OTC

STOP! And Read….

CHANGES TO FSA OVER-THE-COUNTER ITEMS WILL AFFECT YOU IN 2011

What is changing in 2011?

Due to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care Reconciliation Act of 2010, some over-the-counter drugs and medicines once considered eligible for reimbursement under a Health Flexible Spending Account will now require a prescription from a licensed physician.

Only items purchased on or after January 1, 2011 will be subject to the new regulations. Items purchased in 2010 but not yet submitted for 2010 reimbursement will not be affected by the new regulations.

It is necessary to submit your physician’s prescription with each request for reimbursement for affected over-the-counter items.

How does this affect my FSA Debit Card?

If you have an FSA Debit Card, it will no longer be accepted to pay for affected over-the-counter expenses that were previously considered to be eligible.  Again, this change will take effect on 01/01/2011.

What over-the-counter items are still eligible for reimbursement or accepted by the FSA Debit Card?

  • Band Aids
  • Birth Control
  • Braces and supports
  • Catheters
  • Contact lens supplies and solutions
  • Denture adhesives
  • Diagnostic tests and monitors
  • Elastic bandages and wraps
  • First Aid supplies
  • Insulin and diabetic supplies
  • Ostomy products
  • Reading glasses
  • Wheelchairs, walkers, canes and other durable medical equipment

What over-the-counter items are NO LONGER eligible for reimbursement without a physician prescription?

  • Acid controllers/digestive aids
  • Allergy and sinus medicines
  • Antibiotic products
  • Anti-diarrheals/anti-gas medicines
  • Anti-itch and insect bite medicines
  • Anti parasitic treatments
  • Baby rash ointments and creams
  • Cold sore remedies
  • Cough, cold and flu medicines
  • Feminine anti-fungal/anti-itch
  • Hemorrhoidal preps
  • Laxatives
  • Motion sickness medicines
  • Pain Relievers – aspirin, etc.
  • Respiratory treatments
  • Sleep aids and sedatives
  • Stomach remedies

Questions?

Now is the time to plan ahead. Do not wait to contact Taxsaver Plan with questions about these changes. Call 800-328-4337 for more information about over-the-counter changes in 2011.