This document discusses new rules for over-the-counter drug purchases using tax-favored health accounts like FSAs, HRAs, and HSAs. Beginning January 1, 2011, OTC drugs will require a prescription to qualify for reimbursement from these accounts. Certain OTC items like bandages and contact lens solution can still be purchased without a prescription. The changes aim to restrict OTC drug purchases using pre-tax dollars to only medications accompanied by a valid prescription from a doctor.
Richard and Simon discuss their experience of delivering innovative wayfinding projects, shedding light on how lessons learned can be applied to Auckland. They also apply some of their techniques to give a flavour of what a Walk Auckland project could and should achieve.
http://aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/conversations
This document discusses the importance of proper drug administration in nursing practice. It outlines the traditional five rights of drug administration - right client, right drug, right dose, right time, right route - as well as five additional rights including right assessment, right documentation, patient's right to education, right evaluation, and patient's right to refuse. It emphasizes that nurses are accountable for safely administering medications by verifying orders, understanding each drug's effects and interactions, and ensuring patients provide informed consent before treatment.
The document provides information about over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, including:
1) OTC drugs are non-prescription medicines that have received regulatory approval based on proven safety and efficacy. They do not require dispensing by a pharmacist.
2) Key criteria for OTC designation include low toxicity, risk of misuse being limited, and no risk of masking underlying conditions. Drugs are often prescription-only initially before being reclassified as OTC.
3) Common OTC drug categories discussed include analgesics, cough/cold medicines, antacids, laxatives, antifungals, sunscreens, emollients, contraceptives and supplements. The document outlines
This document outlines a pharmaceutical care plan for a 61-year-old male patient admitted to the hospital with atrial fibrillation. The patient has a history of hypertension but was non-compliant with his lisinopril. He is also a smoker consuming over 20 cigarettes per day and drinks approximately 20 units of alcohol per week. The care plan involves obtaining the patient's medical history, designing and implementing a pharmaceutical care plan to address his atrial fibrillation and non-compliance, and monitoring treatment outcomes and side effects. A beta-blocker is recommended for rate control and aspirin for anticoagulation given the patient's risk factors for stroke. The patient requires counseling on medication compliance and management of any side
The document discusses the marketing and regulation of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, including the differences between OTC and prescription drugs, the OTC drug review process conducted by the FDA, and the role of pharmacists in counseling patients on the safe and effective use of OTC medications. Key points covered include the benefits and risks of OTC drug use, the FDA approval pathways for OTC products, and best practices for pharmacist counseling on OTC selections and their appropriate use.
This document discusses pharmaceutical care, which aims to improve patient outcomes through responsible drug therapy. It defines pharmaceutical care as providing medication to achieve therapeutic outcomes that enhance quality of life. These may include curing disease, reducing symptoms, or slowing disease progression. The document outlines the basic elements of pharmaceutical care, which include being patient-oriented, addressing both acute and chronic issues, and emphasizing prevention of drug-related problems through documented care plans and collaboration with other providers. It also discusses various tools used in pharmaceutical care, such as SOAP notes, CORE pharmacotherapy plans, and FARM analyses to identify, resolve, and prevent drug-related issues.
Based on the information provided:
- Mrs. Tigist's drug-related need is for effective treatment of her depression
- Recommending an OTC sleep aid would not meet this need and could potentially cause harm
- The appropriate action would be to advise Mrs. Tigist that her symptoms suggest she may be depressed and recommend she see her physician for evaluation and treatment
The document provides an overview of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and its implementation in South Carolina. Some key points:
- The ACA requires most Americans to have health insurance or pay a penalty. It also prohibits denying coverage due to preexisting conditions and prohibits charging sick individuals higher premiums.
- South Carolina has a federally-facilitated health insurance marketplace for individuals and small businesses. Health plans must cover essential health benefits.
- Beginning in 2014, there is no annual or lifetime limits on coverage, no preexisting condition exclusions, guaranteed issue of policies, and limits on out-of-pocket costs. However, grandfathered plans are exempt from some provisions.
-
Richard and Simon discuss their experience of delivering innovative wayfinding projects, shedding light on how lessons learned can be applied to Auckland. They also apply some of their techniques to give a flavour of what a Walk Auckland project could and should achieve.
http://aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/conversations
This document discusses the importance of proper drug administration in nursing practice. It outlines the traditional five rights of drug administration - right client, right drug, right dose, right time, right route - as well as five additional rights including right assessment, right documentation, patient's right to education, right evaluation, and patient's right to refuse. It emphasizes that nurses are accountable for safely administering medications by verifying orders, understanding each drug's effects and interactions, and ensuring patients provide informed consent before treatment.
The document provides information about over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, including:
1) OTC drugs are non-prescription medicines that have received regulatory approval based on proven safety and efficacy. They do not require dispensing by a pharmacist.
2) Key criteria for OTC designation include low toxicity, risk of misuse being limited, and no risk of masking underlying conditions. Drugs are often prescription-only initially before being reclassified as OTC.
3) Common OTC drug categories discussed include analgesics, cough/cold medicines, antacids, laxatives, antifungals, sunscreens, emollients, contraceptives and supplements. The document outlines
This document outlines a pharmaceutical care plan for a 61-year-old male patient admitted to the hospital with atrial fibrillation. The patient has a history of hypertension but was non-compliant with his lisinopril. He is also a smoker consuming over 20 cigarettes per day and drinks approximately 20 units of alcohol per week. The care plan involves obtaining the patient's medical history, designing and implementing a pharmaceutical care plan to address his atrial fibrillation and non-compliance, and monitoring treatment outcomes and side effects. A beta-blocker is recommended for rate control and aspirin for anticoagulation given the patient's risk factors for stroke. The patient requires counseling on medication compliance and management of any side
The document discusses the marketing and regulation of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, including the differences between OTC and prescription drugs, the OTC drug review process conducted by the FDA, and the role of pharmacists in counseling patients on the safe and effective use of OTC medications. Key points covered include the benefits and risks of OTC drug use, the FDA approval pathways for OTC products, and best practices for pharmacist counseling on OTC selections and their appropriate use.
This document discusses pharmaceutical care, which aims to improve patient outcomes through responsible drug therapy. It defines pharmaceutical care as providing medication to achieve therapeutic outcomes that enhance quality of life. These may include curing disease, reducing symptoms, or slowing disease progression. The document outlines the basic elements of pharmaceutical care, which include being patient-oriented, addressing both acute and chronic issues, and emphasizing prevention of drug-related problems through documented care plans and collaboration with other providers. It also discusses various tools used in pharmaceutical care, such as SOAP notes, CORE pharmacotherapy plans, and FARM analyses to identify, resolve, and prevent drug-related issues.
Based on the information provided:
- Mrs. Tigist's drug-related need is for effective treatment of her depression
- Recommending an OTC sleep aid would not meet this need and could potentially cause harm
- The appropriate action would be to advise Mrs. Tigist that her symptoms suggest she may be depressed and recommend she see her physician for evaluation and treatment
The document provides an overview of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and its implementation in South Carolina. Some key points:
- The ACA requires most Americans to have health insurance or pay a penalty. It also prohibits denying coverage due to preexisting conditions and prohibits charging sick individuals higher premiums.
- South Carolina has a federally-facilitated health insurance marketplace for individuals and small businesses. Health plans must cover essential health benefits.
- Beginning in 2014, there is no annual or lifetime limits on coverage, no preexisting condition exclusions, guaranteed issue of policies, and limits on out-of-pocket costs. However, grandfathered plans are exempt from some provisions.
-
This document provides information to help people understand and maximize their health insurance benefits. It discusses key terms, documents that provide cost information, out-of-pocket costs, essential health benefits, and strategies to avoid financial pitfalls like billing errors. The goal is to help people access preventive care, track expenses, dispute errors, and choose effective health plans. Contact information is provided for additional resources.
Although the Affordable Care Act has benefited the health insurance consumer in many respects, it has also added to the confusion. This presentation, Given by Wanda Stephens in Raleigh, North Carolina, details some of the many facets to Obamacare in NC.
for more information visit http://www.hisonc.com/obamacare-north-carolina/
Medical billing denials are the bane of many practice existences. Here are the most common reasons for claim denials. https://www.mgsionline.com/healthcare-denial-management.html
The Art of Practice Management Dental Pearls - October 2016Marianne Harper
An insightful and informative newsletter from the Art of Practice Management. A dental practice management consulting company that focuses on revenue and collection systems, front desk systems and forms, dental insurance processing, medical/dental cross-coding systems and employment-law compliance.
Change is constant as employers and employees navigate
through the twists and turns of health benefits coverage. This infographic provides and overview of health care reform compliance deadlines.
This document provides a 10-minute guide to understanding health reform in the United States. It is divided into several sections that explain the basics of how health reform works, clarify common misconceptions about the law, and provide examples of how different people can access health insurance under the new system. The guide aims to help readers understand what changes health reform means for them and their access to affordable health insurance plans.
This document summarizes a pharmacy benefits plan, including coverage details and costs. There is no overall deductible. For generic drugs, the copay is $7 for a 30-day supply. Preferred brand drugs have a $20 copay. Non-preferred brands have a $40 copay. The out-of-pocket maximum is $4,850 single/$7,200 family. Specialty drugs require prior authorization and have a 30% coinsurance. No referral is needed to see a specialist.
A brief description of how using an HSA in conjuction with a qualifed major medical HDHP can help control premiums and put you the consumer back in control of your healthcare dollars. Currently 9 million people enrolled in an HSA qualified plan.
Chapter 8_Over The Counter (OTC) Medications.pptxVinayGaikwad14
Definition, need and role of Pharmacists in OTC medication dispensing
OTC medications in India, counseling for OTC products
Self-medication and role of pharmacists in promoting the safe practices during self medication
Responding to symptoms, minor ailments, and advice for self-care in conditions
This document provides an overview of key concepts in consumer health education. It defines what a consumer and consumer health are, and outlines the three main components of consumer health - health information, products, and services. For each component, it discusses criteria for evaluating reliability and guidelines for wise selection. It also describes different types of health professionals and facilities, as well as complementary and alternative healthcare options. The document aims to help students differentiate reliable from unreliable health resources and make informed choices about their healthcare.
This document provides an overview of key concepts in consumer health education. It defines what a consumer and consumer health are, and outlines the three main components of consumer health - health information, products, and services. For each component, it discusses criteria for evaluating reliability and guidelines for wise selection. It also describes different types of health professionals and facilities, as well as complementary and alternative healthcare options. The document aims to help students differentiate reliable from unreliable health resources and make informed choices about their healthcare.
This document provides information about Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) offered by UnitedHealth Group. It describes that FSAs allow employees to set aside pre-tax income to pay for eligible medical, dental, vision, and dependent care expenses. Employees can choose a health care FSA, dependent care FSA, or limited purpose FSA. The document reviews how each FSA works, eligible expenses, use it or lose it rules, savings examples, and how UnitedHealth Group's debit card makes payments convenient.
Prior authorization is a process where insurance companies review prescribed medications to ensure they are appropriate for the condition. Certain medications like brand names with generics, expensive drugs, or those with age limits typically require prior authorization. Physicians must submit clinical documentation for review. Insurance verification specialists can assist physicians with the prior authorization process by determining coverage, facilitating resolutions, and maintaining documentation to help approvals be obtained faster.
This document outlines a sample claims management process for a physician practice with 14 steps. The process begins with patient registration, verification of insurance benefits, and check-in. It continues with clinical documentation of services, assigning codes, patient check-out, coding review, pre-authorization if needed, claim generation, claim review, processing by the health insurer, collections if needed, posting payments, appeals if claims are denied, and ends with a glossary. Implementing this detailed process is intended to increase efficiency, submit clean claims, reduce denials, and ensure timely payments from health insurers.
This document provides information and guidance on obtaining insurance coverage for medical foods. It discusses understanding insurance policies and coverage, following state mandates, communicating with insurance carriers using the proper terminology, and removing exclusions. Tips are provided on requesting case managers, prior authorizations, and gap exceptions. The differences between medical and pharmacy benefits are explained. Assistance resources through Compassion*Works Medical and the NPKUA Insurance Coaches Program are outlined to help navigate the insurance process.
The document provides information about obtaining insurance coverage for medical foods. It discusses understanding insurance policies and coverage, following state mandates, communicating with insurance carriers using proper terminology, and removing exclusions for medical food coverage. The goal is to ensure medical foods are a covered benefit, deemed medically necessary, and processed correctly for approval of insurance coverage.
The document promotes a health insurance product called "Health Wallet" as a revolutionary product that ensures customers get comprehensive healthcare coverage and savings benefits. Health Wallet provides insurance for both inpatient and outpatient expenses, allows savings to grow over time, covers future health needs, and has additional benefits like critical illness coverage and tax benefits. It is positioned as a better option than traditional health insurance by providing ongoing returns and coverage for healthy individuals.
This document defines various health insurance terms used in the Affordable Care Act and Washington state programs. It provides definitions for over 50 terms related to health plans, coverage, costs, eligibility and other key concepts. The document is intended to help consumers understand and navigate their health insurance options.
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The most common doubt that arises among people is whether their pre-existing conditions would be covered in the policy plan or not? Health insurance plans come with certain restrictions and regulations. Going through your policy plan and clear communication with the insurer would surely clear your puzzled mind!!
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Here is Gabe Whitley's response to my defamation lawsuit for him calling me a rapist and perjurer in court documents.
You have to read it to believe it, but after you read it, you won't believe it. And I included eight examples of defamatory statements/
13062024_First India Newspaper Jaipur.pdfFIRST INDIA
Find Latest India News and Breaking News these days from India on Politics, Business, Entertainment, Technology, Sports, Lifestyle and Coronavirus News in India and the world over that you can't miss. For real time update Visit our social media handle. Read First India NewsPaper in your morning replace. Visit First India.
CLICK:- https://firstindia.co.in/
#First_India_NewsPaper
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This document provides information to help people understand and maximize their health insurance benefits. It discusses key terms, documents that provide cost information, out-of-pocket costs, essential health benefits, and strategies to avoid financial pitfalls like billing errors. The goal is to help people access preventive care, track expenses, dispute errors, and choose effective health plans. Contact information is provided for additional resources.
Although the Affordable Care Act has benefited the health insurance consumer in many respects, it has also added to the confusion. This presentation, Given by Wanda Stephens in Raleigh, North Carolina, details some of the many facets to Obamacare in NC.
for more information visit http://www.hisonc.com/obamacare-north-carolina/
Medical billing denials are the bane of many practice existences. Here are the most common reasons for claim denials. https://www.mgsionline.com/healthcare-denial-management.html
The Art of Practice Management Dental Pearls - October 2016Marianne Harper
An insightful and informative newsletter from the Art of Practice Management. A dental practice management consulting company that focuses on revenue and collection systems, front desk systems and forms, dental insurance processing, medical/dental cross-coding systems and employment-law compliance.
Change is constant as employers and employees navigate
through the twists and turns of health benefits coverage. This infographic provides and overview of health care reform compliance deadlines.
This document provides a 10-minute guide to understanding health reform in the United States. It is divided into several sections that explain the basics of how health reform works, clarify common misconceptions about the law, and provide examples of how different people can access health insurance under the new system. The guide aims to help readers understand what changes health reform means for them and their access to affordable health insurance plans.
This document summarizes a pharmacy benefits plan, including coverage details and costs. There is no overall deductible. For generic drugs, the copay is $7 for a 30-day supply. Preferred brand drugs have a $20 copay. Non-preferred brands have a $40 copay. The out-of-pocket maximum is $4,850 single/$7,200 family. Specialty drugs require prior authorization and have a 30% coinsurance. No referral is needed to see a specialist.
A brief description of how using an HSA in conjuction with a qualifed major medical HDHP can help control premiums and put you the consumer back in control of your healthcare dollars. Currently 9 million people enrolled in an HSA qualified plan.
Chapter 8_Over The Counter (OTC) Medications.pptxVinayGaikwad14
Definition, need and role of Pharmacists in OTC medication dispensing
OTC medications in India, counseling for OTC products
Self-medication and role of pharmacists in promoting the safe practices during self medication
Responding to symptoms, minor ailments, and advice for self-care in conditions
This document provides an overview of key concepts in consumer health education. It defines what a consumer and consumer health are, and outlines the three main components of consumer health - health information, products, and services. For each component, it discusses criteria for evaluating reliability and guidelines for wise selection. It also describes different types of health professionals and facilities, as well as complementary and alternative healthcare options. The document aims to help students differentiate reliable from unreliable health resources and make informed choices about their healthcare.
This document provides an overview of key concepts in consumer health education. It defines what a consumer and consumer health are, and outlines the three main components of consumer health - health information, products, and services. For each component, it discusses criteria for evaluating reliability and guidelines for wise selection. It also describes different types of health professionals and facilities, as well as complementary and alternative healthcare options. The document aims to help students differentiate reliable from unreliable health resources and make informed choices about their healthcare.
This document provides information about Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) offered by UnitedHealth Group. It describes that FSAs allow employees to set aside pre-tax income to pay for eligible medical, dental, vision, and dependent care expenses. Employees can choose a health care FSA, dependent care FSA, or limited purpose FSA. The document reviews how each FSA works, eligible expenses, use it or lose it rules, savings examples, and how UnitedHealth Group's debit card makes payments convenient.
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This document outlines a sample claims management process for a physician practice with 14 steps. The process begins with patient registration, verification of insurance benefits, and check-in. It continues with clinical documentation of services, assigning codes, patient check-out, coding review, pre-authorization if needed, claim generation, claim review, processing by the health insurer, collections if needed, posting payments, appeals if claims are denied, and ends with a glossary. Implementing this detailed process is intended to increase efficiency, submit clean claims, reduce denials, and ensure timely payments from health insurers.
This document provides information and guidance on obtaining insurance coverage for medical foods. It discusses understanding insurance policies and coverage, following state mandates, communicating with insurance carriers using the proper terminology, and removing exclusions. Tips are provided on requesting case managers, prior authorizations, and gap exceptions. The differences between medical and pharmacy benefits are explained. Assistance resources through Compassion*Works Medical and the NPKUA Insurance Coaches Program are outlined to help navigate the insurance process.
The document provides information about obtaining insurance coverage for medical foods. It discusses understanding insurance policies and coverage, following state mandates, communicating with insurance carriers using proper terminology, and removing exclusions for medical food coverage. The goal is to ensure medical foods are a covered benefit, deemed medically necessary, and processed correctly for approval of insurance coverage.
The document promotes a health insurance product called "Health Wallet" as a revolutionary product that ensures customers get comprehensive healthcare coverage and savings benefits. Health Wallet provides insurance for both inpatient and outpatient expenses, allows savings to grow over time, covers future health needs, and has additional benefits like critical illness coverage and tax benefits. It is positioned as a better option than traditional health insurance by providing ongoing returns and coverage for healthy individuals.
This document defines various health insurance terms used in the Affordable Care Act and Washington state programs. It provides definitions for over 50 terms related to health plans, coverage, costs, eligibility and other key concepts. The document is intended to help consumers understand and navigate their health insurance options.
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New OTC Drug Rules For Tax Favored Health Accounts Health Care Reform Part Iii
1. NEW OVER‐THE‐COUNTER DRUG RULES FOR TAX‐FAVORED HEALTH ACCOUNTS
HEALTHCARE REFORM IN AMERICA – Part III
June 2010
documented claim to be reimbursed.
THIS EDITION OF OUR SERIES – HEALTHCARE REFORM Examples of OTC expenses that will no longer be
IN AMERICA‐ WILL DISCUSS IMPORTANT CHANGES TO approved without a prescription include: acid controllers,
TAX‐FAVORED HEALTH ACCOUNTS BEGINNING JANUARY cough, cold and flu remedies, digestive aids, pain relief
1, 2011. WE WILL DISCUSS WHEN OVER‐THE‐COUNTER medications, antibiotics, stomach remedies, anti‐itch and
(OTC) DRUG PURCHASES NO LONGER QUALIFY FOR insect bite treatments, sleep aids and sedatives.
REIMBURSEMENT AND SUMMARIZE WHAT VENDORS
ARE SAYING ABOUT THE NEW RESTRICTIONS. WE HAVE Examples of OTC products that should continue to be
PROVIDED QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS AT THE END OF qualified expenses include: bandages, contact lens
THIS INSIGHTS TO HELP YOU ANSWER YOUR EMPLOYEES supplies, diagnostic tests and monitors, certain first aid
QUESTIONS ABOUT THESE LIMITATIONS. supplies, wheelchairs, walkers and canes.
WHAT THE LAW REQUIRES BACK TO THE FUTURE
Effective January 1, 2011 drugs and medicine (except In summary, the current OTC restrictions basically bring
insulin) will require a prescription to qualify as an “eligible us back to early 2003 before OTC purchases were
medical expense” that can be paid for using funds from a considered “qualified medical expenses”.
healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA), a Health
Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) or a Health Savings SEE THE QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS AT THE END OF THIS
Account (HSA). Individuals will no longer be able to use INSIGHTS FOR MORE INFORMATION
an FSA, HRA or HSA to purchase over‐the‐counter drugs
and medicine, unless accompanied by a prescription. A ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
few points of interest: For specific questions concerning information contained
Reimbursement for unprescribed OTC drugs and in this Insights, please contact your Chernoff Diamond
medicine purchases is restricted beginning January 1, consultant.
2011 regardless of the underlying plan year.
An OTC drug or medicine with a prescription will Information contained in this Insights is not intended to
continue to be eligible for reimbursement. render tax or legal advice. Employers should consult
Other types of OTC purchases will continue to qualify with qualified legal and/or tax counsel for guidance in
for reimbursement from FSAs, HRAs, and HSAs. respect of matters of law, tax and related regulation.
WHAT THE VENDORS ARE SAYING Chernoff Diamond provides comprehensive consulting
A number of vendors are weighing in on what the new and administrative services with respect to all forms of
law means and how employees can continue to use their employee benefits, risk management and qualified and
accounts. In particular, effective January 1, 2011, non‐qualified retirement plans.
Inventory Information Approval Systems, (IRS sanctioned
technology to track qualified medical expenses) will no For additional information about our services please
longer approve certain OTC drugs and medicines at the contact us at (516) 683‐6100 or via e‐mail at
point of sale, and therefore, a debit card purchase will be mail@chernoffdiamond.com.
denied. An individual who has an OTC medication
prescription would pay for the medication and submit a
(516) 683-6100 (212) 772-0902 www.chernoffdiamond.com -1-
2. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS – NEW OVER‐THE‐COUNTER If I purchase an over‐the‐counter drug in December, 2010
DRUG RULES FOR TAX‐FAVORED HEALTH ACCOUNTS but do not submit the claim until January, 2011, will I still
be allowed to be reimbursed for this purchase?
Q1 What types of tax‐favored health accounts are A6 Yes. As long as the expense was incurred before
impacted by this change? January 1, 2011 your claim will be reimbursed.
A1 Over‐the‐counter drugs and medicines (OTC) will no
longer be considered “qualified medical expenses” and will Q7 What types of over‐the‐counter drugs and
not be allowed to be reimbursed from Healthcare Flexible medicines will no longer be allowed without a
Spending Accounts (FSAs), Health Reimbursement prescription?
Arrangements (HRAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). A7 The following are some expense categories that will
not be approved without a prescription.
Q2 When does the change take place? Acid controllers Digestive and stomach relief
A2 The restriction becomes effective on January 1, Allergy and sinus Insect bite and anti‐itch
2011. Therefore, any purchases you make for Antibiotic products Motion sickness
over‐the‐counter drugs after December 31, 2010 will no Baby rash and ointments Pain relief
longer qualify as eligible expenses and cannot be Cough, cold and flu Sleep aids and sedatives
reimbursed from these accounts.
Q8 Are there over‐the‐counter products that will be
Note: All plans, regardless of the plan year, will be allowed to be reimbursed from the account without a
impacted by these changes on January 1, 2011. If your prescription?
plan is not a calendar‐year plan year (i.e. April 1 – March 31), A8 Yes, your purchases for most over‐the‐counter
and employees have already made irrevocable pre‐tax products that are not considered drugs or medicines will still
elections to a Flexible Spending Account, they need to be qualify for reimbursement.
aware they cannot be reimbursed for these purchases
beginning January 1, 2011. Employees should carefully Q9 Which over‐the‐counter products will continue to
consider their 2010 OTC needs in order not to forfeit any qualify for reimbursement?
unused balance at the end of the FSA plan year. Those A9 Some examples of over‐the‐counter products that
who will be making elections during the remaining months will continue to qualify for account reimbursement include:
of 2010 should also be cautioned as to these limitations. Band Aids First aid supplies
Birth Control Insulin and diabetic products
Q3 What if my doctor writes a prescription for an Braces and supports Reading glasses
over‐the‐counter medication? Contact lens supplies Walkers and canes
A3 As long as you have a prescription, you may be Diagnostic tests Wheelchairs
reimbursed for these expenses.
Q10 Will my deductible continue to qualify for
Q4 Will I be able to use my FSA, HRA, or HSA debit reimbursement through the account?
card if I have a prescription for an over‐the‐counter A10 Yes. This provision was not affected by the law.
medication?
A4 No. You will need to pay for the medication and Q11 What happens if I use my Health Savings Account
file a claim with proper documentation, which presumably for an over‐the‐counter drug without a prescription after
would include the prescription. At this time, the IRS has January 1, 2011?
not commented on what documentation will be required in A11 Beginning January 1, 2011, the distribution will not
order to be reimbursed for the purchase. be a qualified medical expense and therefore, will be
considered taxable income as well as be subject to an
Q5 I understand that our FSA has a grace period that additional tax penalty of 20%.
allows us to make purchases up to March 15 of the
following year. Will over‐the‐counter purchases of drugs Q12 Are there any other changes that may impact what
or medicines made during the grace period be allowed? will qualify for reimbursement from the account?
A5 No. All over‐the‐counter drug or medicine A12 The answers to all these questions are based on our
purchases (without a prescription) must be made on or current understanding of the law. However, we will let you
before December 31, 2010 in order to qualify for know as soon as possible if the IRS or other regulatory
reimbursement. agencies issue any guidance or make any changes to what is
considered a “qualified medical expense” that is eligible for
Q6 I understand that our plan allows us to submit reimbursement under a FSA, HRA or HSA.
claims for reimbursement up to 30 days after the purchase.