💡 Quick Answer: Thorne is HSA/FSA eligible because it helps prevent, manage, and reverse a variety of health conditions including nutrient deficiencies, thyroid disorders, and cardiovascular disease, 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 Thorne 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 Thorne
Thorne is the gold standard in personalized, science-backed supplements that basically makes every other vitamin brand look like they’re playing in the minor leagues. Since 1984, they’ve been obsessed with one thing: creating the purest, most bioavailable supplements using ingredients that actually work. Think of Thorne as the supplement company that your doctor’s doctor recommends. They’re trusted by over 100 professional sports teams, the Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, and even Australia’s notoriously strict Therapeutic Goods Administration.
What makes Thorne different? They refuse to use fillers, artificial anything, or cheap ingredient forms that your body can’t absorb. Instead, they invest in premium forms like methylcobalamin for B12 and magnesium bisglycinate chelate that actually get into your system. Their South Carolina facility is NSF-certified and they conduct four rounds of testing on every single product, from raw materials to finished formulas. With over 180 supplements ranging from personalized multivitamins to specialized formulas for everything from thyroid support to cognitive enhancement, Thorne has become the go-to for anyone serious about supplementation.
Why Thorne Qualifies for HSA/FSA
According to IRS regulations, supplements 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 Thorne supplements can qualify for HSA/FSA reimbursement for prevention or treatment of:
- Nutrient deficiencies and malabsorption disorders
- Thyroid disorders and hormonal imbalances
- Cardiovascular disease and heart health conditions
- Cognitive decline and memory disorders
- Sleep disorders and circadian rhythm disruption
- Immune system deficiencies
- Digestive disorders and gut health issues
- Chronic fatigue and energy metabolism disorders
The key requirement is that your healthcare provider must note the specific supplements as medically necessary for managing your 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 health conditions and supplement needs, and request a Letter of Medical Necessity if supplementation is 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 vitamin and supplement brands qualify for HSA/FSA?
Absolutely! With the right medical documentation, you can potentially use HSA/FSA funds for multivitamins, specialty supplements, probiotics, omega-3s, and other nutritional 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 Thorne supplements is medically necessary for treating a diagnosed condition. It’s the official paperwork that proves your 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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