Stronger U accepts HSA and FSA funds for membership payments. Read below to learn how you can apply your funds towards your membership and for answers to frequently asked questions.
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What steps do I need to take to use my HSA or FSA funds for Stronger U?
- Confirm with your HSA or FSA provider that weight loss programs are part of your coverage.
- Obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity. This letter is required by your HSA or FSA provider for reimbursement. This letter recommends Stronger U’s 1:1 nutrition coaching to support your weight loss as a way to prevent or improve a medical condition such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes or many others.
- To simplify this step, Stronger U has partnered with Truemed to quickly generate a Letter of Medical Necessity for those who qualify at no cost to you. Follow this link to take a two-minute eligibility quiz.
- If you prefer, you can work with your physician to obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity. We have a template letter they may use.
- Request an itemized receipt from our Member Experience Team by submitting this form. Please allow up to 72 hours for your request to be fulfilled.
- Submit your Stronger U itemized receipt and Letter of Medical Necessity to the claim portal of your HSA or FSA provider for reimbursement.
HSA/FSA BASICS
What is an HSA?
An HSA, or Health Savings Account, is a tax-advantaged savings account that individuals can use to save money for qualified medical expenses. It is typically paired with a high-deductible health insurance plan and offers tax benefits such as tax-deductible contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for medical expenses.
What is an FSA?
An FSA, or Flexible Spending Account, is a tax-advantaged financial account that allows individuals to set aside pre-tax money from their paycheck to cover qualified medical and dependent care expenses. However, it is important to note that funds within an FSA account expire annually and do not rollover.
How does using a HSA or FSA save me money?
HSA and FSA accounts were created so patients could use pretax money to pay for qualified medical expenses. You pay no taxes on the money you put into your HSA or FSA. You pay no taxes on the money you take out of your HSA or FSA to pay for eligible health care expenses. Rather than pay taxes on your income and then spend it on health items, you can use pre-tax funds to invest in your health.
How do I know if my employer offers either?
To determine if your employer offers a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can review your benefits package provided by your employer. If you cannot find information about HSAs or FSAs in your benefits package, reach out to your company's Human Resources (HR) department. They can provide you with detailed information about the benefits offered by your employer, including whether they offer HSAs or FSAs. Remember that not all employers offer both HSAs and FSAs, and eligibility for these accounts may vary depending on your employer's specific benefits plan. Additionally, the availability of these accounts may change from year to year, so it's a good idea to stay informed about your workplace benefits regularly.
What if I missed the cutoff to sign-up for a HSA or FSA?
You'll have to wait until you select your medical coverage for the following year. It's common for your employer to offer an "Open Enrollment" period for you to review medical coverage plans at the end of the year. During this time, you'll be able to select if you would like a HSA or FSA account if your employer offers these options.
HSA/FSA & STRONGER U FAQ
Can anybody with an HSA or FSA account use their funds for a Stronger U membership?
To confirm eligibility to use HSA or FSA funds for Stronger U coaching, you are required to obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity from a medical provider stating that weight loss would be beneficial for a medical condition.
Generally, most HSA and FSA plans will cover services for weight loss support when these services are determined to be medically necessary based on a documented medical diagnosis. To confirm whether your plan qualifies, it is recommended that you contact your HSA or FSA provider directly to make sure you are eligible.
How do I know if my plan qualifies?
To confirm whether your HSA or FSA plan qualifies, it is recommended that you contact your HSA or FSA provider directly.
I am a current Stronger U member, am I eligible to use HSA or FSA funds for 1:1 nutrition coaching?
Yes, if approved by your provider, you can use your HSA or FSA funds and get reimbursed. Please review How to Use Your Funds to help you walk through this simple payment process. Please check with your HSA or FSA provider to confirm documentation requirements.
What is a Letter of Medical Necessity?
A Letter of Medical Necessity, signed by a medical provider, recommends weight loss for a medical condition. Your HSA or FSA provider requires one for reimbursement or coverage purposes.
To simplify this step, Stronger U has partnered with Truemed to quickly generate a Letter of Medical Necessity for those who qualify at no cost to you. Follow this link to take a two-minute eligibility quiz. If you prefer, you can work with your physician to obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity. We have a template letter they may use.
What information can you provide to your medical provider about how Stronger U differs from local dietitians that also qualify for coverage?
Stronger U is a one-on-one nutrition coaching service that is fully supported by the Stronger U app and proceeds virtually, with no requirements for an in-person visitation. In addition, Stronger U provides the opportunity for daily communication with a nutrition coach, whereas in-person nutritionist/dietitian services can range from weekly to monthly consults, with limited interim communication.
I am a current Stronger U member and have an HSA or FSA. Can I request reimbursement from my provider for previous purchases?
Please contact your HSA or FSA provider regarding previous payment reimbursements for the calendar year and documentation requirements. You may have to submit your Letter of Medical Necessity and request an itemized receipt from our Member Experience team of all payments in the calendar year that you have the HSA or FSA. Please indicate the requested dates your receipt request form.
How long does it take for me to receive my HSA or FSA reimbursement?
Review your HSA or FSA administrator for reimbursement details. For most HSA or FSA providers, your expenses will be approved within 7-10 days when you submit your receipt along with a Letter of Medical Necessity.
How long will the coaching services be covered?
Letters of Medical Necessity are typically deemed valid for one year after they are signed but please check with your HSA/FSA provider to confirm. Additionally, medical providers may indicate the duration of services, as a recommendation within the Letter of Medical Necessity.
Can my family members use my HSA or FSA funds to pay for Stronger U?
It is best to check on the specific requirements of your HSA or FSA plan to confirm if a family member can use these funds. Typically, if a family member has a Letter of Medical Necessity signed by a provider that recommends weight loss for a medical condition, they should be eligible to use HSA or FSA funds for Stronger U 1:1 nutrition coaching.
If you have questions outside of those listed on this page, please email our Member Experience Team for additional assistance.