Calcium Supplements: HSA Eligibility

What is calcium's role in the body?

Calcium is the most plentiful mineral found in the human body and 99 percent of this substance is used to fortify bones and teeth, while the remainder will support normal physiological functions like nerve function, muscle contraction, blood clotting, or maintaining a normal heart beat. However, it is most widely known to support an individual's skeletal structure, as proper levels of calcium over a person's lifetime can significantly reduce the risk of osteoporosis, a medical condition that causes bones to be brittle and fragile from a calcium or vitamin D deficiency (MedlinePlus).

Maintaining healthy calcium levels is one of the surest ways to promote one's general health over the course of a lifetime and support myriad normal bodily functions. As such, many doctors will recommend calcium supplements to patients who are at an increased risk of osteoporosis (especially women) or who are not ingesting enough of the mineral into their diets daily. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) via ScienceDirect of calcium in adults, as well as the Daily Upper Limit (which could increase health problems due to excessive calcium in the body) is as follows:

What are the primary dietary sources of calcium?

Aside from calcium supplements, physicians may also advise patients to supplement their diets with calcium-rich foods that can boost their bone health and support a wealth of physiological functions. Most are aware that dairy foods like milk, yogurt and cheese are calcium-rich and are essential in maintaining calcium levels in the body, but they can also be found in a number of other food sources, including collard greens, broccoli/broccoli rabe, kale, edamame, bok choy, figs, oranges, sardines, salmon, almonds, tofu, okra and white beans (National Institutes of Health).

How do I obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) for calcium supplements?

A Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a doctor for calcium supplements is necessary for reimbursement with most benefits providers to ensure that it is necessary for the treatment of a medical condition. This letter must outline how an account holder's medical condition necessitates calcium supplements, how the treatment will be used to alleviate the issue and how long the treatment will last. If the treatment plan exceeds the current plan year, another LMN will have to be provided to the benefits administrator to cover the duration of the treatment.