How Much Can You Save by Using HSA/FSA Dollars for Medically Tailored Meals?

For many consumers, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) are powerful tools to reduce the cost of healthcare. But what most people don’t realize is this:

When a doctor recommends medically tailored meals—like the meals we offer at Healthy For Life Meals—many people can use their HSA or FSA dollars to pay for them.

And when you use HSA/FSA dollars, you’re paying with pre-tax money, which creates significant savings for the average Midwest household.

This guide breaks down exactly how much you can save, how the tax benefit works, and why medically tailored meals qualify when supported by a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from your healthcare provider.

➡️What Makes These Meals Eligible?

Under IRS rules, everyday food and groceries are not HSA/FSA-eligible.

However, meals become eligible when:

  1. A healthcare provider determines they are needed to help treat or manage a diagnosed medical condition, and

  2. The provider completes a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) explaining the need for medically tailored nutrition.

Healthy For Life Meals is designed to support individuals managing conditions like:

  • Diabetes

  • Heart disease

  • High blood pressure

  • Obesity or medically supervised weight loss

  • GLP-1 treatment support

  • Post-surgery recovery

  • And more

When your doctor recommends our medically tailored meals as part of your treatment plan, your HSA/FSA can often be used.

➡️ Why Using HSA/FSA Saves You So Much Money

When you pay with HSA or FSA funds, you're using pre-tax income.
That means you aren’t paying:

  • Federal income tax

  • State income tax

  • Payroll taxes (when using an FSA)

For many consumers in the Midwest, that adds up to 30–40% savings on every dollar spent.

Since HFLM is based in Minnesota, we’ll look at Typical Minnesota Tax Rates as an example:

Most residents fall into a combined federal + state + payroll tax bracket of:

  • 30–40% total taxes

So if you spend $200 on meals using after-tax money, you must earn $280–$330 before taxes to pay for that $200.

With an HSA/FSA, you simply pay $200—no taxes taken out.

That difference becomes real savings.

➡️So How Much Does the Average Minnesotan Save?

Let’s use real numbers based on the most common Healthy For Life Meals plans. Most customers save:

Weekly Savings

  • $54–$60 per week at a 30% tax advantage

  • $72–$80 per week at a 40% tax advantage

Monthly Savings (4-week plan)

  • $216–$240 saved per month (30%)

  • $288–$320 saved per month (40%)

Annual Savings (52 weeks)

  • $2,800–$3120 per year (30%)

  • $3,700–$4,160 per year (40%)

These savings are not theoretical—they are the real tax advantages of paying with pre-tax dollars.

➡️Why This Matters for Your Health and Budget

For many people, eating well feels financially out of reach—especially when dealing with a chronic condition or a new diagnosis. HSAs and FSAs change that equation.

Using pre-tax dollars means:

  • Lower out-of-pocket costs

  • Better access to high-quality nutrition

  • Less stress around meal planning and grocery shopping

  • Improved health outcomes with medically tailored support

It's a win for your wallet and your wellbeing.

➡️How to Get Started:

Note From Healthy For Life Meals: We believe food is medicine—and medically tailored meals can make a powerful difference in both health outcomes and quality of life. By using your HSA or FSA with a doctor’s note, you may save 30–40% on your meals while receiving the nutritional support your body needs. If you're ready to begin, or you need help getting your LMN completed, we're here to guide you every step of the way…just reach out.

Stef Keegan