Many people with chronic illness already pay out of pocket for tools that help them manage symptoms, prevent flares, and reduce long-term health risks.
What most people aren’t told is that some of these tools may be eligible medical expenses under FSA or HSA plans — when accompanied by a Letter of Medical Necessity from a healthcare provider.
This includes (as I am pursuing), in some cases:
- Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)
- Physiologic monitoring devices (such as wearable sleep, HRV, and temperature trackers)
- Required subscription access for clinically relevant data
A Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) does not guarantee coverage — but it can help your provider clearly document why a tool is medically appropriate for your situation.
Free Letter of Medical Necessity Template
To support patient advocacy and reduce administrative barriers, I’ve created a free, provider-facing Letter of Medical Necessity template that you can:
- Copy into your own Google Drive
- Personalize with your name and relevant conditions
- Share with your healthcare provider for review, editing, and signature
👉 Download the free LMN template here:
Make a Copy of the Letter of Medical Necessity into my Google Drive
This template is designed to:
- Use neutral, clinical language
- Focus on function and prevention (not “gadgets”)
- Justify both devices and required subscription access
- Reduce back-and-forth with providers and plan administrators
Optional Customization (Patient Advocacy Support)
If filling out or tailoring the template feels overwhelming — or if you’d like help organizing your information clearly — I also offer an optional customization service.
With this option, I will:
- Insert your name and basic details
- Tailor the language to your listed conditions
- Adjust emphasis (metabolic, autonomic, inflammatory, or sleep-related)
- Deliver a clean, ready-to-review version for your provider
👉 Request a customized LMN here:
Request Customized Letter of Medical Necessity
This service is administrative and advocacy-focused — not medical advice — and is intended to save you time and energy.
I feel financial and medical support should always be accessible. You’re welcome to use the free template, or explore the patient advocacy and financial help resources linked below:
đź“•Free Patient Advocacy and Financial Help Guide
Important Notes & Disclaimer
- A Letter of Medical Necessity does not guarantee FSA/HSA approval or reimbursement.
- Final determination always rests with:
- Your healthcare provider
- Your FSA/HSA plan administrator
- Some plans may cover the device but not subscriptions, while others may allow both.
This template is provided for educational and advocacy purposes only and does not constitute medical, tax, or legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this guarantee my FSA/HSA will cover the expense?
No. An LMN supports eligibility but does not override plan rules. Coverage varies by plan.
Can this be used for taxes instead of FSA/HSA?
Not automatically. Most tax benefits occur through pre-tax HSA/FSA use, not itemized deductions. Consult a tax professional for your situation.
Does my doctor have to use this exact wording?
No. Providers may edit, rewrite, or reissue the letter on their own letterhead. This template is simply a starting point.
Why include subscription access in the letter?
For many devices, the subscription provides the actual analytic data used for monitoring. Without it, the device may not be clinically useful.
What if my doctor says no?
That happens — and it doesn’t mean your need isn’t valid. You can:
- Ask for clarification
- Try a different provider
- Use the tools out of pocket if needed
Advocacy is often iterative, not instant.
Why I’m Sharing This
Living with chronic illness often means navigating systems that weren’t designed for complexity — medical, financial, or administrative.
This template exists to:
- Reduce friction
- Improve clarity
- Support informed conversations
- Help you advocate for yourself with less energy
You deserve tools that help you manage your health without unnecessary financial strain.
I’ll be sharing more about health tracking, patient advocacy, and prevention-as-a-financial-strategy in upcoming posts. Subscribe to the blog if you’d like to follow along!