Health Care Reform Impact on Spending Accounts
Overview
Beginning January 1, 2011, legislative changes impact the reimbursement of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and medications from any personal spending account that allows for tax code section 213(d) expenses. Only OTC drugs and medications that are prescribed* may be reimbursed under these new rules.
- For a health savings account, the prescription* must be retained by you along with your receipts in case the IRS needs to validate the purchase(s) at a later date.
- For other medical spending accounts (for example, flexible spending account, health reimbursement arrangement, voluntary employees beneficiary association or health care reimbursement account) that allow 213(d) expenses, a copy of the prescription* must be submitted with the claim for reimbursement.
This change impacts only OTC drugs and medicines. Other OTC medical products, such as supplies, remain reimbursable without the additional documentation requirement. OTC drugs and medications purchased without a prescription* will not be eligible for reimbursement if purchased after December 31, 2010.
While not all inclusive, below are some examples of OTC drugs and medications that, effective January 1, 2011, require a prescription* in order to be reimbursable through your medical spending account.
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Acid Controllers Allergy & Sinus Antibiotics Antidiarrheals Anti-Gas Anti-Itch & Insect Bite |
Baby Rash Ointments/Creams Cold Sore Remedies Cough, Cold & Flu Digestive Aids Feminine Anti-Fungal/Anti-Itch Hemorrhoid Preps |
Laxatives Motion Sickness Pain Relievers Respiratory Treatments Sleep Aids & Sedatives Stomach Remedies |
Below are some examples of OTC supplies that are eligible for reimbursement through your medical spending account without a prescription.
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Band Aids Braces & Supports Catheters Contact Lens Solution/Supplies Denture Adhesive Diagnostic Tests & Monitors |
Elastic Bandages & Wraps First Aid Supplies Insulin & Diabetic Supplies Ostomy Products Reading Glasses Wheelchairs, Walkers & Canes |
*The required documentation for a prescribed over-the-counter drug or medicine is a prescription or a copy of the prescription or other documentation that a prescription has been issued.
If you have questions, please feel free to contact Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Vermont at 1-866-999-2605.