Quick Answer: Most wellness products need an LMN because the IRS considers them "dual-purpose" - they can be used for general wellness OR for treating a medical condition. The LMN proves the medical purpose. Standard medical items (prescriptions, OTC meds, glasses) don't need one.
Products That DO Require an LMN
Any product that could be used for either personal wellness or medical treatment needs documentation. These include:
Fitness & Exercise
Gym memberships (all gyms and studios)
Fitness classes (yoga, Pilates, boxing, spinning, etc.)
Personal training sessions
Home fitness equipment (Peloton, Tonal, treadmills, etc.)
Wearables & Tech
Fitness trackers and smartwatches (Apple Watch, Oura Ring, WHOOP, Garmin, Fitbit)
Sleep technology systems (Eight Sleep)
Health monitoring devices (when used for general wellness)
Supplements & Nutrition
Vitamins and supplements (ALL require LMN)
Probiotics
Electrolytes
Protein supplements
Collagen products
Recovery & Wellness
Massage therapy (and massage devices like Therabody)
Red light therapy devices
Saunas and sauna equipment
Cold plunges and cryotherapy
Compression therapy (Normatec)
TENS/EMS units (when for general wellness, not prescribed pain management)
Home Health
Air purifiers
Humidifiers
Standing desks
Ergonomic chairs
Mattresses (only the excess cost over a standard mattress may qualify)
Weighted blankets
Mental Health Tools
Meditation apps (Headspace, Calm)
Stress-reduction tools
Neurofeedback devices
Products That DON'T Require an LMN
These are considered standard medical expenses and are automatically eligible:
✅ Prescription medications
✅ Over-the-counter medications (pain relievers, allergy meds, cold medicine, antacids, sleep aids)
✅ Sunscreen (SPF 15+, broad-spectrum)
✅ Menstrual care products
✅ First aid supplies (bandages, kits, antiseptic)
✅ Contact lenses and prescription glasses
✅ Hearing aids and batteries
✅ Breast pumps and lactation supplies
✅ COVID-19 tests, masks, and hand sanitizer
✅ Dental care (cleanings, fillings, braces)
✅ Doctor visits and copays
✅ Physical therapy (when recommended by a licensed healthcare provider)
Why Does the IRS Require an LMN?
The IRS draws a clear line between expenses that are "primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental disability or illness" versus those that are "merely beneficial to general health."
A gym membership for fun? Not eligible. But the same gym membership recommended by a licensed healthcare provider to help manage diagnosed hypertension? That's a qualified medical expense.
The LMN is what makes the difference. It's a licensed healthcare provider's documentation that the product serves a medical purpose for you specifically.
How Crates Makes This Easy
Instead of scheduling a doctor's appointment, paying a copay, and waiting weeks for a letter, Crates streamlines the process:
Complete a short online health survey
Our licensed healthcare providers review your profile
LMNs are issued for products where medical necessity is established — many in just minutes for catalog products, or 24-48 hours for custom requests
No office visits. No waiting weeks. No extra copays. And Crates can issue LMNs for ANY eligible wellness product — you're not limited to a set catalog.
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