pay community to learn more about the benefits of using your HSA or FSA to improve your health and save your hard-earned money.