2011 OE 100-10008 : Page 1
Health care reform update Using a health care FSA to pay for OTC medicines or drugs? You will now need a prescription. As of Jan. 1, 2011, you can no longer use your health care flexible spending account (FSA) for over-the-counter (OTC) medicines or drugs without a prescription. This change is part of the Affordable Care Act passed in 2010. Insulin, prescription medicines or drugs and some OTC supplies – such as bandages, crutches, blood sugar test kits and contact solution – will continue to be eligible, if your health care FSA plan allows. If I get a prescription for an OTC medicine or drug, how do I use my FSA to pay for it? At a grocery, department or other retail store (online, too) You can take the OTC medicine or drug off the shelf, pay out of your pocket and submit a claim form to be reimbursed from your FSA. You will need to submit a copy of your receipt and your OTC medicine or drug prescription with your claim form. The prescription must include: • Your name • Name of medicine • Dosage and form -Quantity prescribed -Instructions • Signature of the provider who wrote the prescription At a pharmacy (in person or online) You can take your OTC medicine or drug prescription to a pharmacist to be filled and have a prescription number assigned. If you have an FSA debit card, you may be able to use your card to pay for it. Or, you can submit a claim form to be reimbursed from your FSA. If you submit a claim form, you must include a receipt from the pharmacist that includes: • Prescription number • Your name • Date of purchase • Dollar amount Examples of OTC medicines or drugs that will require a prescription for FSA purchase or reimbursement as of Jan. 1, 2011: Acid controllers Acne medicine Aids for indigestion Allergy and sinus medicine Anti-diarrheal medicine Baby rash ointment Cold and flu medicine Eye drops Feminine anti-fungal or anti-itch products Hemorrhoid treatment Laxatives or stool softeners Lice treatments Motion sickness medicines Nasal sprays or drops Ointments for cuts, burns or rashes Pain relievers, such as aspirin or ibuprofen Sleep aids Stomach remedies Examples of OTC supplies that may continue to be purchased with or reimbursed from an FSA without a prescription :* Bandages Braces and supports Catheters Condoms Contact lens solution and supplies Crutches Denture cleaners and adhesives Diagnostic tests and monitors (such as blood glucose monitors) Elastic bandages and wraps First-aid supplies Insulin Ostomy products Pregnancy tests Reading glasses Walkers, wheelchairs and canes For the latest health care reform information, visit www.healthcare.gov. * Most major grocery, department, retail and drug stores will be able to identify at the cash register what supplies may still be purchased with an FSA debit card.
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