💡 Quick Answer: Vital Proteins is HSA/FSA eligible because it helps prevent, manage, and reverse a variety of health conditions including joint disorders, skin conditions, and wound healing needs, 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 Vital Proteins 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 Vital Proteins
Vital Proteins is the collagen company that somehow made drinking cow parts trendy and got Jennifer Aniston to be their spokesperson while they were at it. But here’s the thing: they actually deserve the hype. Their Collagen Peptides ($27 for 9oz, $47 for 20oz) come from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine and deliver 20g of collagen per serving in a completely unflavored powder that dissolves into literally anything without changing the taste. We’re talking about the same collagen that makes up 30% of your body’s protein and starts declining by 1% every year after you hit 30 (fun birthday present from biology).
What sets Vital Proteins apart is they’ve made collagen supplementation stupidly simple. Their hydrolyzed peptides are broken down for maximum absorption, sourced from quality suppliers (not mystery meat), and actually backed by science showing benefits for skin elasticity, joint health, and even gut health. The Advanced formula adds hyaluronic acid and vitamin C for extra skin benefits, while their Marine Collagen caters to the pescatarians. With over 50,000 5-star reviews on Amazon and availability everywhere from Costco to your local Target, Vital Proteins turned what used to be a niche supplement into something as mainstream as protein powder. Whether you’re adding it to your morning coffee, post-workout smoothie, or even your pancake batter (yes, people do this), you’re getting 18 amino acids that support everything from your hair to your joints, all without any weird taste or texture.
Why Vital Proteins Qualifies for HSA/FSA
According to IRS regulations, collagen 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 Vital Proteins collagen can qualify for HSA/FSA reimbursement for prevention or treatment of:
- Joint disorders and osteoarthritis
- Skin conditions requiring collagen support
- Wound healing and post-surgical recovery
- Bone density issues and osteoporosis
- Digestive disorders and gut health issues
- Connective tissue disorders
- Age-related collagen deficiency
- Tendon and ligament injuries
The key requirement is that your healthcare provider must note the collagen supplementation as medically necessary for managing your specific health condition, not just for beauty or anti-aging purposes. 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 joint health or collagen-related conditions, and request a Letter of Medical Necessity if collagen 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 collagen supplements and beauty supplements qualify for HSA/FSA?
Absolutely! With the right medical documentation, you can potentially use HSA/FSA funds for other collagen products, biotin supplements, hyaluronic acid, and nutritional supplements that support skin and joint health, 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 Vital Proteins collagen is medically necessary for treating a diagnosed condition. It’s the official paperwork that proves your collagen supplementation isn’t just for beauty benefits. 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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