Why HSAs Matter for Care Delivery Today
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A financial tool that improves adherence

HSAs are powerful tools that help patients reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses while increasing access to preventive care and nutrition-based interventions. For healthcare providers, HSAs can directly support care plans by lowering the financial friction that often prevents patients from following treatment protocols. This is especially important for chronic conditions where diet and ongoing self-care play a critical role in outcomes.

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The Basics: How HSAs Work for Your Patients

Prado is transforming patient care by making food-as-medicine programs accessible and reimbursable through HSA and FSA funds. By partnering with Prado, healthcare providers can offer patients affordable, medically guided nutrition without added financial burden. Prado’s unified infrastructure connects providers and food operators, streamlining documentation, compliance, and reimbursement while enabling patients to use pre-tax dollars to support and improve their health outcomes.
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Most patients use HSA debit cards to pay for qualifying medical expenses directly, while others reimburse themselves after paying out-of-pocket. Eligible expenses include nutrition programs or medically necessary meals when properly documented. This gives providers opportunities to incorporate food-as-medicine strategies without increasing patient financial stress.

An HSA can only be used by patients enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). They must not have additional health coverage, be enrolled in Medicare, or be claimed as a dependent. For 2025, HDHPs require a minimum deductible of $1,650 (individual) or $3,300 (family). Once enrolled, patients can contribute funds, receive employer contributions, or even accept contributions from family members. These funds never expire, remain portable, and roll over each year, making them ideal for ongoing care needs.
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The Triple Tax Advantage: Why It Matters in Clinical Care
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Reducing financial barriers to better health

HSAs are uniquely structured to benefit patients financially:

• Tax-deductible contributions lower taxable income.
  
• Tax-free growth allows balances to accumulate like an investment account.
  
• Tax-free withdrawals apply when funds are used for qualified medical expenses.
  

This combination makes HSAs a powerful vehicle for funding long-term care and chronic condition management. For healthcare providers, this translates into fewer skipped appointments, better adherence to medical nutrition therapy, and improved patient engagement across the care continuum.

Opening an HSA: What Providers Can Tell Patients
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Simple steps to get started

Patients can open HSAs through banks, credit unions, insurers, or specialized HSA administrators. As a provider, guiding them toward reputable, low-fee options helps ensure their funds stretch further. Remind them to bring their HSA card to future visits and to keep receipts for any reimbursable nutrition programs or medical purchases.