HSA/FSA
Gut Check: Are Probiotics HSA/FSA Eligible?
Probiotics could be your key to a healthy guy and wallet.
December 12, 2024
Sam O'Keefe
Co-founder & CEO of Flex
Overview
Overview
Overview
Overview
Did you know you’re more microbe than human! Within your gut alone, there are an astounding 100 trillion bacteria hard at work.
Turns out, these tiny organisms play a massive role in our health — they help us resist harmful pathogens, maintain the intestinal lining, metabolize food and medications, regulate immune responses, and even affect our behavior through the gut-brain connection.
They may hold the secret to weight loss too: Research suggests that differences in gut bacteria can influence obesity risk.
With so much riding on these little wonders, it’s no wonder probiotics have become so popular in health and wellness — but are they covered by HSA/FSA funds? Let’s look under the microscope.
What Is Your Gut Microbiota?
Your gut microbiota is a community of trillions of microorganisms living in your gastrointestinal tract. These microbes include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microscopic creatures. While this might sound scary, most of them are very beneficial. They work in harmony with your body to support digestion, immune function, and overall health.
How does your microbiota affect your health?
Your gut microbiome plays a part in many different health outcomes:
Digestion: Microorganisms help break down complex carbs and fibers that the body can’t digest on its own which helps reduce bloating and can prevent issues like constipation or diarrhea.
Immune system: Surprisingly, around 70% of your immune cells are in your gut, which means your microbiome plays an important role in immune response and protection against pathogens. A healthy system also helps prevent chonic inflammation, which can reduce the development of autoimmune conditions such as Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.
Mental health: Your “second brain” is connected to your central nervous system through the vagus nerve, and your microbiome is involved in serotonin producing, which affects mood regulation. Inflmattaion in the gut has also been linked to conditions like depression or brain fog.
Cardiovascular system: The bacteria in your gut can either promote arterial plaque buildup or help reduce levels of harmful cholesterol and support healthy blood pressure.
Let’s talk a bit further about weight management, though.
Over 40% of the global adult population is overweight or obese, and obesity directly leads to around 4.7 million deaths annually. Research by the National Library of Medicine indicates that the diversity of your gut bacteria may be a potential mediator in obesity — lower diversity and higher intestinal permeability are linked to obesity, systemic inflammation, and insulin resistance.
Continuing the example, knowing this can lead to lifestyle changes in your diet because the foods you consume directly influence the diversity of your gut microbiota. A diverse microbiota can lead to improved metabolism, reduced inflammation, and even lower cancer risk.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are commonly thought of as supplements in today’s world, but more simply, they are live microorganisms that work in line with your gut microbiota. They provide us with health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts, and because of this, they’re often referred to as “good” or “friendly” bacteria.
Where are probiotics most commonly found?
Probiotics occur naturally in various foods and are also available as dietary supplements:
Fermented foods: Yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha are excellent natural sources of probiotics.
Supplements: Capsules, powders, and liquids are convenient ways to increase your probiotic intake on the go.
Probiotic drinks: Beyond kefir and kombucha, many new drink options also include probiotics these days, from souped-up soda pop to cold-pressed sparkling juice.
What are the most common types of probiotics?
Lactobacillus: Found in yogurt and fermented foods. These strains help digest lactose and support gut health.
Bifidobacterium: Common in dairy products, these bacteria aid in breaking down fiber and combating harmful bacteria.
Saccharomyces boulardii: A yeast that helps manage digestive issues like diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
What are prebiotics?
Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut. You consume them through garlic, onions, bananas, and whole grains. Think of them as the fuel that powers your probiotics.
How Are Probiotics Used to Treat Medical Conditions?
Probiotics are used in managing and preventing several health conditions, including:
Diarrhea (especially antibiotic-associated diarrhea)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
Eczema and allergies in children
Vaginal infections
What Are the Potential Health Benefits of Probiotics?
Introducing probiotics to your routine might improve health in the following ways:
Enhanced gut health: Probiotics can restore balance after antibiotic use or illness.
Immune support: A strong and diverse gut microbiota strengthens the body’s ability to fight infections.
Mental health: Probiotics can positively influence mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression through the gut-brain axis.
Weight management: Probiotics support a healthy metabolism and help reduce inflammation.
Are there any negative side effects of probiotics?
Most people tolerate probiotics well, but some may experience mild side effects, including gas and bloating, an upset stomach, or a rare allergic reaction. Most of these should go away in a few weeks, but if they don’t, stop taking the probiotic and talk to your doctor.
Are Probiotics HSA Eligible?
Here’s the big question: Can you use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for probiotics? The answer isn’t straightforward.
Probiotics are generally considered a health supplement. For them to be eligible for HSA/FSA reimbursement, they must be deemed medically necessary by a healthcare provider. In most cases, you’ll need a Letter of Medical Necessity (LOMN) from your doctor, which should outline why probiotics are essential for your specific health condition.
Are Baby Probiotics HSA/FSA Eligible?
Like adult probiotics, baby probiotics may qualify for HSA/FSA reimbursement if deemed medically necessary. To ensure eligibility, ask your pediatrician for a Letter of Medical Necessity and verify coverage with your HSA/FSA provider.
Probiotics exist naturally in many foods you already eat or dirnk, including kombucha, yogurt, kimchi, and other fermented items. However, if you need probiotics to address a medical condition, there are plenty of supplements, and they may be covered by your HSA or FSA too. Source: Unsplash
Probiotic Powerhouses: Your Future Go-To’s For Gut Health
If you want to optimize your microbiota, choosing the right gut health supplements can make all the difference. Here are two standout brands that offer innovative solutions to support your microbiome.
Sunwink: Superfoods for gut health
Sunwink offers delicious plant-based tonics and powders designed to support your gut health. Their products are crafted with clean, organic, vegan-friendly ingredients and packed with superfoods and prebiotics — perfect for those looking to nourish their microbiome naturally.
Gut Personal: Science-backed supplements
The name says it all — Gut Personal takes a personalized approach to gut health. By using at-home testing, they provide custom supplements tailored to your unique gut microbiome needs. Their targeted solutions can help you optimize digestion and overall wellness.
How Flex Can Help You Pay for Probiotics with Your HSA/FSA
If you’ve received your Letter of Medical Necessity or need to obtain one, Flex can help you pay for probiotics:
Step 1: Add the HSA/FSA-eligible probiotics you want to your cart
Companies like Sunwink and Gut Personal have partnered with Flex to make purchasing their products with HSA/FSA much easier.
Step 2: Select “Flex | Pay with HSA/FSA" at checkout
You can buy these items directly from the companies by selecting “Flex | Pay with HSA/FSA" as your payment option at checkout.
At checkout, Flex will prompt you to fill in a short health questionnaire to confirm your eligibility to pay with your HSA/FSA. You can then use either your HSA/FSA card or pay out-of-pocket with a regular credit or debit card (and receive the required documents to submit for reimbursement via email).
Step 3: Keep documentation
Keep all documentation, including receipts and the Letter of Medical Necessity, for tax purposes and to ensure compliance with IRS regulations.
It’s as easy as that!
Supplement Your Wellness and Wallet
Your journey to better health starts from within, and probiotics can be a powerful ally. With a doctor’s recommendation and a little effort, you can make these beneficial bacteria part of your plan. Take charge of your gut health today and unlock the potential of a balanced microbiome — your body and bank account will thank you for it.
Did you know you’re more microbe than human! Within your gut alone, there are an astounding 100 trillion bacteria hard at work.
Turns out, these tiny organisms play a massive role in our health — they help us resist harmful pathogens, maintain the intestinal lining, metabolize food and medications, regulate immune responses, and even affect our behavior through the gut-brain connection.
They may hold the secret to weight loss too: Research suggests that differences in gut bacteria can influence obesity risk.
With so much riding on these little wonders, it’s no wonder probiotics have become so popular in health and wellness — but are they covered by HSA/FSA funds? Let’s look under the microscope.
What Is Your Gut Microbiota?
Your gut microbiota is a community of trillions of microorganisms living in your gastrointestinal tract. These microbes include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microscopic creatures. While this might sound scary, most of them are very beneficial. They work in harmony with your body to support digestion, immune function, and overall health.
How does your microbiota affect your health?
Your gut microbiome plays a part in many different health outcomes:
Digestion: Microorganisms help break down complex carbs and fibers that the body can’t digest on its own which helps reduce bloating and can prevent issues like constipation or diarrhea.
Immune system: Surprisingly, around 70% of your immune cells are in your gut, which means your microbiome plays an important role in immune response and protection against pathogens. A healthy system also helps prevent chonic inflammation, which can reduce the development of autoimmune conditions such as Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.
Mental health: Your “second brain” is connected to your central nervous system through the vagus nerve, and your microbiome is involved in serotonin producing, which affects mood regulation. Inflmattaion in the gut has also been linked to conditions like depression or brain fog.
Cardiovascular system: The bacteria in your gut can either promote arterial plaque buildup or help reduce levels of harmful cholesterol and support healthy blood pressure.
Let’s talk a bit further about weight management, though.
Over 40% of the global adult population is overweight or obese, and obesity directly leads to around 4.7 million deaths annually. Research by the National Library of Medicine indicates that the diversity of your gut bacteria may be a potential mediator in obesity — lower diversity and higher intestinal permeability are linked to obesity, systemic inflammation, and insulin resistance.
Continuing the example, knowing this can lead to lifestyle changes in your diet because the foods you consume directly influence the diversity of your gut microbiota. A diverse microbiota can lead to improved metabolism, reduced inflammation, and even lower cancer risk.
What Are Probiotics?
Probiotics are commonly thought of as supplements in today’s world, but more simply, they are live microorganisms that work in line with your gut microbiota. They provide us with health benefits when consumed in adequate amounts, and because of this, they’re often referred to as “good” or “friendly” bacteria.
Where are probiotics most commonly found?
Probiotics occur naturally in various foods and are also available as dietary supplements:
Fermented foods: Yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha are excellent natural sources of probiotics.
Supplements: Capsules, powders, and liquids are convenient ways to increase your probiotic intake on the go.
Probiotic drinks: Beyond kefir and kombucha, many new drink options also include probiotics these days, from souped-up soda pop to cold-pressed sparkling juice.
What are the most common types of probiotics?
Lactobacillus: Found in yogurt and fermented foods. These strains help digest lactose and support gut health.
Bifidobacterium: Common in dairy products, these bacteria aid in breaking down fiber and combating harmful bacteria.
Saccharomyces boulardii: A yeast that helps manage digestive issues like diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
What are prebiotics?
Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut. You consume them through garlic, onions, bananas, and whole grains. Think of them as the fuel that powers your probiotics.
How Are Probiotics Used to Treat Medical Conditions?
Probiotics are used in managing and preventing several health conditions, including:
Diarrhea (especially antibiotic-associated diarrhea)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
Eczema and allergies in children
Vaginal infections
What Are the Potential Health Benefits of Probiotics?
Introducing probiotics to your routine might improve health in the following ways:
Enhanced gut health: Probiotics can restore balance after antibiotic use or illness.
Immune support: A strong and diverse gut microbiota strengthens the body’s ability to fight infections.
Mental health: Probiotics can positively influence mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression through the gut-brain axis.
Weight management: Probiotics support a healthy metabolism and help reduce inflammation.
Are there any negative side effects of probiotics?
Most people tolerate probiotics well, but some may experience mild side effects, including gas and bloating, an upset stomach, or a rare allergic reaction. Most of these should go away in a few weeks, but if they don’t, stop taking the probiotic and talk to your doctor.
Are Probiotics HSA Eligible?
Here’s the big question: Can you use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for probiotics? The answer isn’t straightforward.
Probiotics are generally considered a health supplement. For them to be eligible for HSA/FSA reimbursement, they must be deemed medically necessary by a healthcare provider. In most cases, you’ll need a Letter of Medical Necessity (LOMN) from your doctor, which should outline why probiotics are essential for your specific health condition.
Are Baby Probiotics HSA/FSA Eligible?
Like adult probiotics, baby probiotics may qualify for HSA/FSA reimbursement if deemed medically necessary. To ensure eligibility, ask your pediatrician for a Letter of Medical Necessity and verify coverage with your HSA/FSA provider.
Probiotics exist naturally in many foods you already eat or dirnk, including kombucha, yogurt, kimchi, and other fermented items. However, if you need probiotics to address a medical condition, there are plenty of supplements, and they may be covered by your HSA or FSA too. Source: Unsplash
Probiotic Powerhouses: Your Future Go-To’s For Gut Health
If you want to optimize your microbiota, choosing the right gut health supplements can make all the difference. Here are two standout brands that offer innovative solutions to support your microbiome.
Sunwink: Superfoods for gut health
Sunwink offers delicious plant-based tonics and powders designed to support your gut health. Their products are crafted with clean, organic, vegan-friendly ingredients and packed with superfoods and prebiotics — perfect for those looking to nourish their microbiome naturally.
Gut Personal: Science-backed supplements
The name says it all — Gut Personal takes a personalized approach to gut health. By using at-home testing, they provide custom supplements tailored to your unique gut microbiome needs. Their targeted solutions can help you optimize digestion and overall wellness.
How Flex Can Help You Pay for Probiotics with Your HSA/FSA
If you’ve received your Letter of Medical Necessity or need to obtain one, Flex can help you pay for probiotics:
Step 1: Add the HSA/FSA-eligible probiotics you want to your cart
Companies like Sunwink and Gut Personal have partnered with Flex to make purchasing their products with HSA/FSA much easier.
Step 2: Select “Flex | Pay with HSA/FSA" at checkout
You can buy these items directly from the companies by selecting “Flex | Pay with HSA/FSA" as your payment option at checkout.
At checkout, Flex will prompt you to fill in a short health questionnaire to confirm your eligibility to pay with your HSA/FSA. You can then use either your HSA/FSA card or pay out-of-pocket with a regular credit or debit card (and receive the required documents to submit for reimbursement via email).
Step 3: Keep documentation
Keep all documentation, including receipts and the Letter of Medical Necessity, for tax purposes and to ensure compliance with IRS regulations.
It’s as easy as that!
Supplement Your Wellness and Wallet
Your journey to better health starts from within, and probiotics can be a powerful ally. With a doctor’s recommendation and a little effort, you can make these beneficial bacteria part of your plan. Take charge of your gut health today and unlock the potential of a balanced microbiome — your body and bank account will thank you for it.
Flex is the easiest way for direct to consumer brands and retailers to accept HSA/FSA for their products. From fitness and nutrition, to sleep and mental health, Flex takes a holistic view of healthcare and enables consumers to use their pre-tax money to do the same.