How Can I Get a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN)?

Now that you know what a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) is and why it might be required for certain FSA or HSA purchases, the next step is figuring out how to obtain one. Below is a practical guide to help you request and secure an LMN for items or services that aren't automatically covered by your health plan.

1. Confirm That You Need an LMN

Certain products or services require an LMN to qualify for FSA or HSA reimbursement. Before requesting one, make sure you truly need it:

• Check IRS Guidelines: For a detailed list of eligible expenses, see IRS Publication 502 and IRS Publication 969.

• Use the Burst Eligibility Checker: Prepend getburst.com to the product URL to check FSA/HSA eligibility and see if an LMN is required.

2. Consult With Your Healthcare Provider

Your LMN must be written by a licensed healthcare provider (e.g., a doctor, dentist, or therapist). To get one with your healthcare provider:

1. Schedule an Appointment: Discuss your medical condition and why you need the specific product or service.

2. Explain the Purpose: Let your provider know you'd like an LMN for your FSA or HSA records.

3. Provide Details: Ensure the letter specifies:

• Your diagnosed condition or medical need.

• Why the recommended item/service is necessary.

• How it benefits or improves your condition.

3. Request the Right Format

An LMN should typically include:

• Provider's Letterhead: Name, address, and contact details.

• Patient's Information: Your name and any relevant patient ID numbers.

• Prescription-Level Detail: Clear description of the item/service, how it will prevent/treat any patient conditions, frequency of use, and duration (if applicable).

• Provider's Signature: Signed and dated by the healthcare professional.

4. Get an LMN Through Burst

You have two easy options with Burst:

• At Checkout with Premium Partners: If you're buying from Pacagen, Neurofit, graced., or other premium partners, you can request and receive your LMN right at checkout—often at no cost.

• Any Eligible Product or Brand: For anything else that's FSA/HSA-eligible with an LMN, you can request one anytime at app.getburst.com/request-lmn.

Our LMNs are:

• Fast: Delivered in under 24 hours.

• Affordable: Always cheaper than a typical copay for a doctor's visit—often free with premium partners.

• Compliant: Written by licensed healthcare professionals and valid for up to one year.

5. Submit and Retain Your Documentation

Once you have your LMN:

1. Submit to Your FSA/HSA Provider: Depending on your plan's process, you may need to include the LMN when filing a claim or simply keep it on file in case of an audit. Burst can help you reimburse this purchase to your provider both now and ongoing.

2. Keep a Copy: Store both digital and physical copies of your LMN. Burst automatically stores any LMNs you generate with the platform so you can retrieve them anytime.

6. Common Questions

• How Long Is an LMN Valid?
  It varies, but many providers or plans accept an LMN for a certain timeframe (e.g., one year). LMNs generated through Burst are valid for up to one year.

• What if My Request Is Denied?
  Contact your FSA administrator for clarification. They may need additional documentation or have specific plan guidelines. Burst will help you with any denied requests, or your money back—guaranteed.

7. Additional Resources

• IRS Publication 502: Medical and Dental Expenses

• IRS Publication 969: Health Savings Accounts and Other Tax-Favored Health Plans

• Burst Eligibility Checker: getburst.com

In Summary

Obtaining a Letter of Medical Necessity ensures that certain health-related purchases meet official FSA/HSA criteria. You can go through your healthcare provider, or you can save time and money by using Burst—either instantly at checkout with select premium partners or through our request form for any eligible product.

By getting your LMN quickly and affordably, you can stay compliant and make the most of your tax-advantaged healthcare funds without extra appointments or paperwork.