💡 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, wound healing needs, and many others. According to IRS Publication 502, all you need is a Letter of Medical Necessity. Crates Health gets you approved in minutes.
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.
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 age 20 (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. A systematic review in the International Journal of Dermatology found that hydrolyzed collagen supplementation improved skin elasticity, hydration, and dermal collagen density. Meanwhile, research published in Current Medical Research and Opinion demonstrated significant improvements in joint pain among athletes taking collagen hydrolysate.
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 Eligibility
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 preventing, managing, or reversing:
- Joint disorders and osteoarthritis – A study in the International Journal of Medical Sciences found that collagen hydrolysate significantly reduced joint pain in athletes and improved joint function in osteoarthritis patients.
- Skin conditions requiring collagen support – Research in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology demonstrated that oral collagen peptide supplementation significantly improved skin elasticity after just 4 weeks.
- Wound healing and post-surgical recovery – A clinical study in Wounds journal showed collagen supplementation accelerated wound healing by supporting tissue regeneration.
- Bone density issues and osteoporosis – Research published in Nutrients found that collagen peptides increased bone mineral density and improved bone markers in postmenopausal women.
- Digestive disorders and gut health issues – Studies in Food & Function suggest collagen peptides may help repair intestinal lining and support gut barrier function.
- Connective tissue disorders – The Arthritis Foundation recognizes collagen supplementation as potentially beneficial for supporting connective tissue health.
- Age-related collagen deficiency – According to research in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, collagen production declines significantly with age, and supplementation can help counteract visible signs of this decline.
- Tendon and ligament injuries – A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that vitamin C-enriched collagen supplementation improved collagen synthesis and supported tendon and ligament repair.
The key requirement is that your healthcare provider must document the collagen supplementation as medically necessary for preventing, reversing, or 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 HSA/FSA Eligibility for Vital Proteins
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 qualify for HSA/FSA?
Yes! With the right medical documentation, you can use HSA/FSA funds for other collagen products like Thorne supplements, biotin supplements, hyaluronic acid, and nutritional supplements that support skin and joint health. The key is having an LMN that documents the medical necessity for your specific condition.
How does reimbursement work?
Some retailers accept HSA/FSA cards directly (most don’t though). When they don’t, you purchase with your personal card and then reimburse yourself. This means finding and storing receipts and uploading them along with your LMN to your HSA/FSA admin portal. With Crates Health, we simplify this process: 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 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?
With proper documentation, denials are rare. That said, every HSA/FSA administrator is different, and some may initially deny claims due to receipt format, LMN documentation, or unclear medical necessity. Crates Health supports you through any denials and makes sure you get reimbursed.
Do I need a separate LMN for each supplement I buy?
Best-in-class LMNs are designed for one product and one health condition to meet IRS standards. If you’re also using other HSA-eligible supplements like AG1 or Momentous, you’ll need separate documentation for each.
How long does it take to get an LMN from Crates Health?
Most users complete the Crates Health process in under 5 minutes. You’ll answer questions about your health conditions, and if you qualify, a licensed healthcare provider reviews your information and issues your LMN. No appointments, no waiting rooms, no hassle.
