Are Protein Drinks Covered Under FSA? Your Complete Guide

December 7, 2025 •

3 min read

According to IRS guidelines, expenses must be primarily for medical care, not general health benefits. The eligibility of protein drinks under a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is not straightforward and almost always requires specific documentation to prove medical necessity, rather than for general wellness or athletic purposes.

Quick Summary

Protein drinks are not typically FSA-eligible for general health or wellness; eligibility requires a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a healthcare provider for a specific diagnosed condition. The LMN must prove the supplement is essential for treating or managing a medical issue, not just for overall fitness.

Key Points

General Ineligibility: For general wellness or fitness, protein drinks are not covered by FSA accounts, according to IRS guidelines.
Medical Necessity Exception: Protein drinks become eligible for FSA reimbursement only when prescribed by a doctor to treat a specific medical condition.
Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN): An LMN is the required documentation from a healthcare provider to prove the protein drink is medically necessary.
Qualifying Conditions: Conditions like post-surgical recovery, malnutrition, or certain chronic diseases can justify the need for supplemental protein.
Required Documentation: Successful claims require a valid LMN, an itemized receipt, and a claim form submitted to your FSA administrator.
Plan-Specific Rules: Always confirm eligibility with your specific FSA plan administrator, as requirements and processes can vary.

When Protein Drinks Can Be FSA Eligible

While protein drinks and powders are generally considered dietary supplements for overall wellness, making them ineligible for FSA reimbursement, there is a significant exception. To use FSA funds, the protein drink must be deemed a medical necessity to treat or mitigate a diagnosed medical condition, according to IRS rules. This is a critical distinction that moves a product from a general health item to a qualified medical expense.

The Role of a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN)

To prove medical necessity, you must obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a qualified healthcare provider, such as a physician or licensed nutritionist. This document is the cornerstone of your claim and must clearly outline specific details. The LMN must state the patient's diagnosed medical condition and explain why the protein supplement is essential for treatment, not just general health improvement. Some online services have simplified this process to help users obtain the necessary documentation.

Medical Conditions That May Qualify

Certain specific medical conditions are more likely to justify the need for protein drinks. This is especially true for individuals who cannot meet their nutritional needs through diet alone. Examples of such conditions include:

Post-Surgical Recovery: Patients recovering from major surgery may require increased protein intake to aid in tissue repair and healing.
Malnutrition or Underweight: Individuals diagnosed with severe malnutrition or who are clinically underweight due to illness may be prescribed high-protein supplements.
Chronic Illnesses: Patients with certain chronic diseases, such as renal disease, may have specialized nutritional requirements that necessitate supplemental protein.
Genetic Disorders: Specific inherited metabolic diseases may require special amino acid-based formulas, which are considered medical foods and typically covered with an LMN.

The Reimbursement Process with an LMN

Once you have secured an LMN from your healthcare provider, the reimbursement process can begin. It's crucial to follow the proper steps to ensure your claim is processed smoothly. The LMN, an itemized receipt showing the product purchased, and a claim form from your FSA administrator are typically required. Keep copies of all documentation for your records. The LMN may need to be renewed periodically, depending on your plan and the specific treatment duration.

Common FSA Eligible Items vs. Nutritional Supplements

To better understand why protein drinks are treated differently, consider this comparison:


Item	General Eligibility	Requires LMN?	Primary Purpose	Example
Prescription Medication	Eligible	No	Treat a specific illness	Antibiotics
Over-the-Counter Pain Reliever	Eligible (post-CARES Act)	No	Alleviate a symptom	Ibuprofen
Bandages/First-Aid Supplies	Eligible	No	Treat or prevent injury/illness	First-aid kit
Protein Drinks/Powders	Ineligible	Yes	General wellness; can be medical	Protein shake
Specialized Baby Formula	Eligible (conditional)	Yes	Treat specific medical condition	Lactose-free formula
Prenatal Vitamins	Eligible	No	Address specific health need	Prenatal supplements

Best Practices for Maximizing Your FSA

To avoid complications, always operate with a mindset of preparation and clarity. Don't assume a product is eligible, but instead confirm based on IRS and your plan's specific rules. When dealing with products like protein drinks that fall into a gray area, the LMN is your key. Keep meticulous records and communicate proactively with your FSA administrator. For some supplements, companies have streamlined the LMN process, and working with one of these providers can simplify your claim.

Conclusion

While the simple answer to "Are protein drinks covered under FSA?" is generally no, the full picture reveals a viable path to reimbursement. For individuals with a diagnosed medical condition for which a protein drink is considered a necessary treatment, FSA funds can be used with a Letter of Medical Necessity from a healthcare provider. The critical takeaway is that eligibility is not based on the product itself, but rather its prescribed medical purpose. Always seek professional medical and FSA administrative guidance to ensure compliance and successful reimbursement. This strategic approach allows you to responsibly utilize your pre-tax dollars for genuine health needs that extend beyond typical over-the-counter purchases.

Truemed can help streamline the process of obtaining a Letter of Medical Necessity for FSA eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can attempt to use your FSA card, but it will likely be declined unless the store's inventory system codes the item as eligible. If it is declined, you will need to pay with another method and seek reimbursement later with an LMN.

An LMN should include your name, the diagnosis of your medical condition, the name of the protein drink prescribed, and a clear explanation of why it is medically necessary for your treatment.

No, an LMN can often cover multiple purchases for a specified period, typically up to one year, or for the duration of the recommended treatment. However, you must submit a new one if the treatment changes.

Most nutritional supplements are ineligible without an LMN, but there are some exceptions, such as prenatal vitamins, which are typically eligible without additional documentation.

The IRS considers supplements for general health and wellness to be for a purpose 'merely beneficial to general health,' which is not a qualified medical expense.

Yes, a medical food formula that is specifically required for the management of a disease or condition, such as those for genetic disorders, can be covered with an LMN.

If your claim is rejected, contact your FSA administrator and be prepared to reference the IRS guidance on nutritional supplements (e.g., Publication 502) and provide any missing or requested information.