Is Stelo FSA Eligible Checklist (2026) | HSA Tracker

Visit the official Dexcom website for Stelo and locate their FSA/HSA eligibility statement.

Dexcom explicitly markets Stelo as eligible. This official statement is your first piece of evidence if your plan administrator questions the purchase. Print or save a screenshot of this page.

Review IRS Publication 502 to understand the rules for 'medical care' and diagnostic devices.

The IRS code is the foundation for all FSA/HSA rules. Knowing that devices for 'diagnosis' and 'monitoring' are eligible gives you confidence and authority when discussing with your administrator.

Confirm Stelo's FDA clearance status as a glucose biosensor.

FDA clearance strengthens the case that Stelo is a legitimate medical device, not a general wellness product. This is a key distinction for IRS qualified expenses.

Check if your intended use aligns with the target audience (adults not using insulin).

The Association of Diabetes Care & Education Specialists states Stelo is for adults not using insulin. Using it outside this scope could give an administrator reason to deny a claim, arguing lack of medical necessity.

Note that Stelo is sold over-the-counter without a prescription requirement.

IRS rules allow OTC medical devices without a prescription. This fact simplifies the process but means your receipt is the primary proof of purchase, not a prescription slip.

Locate your FSA/HSA plan documents or summary plan description.

These documents outline covered expenses, claim procedures, and deadlines. Look for specific language about medical devices, over-the-counter items, or required documentation.

Call or email your plan administrator's customer service line.

A direct conversation is the best way to get a clear answer. Ask specifically: 'Is the Dexcom Stelo glucose biosensor an eligible expense under my plan?'

Ask if they require a Letter of Medical Necessity from a doctor.

Even though Stelo is OTC, some conservative plans may still request this letter. Knowing this upfront lets you get it from your doctor before you submit a claim, avoiding delays.

Inquire about their policy on recurring subscription reimbursements.

Some plans only reimburse one-time purchases. If they don't cover subscriptions, you'll need to plan for manual reimbursement of each monthly charge, which affects your cash flow.

Ask for a list of required receipt details for a successful claim.

Get specifics: Do they need the product SKU? A doctor's note? The merchant's tax ID? Knowing exact requirements prevents claim rejection for missing minor details.

Request a case or reference number for your eligibility inquiry.

If your claim is later denied, having a reference number from a prior approval conversation gives you strong grounds for an appeal. Get the representative's name and the date.

Calculate the annual cost: $89/month x 12 = $1,068.

This concrete number lets you budget accurately. It consumes about 31% of the 2026 $3,400 FSA limit. You must ensure you have enough other expected medical expenses to justify your full FSA election.

Compare the cost to your 2026 FSA election amount.

If you only elected $1,000 for your FSA, Stelo would use nearly all of it. You may need to adjust your budget for other co-pays, dental work, or glasses, or consider using HSA funds instead.

Consider starting with the one-time $99 starter pack.

This low-cost test purchase lets you validate the entire reimbursement process with your administrator before committing hundreds of dollars to a subscription. It's a low-risk first step.

Check your FSA for any carryover funds from the previous year.

The 2026 FSA rules allow a carryover of up to $680 from 2025. These funds can be used for Stelo without affecting your new 2026 contributions, giving you more spending flexibility.

If using an HSA, note the 2026 limits: $4,300 (self) / $8,550 (family).

HSA limits are higher than FSA limits. The $1,068 annual Stelo cost uses a smaller percentage of an HSA, especially with family coverage, leaving more funds for investments or other expenses.

Decide on a payment method: FSA debit card or personal card with reimbursement.

Using the FSA debit card is easier but may be declined. Paying with a personal card and getting reimbursed creates a clearer audit trail and may be required by your plan for subscription items.

Make the purchase on the official Dexcom website.

Buying from the manufacturer ensures you get a valid receipt with all necessary details (date, merchant, description, amount). Avoid third-party sellers whose receipts may not be accepted.

Save and print the full order confirmation email immediately.

This email is your initial proof of purchase. It should contain the merchant name (Dexcom), date, item description, price, and order number. File it digitally and physically.

Download the final receipt/invoice after your card is charged.

The final invoice is often more detailed than the order confirmation and shows the transaction as complete. This is the document most administrators want to see for reimbursement.

Verify the receipt shows 'Stelo Glucose Biosensor' or similar specific description.

A vague description like 'sensor' or 'subscription' could lead to a denial. The receipt must clearly link the purchase to a glucose monitoring device, a qualified medical expense.

If required, obtain and attach a Letter of Medical Necessity from your doctor.

This letter should state that Stelo is for monitoring your glucose levels for a medical condition. It provides an extra layer of justification for conservative plan administrators.

Submit your claim through your plan's portal before their deadline.

Most plans require submission by a specific date (often March 15 of the following year). Missing this deadline means you forfeit the reimbursement and lose the tax advantage.

Keep all documentation for 3 years after filing your tax return.

The IRS can audit returns for three years. You need proof that your FSA/HSA reimbursement was for a qualified medical expense to avoid penalties and taxes on the distribution.