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PLAN NOW FOR 2011
OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATIONS
Do you use over-the-counter medications to treat your headaches,
allergies, heartburn, arthritis or other conditions and illnesses?
If so, you should know that the Health Care Reform legislation included a change in the expenses that are eligible for reimbursement from the Medical Flex Spending (Med-FSA) benefit of Flex Plans and Health Reimbursement Arrangements: You will need a prescription to be reimbursed for Over-The-Counter Medications in 2011
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act eliminated the automatic eligibility of Over-The-Counter (OTC) Medications.
Many people spend $25 to $50 or more each month on OTC medications to treat recurring or chronic medical conditions
and, by using their Med-FSA or HRA Plan, they save 25% or more on each purchase. If you use OTC medications and
would like to continue your tax savings in 2011, you will need a prescription for those medications. For your convenience,
we offer you ext appointment with your doctor.
PRESCRIPTON REQUIRED:
The following list shows examples of expenses that will need to be prescribed to be eligible for reimbursement from your Flex or HRA account: Acid Controllers
Aspirin & Pain Relief
Smoking Cessation
Topical Treatments
Allergy, Asthma & Colds
Diaper Rash
Digestive Aids
Other Examples
Anti-fungals
Motion Sickness
Gym & Weight Loss programs
(The use of categories or brand names does not indicate or imply an endorsement, recommendation or limitation to brand-name products.)
AUTOMATICALLY ELIGIBLE:
The following are examples of OTC medical products and supplies that will still be eligible for reimbursement without a prescription in 2011: The terms “physician” refers to a medical provider authorized to write prescriptions for medications within the scope of their license and practice. This includes doctors (M.D., N.D., or D.O.) and nurse practitioners (N.P.). Vitamins, biological, botanical, herbal and homeopathic remedies recommended by a health professional, such as a Chiropractor or Acupuncturist, to treat a medical condition as diagnosed by a physician, will require documentation of the diagnosis from the physician and the letter of medical necessity from the health professional. The prescription or letter of medical necessity must be submitted with each claim for related expenses. The prescription or letter of medical necessity must specify the individual for whom the prescription relates and must include a specific diagnosis, treatment plan and product recommendations. Stress relief, general/good health, preventive care, etc. are not sufficient as a diagnosis. If prescribed by a physician to treat a specific medical condition, the excess cost of a special form may be eligible for personal use items that are used in daily life, such as shoes, clothing and allergen-free bedding. Diet food and food replacements are not eligible. Gym memberships may be eligible if purchased after the recommendation of your physician to treat a specific medical condition. The expense classifications and eligibility requirements are subject to change. Not all employer plans offer reimbursement of OTC medications. Purchases of OTC medications and supplies are limited to a 3-month/90-day supply in any single purchase or series of purchases. This brochure is a brief introduction and does not guarantee the payment of benefits or provide tax or legal advice. To be eligible for reimbursement, expenses must be incurred during the plan year for you and/or your eligible dependents while you are/were an active participant and your claim must be submitted in the format and time-frame defined in the Summary Plan Description. The Summary Plan Description is a detailed description of your employer’s plan and includes important information such as the benefits, eligibility and claims filing deadlines.

Source: http://flextodaymail.com/uploads/OTC_Med_Changes_-_05-2010.pdf