Hammock vs TrueMed: Which Is Better for HSA Wellness Spending?

Short answer: Hammock is built for individuals who want a simple, affordable way to spend their HSA on wellness. TrueMed is a B2B platform that partners with brands to enable HSA/FSA checkout. They solve different problems — but if you're an individual looking to unlock wellness spending with your HSA, Hammock is the better fit.

What Is Hammock?

Hammock is a Health Savings Account designed for modern wellness. You get an HSA with a built-in debit card and unlimited Letters of Medical Necessity (LMNs). That means you can use pre-tax dollars on things like gym memberships, supplements, massage therapy, acupuncture, and more — without jumping through hoops.

Hammock also supports FSA funds, so if your employer offers a Flexible Spending Account, you can use Hammock to spend those dollars on wellness too.

What Is TrueMed?

TrueMed is a B2B infrastructure company. It partners with wellness brands and retailers to enable HSA/FSA payments at checkout. When you buy from a TrueMed-enabled merchant, TrueMed facilitates a Letter of Medical Necessity behind the scenes so the purchase qualifies as a medical expense.

TrueMed doesn't offer its own HSA. It's a payment layer that sits on top of your existing HSA or FSA.

Feature Comparison

Feature	Hammock	TrueMed
Type	HSA provider (consumer)	Payment infrastructure (B2B)
HSA included	✅ Yes, with debit card	❌ No — uses your existing HSA/FSA
LMNs	Unlimited, included	Per-transaction, merchant-dependent
Cost to consumer	See website for current pricing	Free to consumer (merchants pay)
LMN cost	$0 (included)	$15–$50 per LMN (paid by merchant, sometimes passed to consumer)
Where you can spend	Anywhere that accepts Mastercard	Only at TrueMed partner merchants
Wellness categories	Gym, supplements, massage, acupuncture, and more	Depends on merchant partnerships
FSA support	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (at partner merchants)
Who it's for	Individuals	Brands and retailers

Key Differences

Flexibility

With Hammock, you get a Mastercard debit card linked to your HSA. You can spend at any merchant — your local gym, an independent supplement shop, a massage therapist, or a national chain. Your LMN covers the purchase.

TrueMed only works at partner merchants. If your favorite gym or supplement brand isn't in their network, you're out of luck.

Cost Structure

Hammock charges a flat annual fee for the HSA plus unlimited LMNs. There are no per-transaction fees, no surprise costs.

TrueMed charges merchants $15–$50 per LMN. Some merchants absorb this cost; others pass it along to consumers as a surcharge or higher price. Since TrueMed doesn't charge consumers directly, the cost can be opaque.

LMN Access

Hammock gives you unlimited LMNs as part of your membership. Need one for your gym? Done. Another for supplements? Done. No extra cost, no waiting.

With TrueMed, each LMN is tied to a specific transaction at a specific merchant. You can't take a TrueMed LMN and use it elsewhere.

Account Ownership

Hammock is your HSA. You own it, you control it, and you can use it however you want (within IRS rules). You can also invest your HSA funds, transfer from another HSA, and use it for traditional medical expenses.

TrueMed doesn't give you an account. It's a feature that some merchants offer at checkout. You still need your own HSA or FSA from another provider.

When TrueMed Makes Sense

TrueMed is a good option if:

• You already have an HSA you're happy with
• You primarily shop at TrueMed partner brands
• You don't want to switch HSA providers
• You only need occasional wellness purchases

When Hammock Makes Sense

Hammock is the better choice if:

• You want one account that handles both traditional medical and wellness spending
• You want the freedom to spend at any merchant
• You make regular wellness purchases (gym, supplements, massage)
• You want unlimited LMNs without per-transaction fees
• You want a dedicated HSA debit card

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use both Hammock and TrueMed?

Technically yes, but there's not much reason to. If you have Hammock with unlimited LMNs and a debit card that works everywhere, TrueMed's merchant-specific LMNs don't add value.

Is TrueMed free?

For consumers, usually yes. Merchants pay TrueMed's fees. However, some merchants may increase prices or add surcharges to cover the cost.

Does Hammock work with my employer's HSA?

Hammock is an independent HSA. You can transfer funds from an existing HSA to Hammock, or contribute directly. If your employer contributes to a different HSA, you can still open a Hammock account and transfer funds periodically.

Which saves more on taxes?

Both enable the same tax benefit — using pre-tax HSA dollars for qualified wellness expenses. The difference is in fees and flexibility, not the tax treatment itself.

Can I use Hammock for regular medical expenses too?

Absolutely. Hammock is a full HSA. Use it for doctor visits, prescriptions, dental, vision — everything a traditional HSA covers, plus wellness.

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Ready to start using your HSA for wellness? Hammock includes unlimited Letters of Medical Necessity — so your gym, supplements, and massage are all tax-free.