HSA/FSA integration for tailored meals and MVP launch

We're thrilled to announce a significant update enhancing accessibility and convenience for users.

Main Feature

Integration of HSA/FSA Payments

• Medically Tailored Meals: Merchants can now accept HSA/FSA payments for eligible products, allowing users to purchase health-aligned meals conveniently.
• Eligibility Verification: Users can upload a Letter of Medical Necessity to access special products.

User Experience Enhancements

• Streamlined Checkout Process: Added seamless integration for HSA/FSA payment options during checkout.
• Clear Categorization: Products eligible for HSA/FSA payments are distinctly categorized.

Future Vision

• MVP Development: Initial phase planned for Q1 2025, with more updates to follow.

Thank you for your continued support as we strive to enhance your experience with us.

 

Calculating the Cost of a Meal That Satisfies Normal Nutritional Needs

Guidance for Merchants Offering Medically Necessary Meal Plans

As part of offering medically necessary meal plans to consumers who may seek to use their Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), it’s important to understand and document the cost of a meal that satisfies normal nutritional needs.

This brief provides a step-by-step guide to help your business calculate and substantiate this value in a way that aligns with IRS guidelines.

Why This Matters

The IRS allows special food costs to be reimbursed through an HSA or FSA only if:

1. The food does not satisfy normal nutritional needs.
2. It is used to treat or alleviate a specific medical condition.
   The expense is substantiated by a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a licensed medical professional.
3. The reimbursable portion is limited to the amount by which the cost of the special food exceeds the cost of a standard nutritional equivalent.

To support your customers in receiving reimbursement, you need to define and document that baseline cost.

Step-by-Step: How to Calculate the Cost of a Standard Nutritional Meal

1. Define a Comparable Standard Meal

Choose a meal that provides roughly the same calories and macronutrient balance (protein, carbs, fat) as your medically necessary meal. It should:

• Use commonly available grocery store items.
• Not address any specific medical condition.
• Be generally recognized as nutritionally adequate.

2. Break It Down by Ingredient

List all ingredients in the standard meal and determine the cost per serving:\

In this case, a basic meal that satisfies nutritional needs (chicken + rice + vegetables) costs $2.79.

3. Repeat for Each Meal SKU

Do this analysis for each SKU on your menu that may be considered a medical expense. Keep records of both the ingredient sourcing and pricing to substantiate your calculation.

Supporting Documentation

• Itemized invoice showing the meals purchased.
• Cost comparison worksheet (when requested).
• Letter of Medical Necessity (to be obtained by the customer from their provider).

Pro Tips for Merchants

• Use USDA or local grocery store pricing as your baseline for standard meals.
• Maintain internal documentation of your calculations for compliance.
• Be consistent in meal portion sizes when comparing.
• Avoid inflating the “normal nutritional” meal cost; IRS scrutiny is possible.