Stelo Glucose Biosensor FSA Eligible Checklist (2026)

Review your FSA or HSA plan documents for 'eligible expense' lists.

While IRS rules provide a framework, your employer or plan administrator may have specific exclusions. Checking first avoids assuming coverage and finding out later your claim is rejected.

Contact your FSA/HSA administrator directly to ask about CGM or glucose monitor coverage.

A direct call or email creates a record of your inquiry. Ask specifically about the Dexcom Stelo as an OTC product. Get the representative's name and a reference number for your records.

Download or bookmark IRS Publication 502, focusing on 'diagnostic devices'.

This is the legal basis for the expense. Knowing the exact IRS language helps you advocate for your claim if needed. The Stelo qualifies as a device used to diagnose and monitor a bodily function.

Verify that you or the user meets the Stelo's intended use criteria (adult 18+, non-insulin using).

Using funds for a product outside its FDA-cleared intended use could be considered a non-qualified expense. This check ensures your use aligns with both medical and tax guidelines.

Check your current FSA/HSA balance and 2026 contribution election.

The Stelo subscription costs $1,068 annually. You need to ensure you have enough funds allocated to cover it without shorting other planned medical expenses for the year.

Purchase directly from the official Stelo.com website.

Buying from the manufacturer guarantees you get an authentic product and a receipt that clearly states 'Dexcom' as the merchant. Third-party sellers may not provide receipts that meet FSA documentation standards.

Select the correct purchasing model: one-time starter pack or monthly subscription.

The $99 starter pack is a lower-risk first test for reimbursement. The $89/month subscription requires consistent documentation. Choose based on your cash flow and documentation habits.

Use your FSA debit card at checkout if the merchant code is approved.

This is the simplest method. However, some FSA cards decline at merchants not coded as 'medical'. If it declines, don't panic; you'll just need to pay out-of-pocket and submit for reimbursement.

If paying with a personal card, ensure your receipt includes all required details.

The receipt must show date, merchant name 'Dexcom', item description (e.g., 'Stelo Glucose Biosensor'), and total amount paid. A vague description like 'online order' will cause a claim rejection.

Save a digital PDF copy of your receipt and confirmation email immediately.

Paper fades and emails get lost. Storing a PDF in a dedicated cloud folder (e.g., '2026 Medical Expenses') creates a permanent record for tax time or if your plan requests verification.

Note the order number and transaction ID from your purchase confirmation.

This unique identifier helps your FSA administrator quickly verify the transaction with the merchant if any questions arise during the claims review process.

Annotate your receipt if the item description is not perfectly clear.

If the receipt just says 'Sensor', neatly write 'Dexcom Stelo Glucose Biosensor for health monitoring' next to it before scanning. This provides the necessary context for the plan reviewer.

Complete your FSA/HSA claim form fully, linking the expense to your account.

Missing information like your participant ID or signature delays processing. Double-check that the amount on the form matches the receipt exactly to prevent a mismatch flag.

Submit your claim through your administrator's preferred portal (online is best).

Online portals provide instant confirmation, tracking numbers, and faster processing than mailed paper forms. They also create a digital audit trail you can access anytime.

If required, obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from your physician.

Some conservative plans require an LMN for devices. The letter should state the Stelo is used to diagnose, monitor, or treat a specific health condition, connecting the expense to medical care.

Keep a dedicated log of Stelo subscription payments for the full year.

A simple spreadsheet with date, amount, and receipt ID helps you track total spending, ensures you don't miss a monthly submission, and simplifies year-end FSA reconciliation.

Follow up on your claim status if you don't see reimbursement in 2-3 weeks.

Claims can get stalled. A polite inquiry shows you are attentive and can resolve small issues like a missing document before the plan's deadline passes.

Calculate the annual Stelo cost ($1,068) against your 2026 FSA limit ($3,400).

This shows you have about $2,332 left for other expenses. It informs decisions on other eligible purchases, like dental work or vision care, to fully use your tax-advantaged funds.

Plan for the FSA maximum carryover of $680, if your plan offers it.

If you have carryover, you can use those prior-year funds for your Stelo purchase, preserving more of your current-year $3,400 for other needs. Check your plan's specific carryover rules.

Consider the tax benefit: spending $1,068 pre-tax vs. post-tax.

For someone in the 22% tax bracket, using FSA funds saves about $235 in federal taxes. This effectively reduces the net cost of the Stelo, making the investment in your health more affordable.

Review your FSA spending quarterly to ensure you're on track.

A quarterly check prevents a year-end scramble. You can adjust upcoming contributions or accelerate other planned purchases if you have a surplus, maximizing your tax savings.

Decide if you will pay directly or seek reimbursement for each subscription charge.

Paying with your FSA card automates the process but may be declined. Manual reimbursement gives you more control but requires monthly discipline. Choose the method that fits your administrative style.