HSA Trackr

Calm vs BetterHelp HSA Comparison (2026)

Meditation, sleep, and relaxation app with Sleep Stories and daily mindfulness sessions.

Subscription online therapy with licensed therapists via video, phone, or chat.

HSA Eligibility at a Glance

Calm

HSA-eligible (LMN required)

Calm is HSA-eligible only with a Letter of Medical Necessity tying the app to a diagnosed condition like anxiety or insomnia.

BetterHelp

HSA-eligible

BetterHelp therapy with a licensed clinician is HSA-eligible without an LMN when treating a diagnosed condition. Pay with a regular card and reimburse from your HSA, since BetterHelp does not accept HSA/FSA cards at checkout.

Pricing

Calm

Premium: $69.99/year or $14.99/mo

Limited free content

BetterHelp

$65-100/week, billed every 4 weeks ($260-$400/mo)

Which Should You Pick?

When to choose Calm

  • You want a low-cost self-guided tool for sleep, stress, or daily meditation
  • You already have a clinician who can issue an LMN
  • You don't need a licensed therapist, just structured content

When to choose BetterHelp

  • You want to work directly with a licensed therapist
  • You have a diagnosed condition that needs talk therapy, not just self-guided content
  • You want unlimited messaging plus weekly live sessions

Visit Each Vendor

Visit CalmVisit BetterHelp

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Common Questions

Is Calm or BetterHelp HSA-eligible?▼
Both are HSA-eligible. BetterHelp qualifies without an LMN because it provides licensed therapy. Calm requires a Letter of Medical Necessity tying the subscription to a diagnosed condition.
Can I use Calm and BetterHelp together?▼
Yes. Many people use Calm for daily self-guided practice and BetterHelp for weekly therapy. Both can run through your HSA as long as documentation is in place.
Which is cheaper after HSA savings?▼
Calm is dramatically cheaper at about $6 per month. BetterHelp runs around $320 per month. They're not substitutes, they serve different needs.
How do I get an LMN for Calm?▼
Ask your primary care doctor, therapist, or psychiatrist, or use a service like Truemed that issues LMNs for wellness apps for a one-time fee.
Does BetterHelp accept HSA cards directly?▼
Yes, BetterHelp accepts HSA and FSA cards at checkout. Save the monthly invoice for your records.
Can I switch between them later?▼
Yes. Cancel either subscription anytime. Track both expenses in HSA Trackr if you swap, so your record stays clean.

Read More

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2026 Contribution Limits

How much you can contribute this year

HSA-Eligible Expenses

Browse the full list of qualified medical expenses

Track every mental health expense in HSA Trackr

Whether you use Calm or BetterHelp, snap a photo of your receipt and let AI categorize it. Keep your LMN documentation organized.

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