💡 Quick Answer: Seed is HSA/FSA eligible because it helps prevent, manage, and reverse a variety of health conditions including digestive disorders, IBS, and immune system deficiencies, and many others. According to IRS Publication 502, all you need is a Letter of Medical Necessity.
Luckily, we make it ridiculously simple. Crates Health is the fastest way to get your personalized and compliant letter for Seed and thousands of other wellness products, plus we handle your reimbursements directly through our platform with just one click.
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What is Seed
Seed is the microbiome science company that basically reinvented probiotics from the ground up and made every other probiotic brand look like they’re stuck in 2005. Think precision microbiome science meets sleek design, backed by actual clinical trials instead of marketing fluff. Their flagship DS-01 Daily Synbiotic isn’t just another probiotic; it’s a 24-strain powerhouse that combines probiotics and prebiotics in a patented capsule-in-capsule design that actually survives your stomach acid.
Founded by scientists who were frustrated with the Wild West probiotic industry, Seed partners with world-renowned researchers and has their products in clinical trials with major institutions. The DS-01 contains 53.6 billion AFU (Active Fluorescent Units), a more accurate measure than the industry-standard CFU, and targets everything from digestive health to skin health to immune function. What sets them apart? They use strain-specific research, meaning each of their 24 strains has clinical backing for specific health benefits. Plus, their sustainable packaging and commitment to transparency makes them the kind of company you actually want to support.
Why Seed Qualifies for HSA/FSA
According to IRS regulations, probiotics can qualify as eligible medical expenses with a Letter of Medical Necessity under specific circumstances outlined in Publication 502.
IRS Publication 502 states that medical expenses are “the costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and for the purpose of affecting any part or function of the body,” but “must be primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental condition or illness.”
This means Seed probiotics can qualify for HSA/FSA reimbursement for prevention or treatment of:
- Digestive disorders and gut microbiome imbalances
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Immune system deficiencies
- Antibiotic-associated digestive disruption
- Inflammatory bowel conditions
- Skin conditions linked to gut health
- Mood disorders related to gut-brain axis
- Chronic digestive inflammation
The key requirement is that your healthcare provider must note the probiotics as medically necessary for managing your specific health condition, not just for general wellness. This documentation comes in the form of a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN).
How to Assess Your Eligibility
Traditional Route: Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician, discuss your digestive health conditions and probiotic needs, and request a Letter of Medical Necessity if probiotics are recommended as part of your treatment plan. This typically requires an office visit, potential wait times, and can cost $50-100+ depending on your insurance.
Faster, Smarter Route: Use Crates Health to get your Letter of Medical Necessity online in just a few minutes. Our platform connects you with licensed healthcare providers who can evaluate your conditions remotely and issue the appropriate documentation if you qualify. No office visits, no waiting weeks for appointments, and no surprise medical bills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do other probiotics and gut health supplements qualify for HSA/FSA?
Absolutely! With the right medical documentation, you can potentially use HSA/FSA funds for other probiotic supplements, digestive enzymes, prebiotic fiber supplements, and gut health products, as long as they’re recommended for treating specific medical conditions.
How does reimbursement work?
Some retailers accept HSA/FSA cards (most don’t though). When they don’t, you need to use your personal card and then reimburse yourself. This means finding and storing receipts and then uploading them and your LMN to your HSA/FSA admin portal. With Crates, we make this process simple: upload your receipt and get one click reimbursements all from our platform.
What is a Letter of Medical Necessity?
A Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) is a document from a licensed healthcare provider that explains why a specific expense like your Seed probiotics is medically necessary for treating a diagnosed condition. It’s the official paperwork that proves your probiotic supplementation isn’t just for general wellness. Each LMN typically remains valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
Will my claim get denied?
Every HSA/FSA admin is unique and may initially deny some claims. Usually, it is related to receipt format (must be itemized), LMN format, or other supporting documentation. With Crates, we will support you through this process and make sure you get your money back.
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