Why Fitness Shouldn’t Need a Doctor’s Note: A Health Crisis We Can Prevent

America is in the midst of a health epidemic. Chronic illnesses are at an all-time high, obesity rates continue to climb, and life expectancy is plummeting. Yet, one of the most effective tools for prevention—exercise—remains underutilized, partly due to bureaucratic hurdles. Specifically, the LMN (letter of medical necessity) requirement for using HSA/FSA funds for gym memberships creates a barrier to preventative care.

The Startling Statistics

The obesity epidemic in the United States is staggering: over 74% of adults are either overweight or obese, with 41% of adults and nearly 20% of children classified as obese. These conditions significantly increase the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses, highlighting an urgent public health crisis​. Harvard Public Health Magazine, ​CDC

Chronic Disease Crisis: Six in ten Americans have at least one chronic condition, and four in ten have two or more. Harvard Public Health Magazine

Declining Life Expectancy: U.S. life expectancy has dropped to 76.4 years, one of the lowest among developed nations. This marks a sharp decline from pre-pandemic levels and highlights the toll of preventable diseases. CDC 

These sobering figures reflect systemic issues in how we approach health. Instead of emphasizing prevention, we treat diseases after they’ve taken root—a reactive approach that costs lives and billions in healthcare dollars.

The Case for Accessible Fitness

Exercise is a proven method for reducing the risk of nearly every chronic disease. Yet, the current rules around HSA/FSA usage undermine the potential of fitness as a preventative measure.

Under current guidelines, gym memberships are only eligible for reimbursement with an LMN from a healthcare provider. But even with a doctor’s note, claims can be denied unless the individual has a qualifying condition such as obesity, high blood pressure, or anxiety. This rigid system ignores the fact that exercise prevents these conditions in the first place.

Here’s the kicker: If your claim is denied, you’re stuck with the bill. This deters countless individuals from investing in their health early on, perpetuating the cycle of disease and healthcare dependency.

The Solution: Fitness as Preventative Care

We need to shift our perspective. Gym memberships and fitness programs are not luxuries—they are necessities. By removing the LMN requirement, we can:

Reduce Chronic Illness Rates: Encouraging preventative exercise can lower rates of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Save Healthcare Dollars: Prevention is more cost-effective than treatment. A healthier population would significantly reduce the strain on healthcare systems.
Empower Individuals: Making fitness accessible allows individuals to take control of their health without unnecessary red tape.

A Call to Action

America’s health crisis demands immediate attention. It’s time to make fitness a cornerstone of preventative care by:

Eliminating LMN Barriers in the IRS Tax Codes: Allow individuals to use HSA/FSA funds for gym memberships without needing a doctor’s approval.

Rethinking Preventative Care: Invest in policies that prioritize health maintenance over disease treatment.

We cannot afford to wait. Obesity, chronic illness, and declining life expectancy threaten the future of our nation. Fitness is a solution within our grasp—if we remove the obstacles.

Sign this petition to demand change. Let’s ensure that fitness is recognized for what it truly is: a fundamental right and a critical tool for health.