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Over-the-counter drugs now eligible for FSA reimbursements

8 a.m., Oct. 27, 2003--The Office of Human Resources has announced new health care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) guidelines in response to a Sept. 3 ruling by the Internal Revenue Service that relaxed the longstanding rule that has prevented FSA reimbursements for over-the-counter medications.

Effective for expenses incurred on or after Jan. 1, 2003, over-the-counter drugs and medicines are eligible for reimbursement through existing health care FSA accounts.

Examples of eligible nonprescription medications include:

• Antacids;
• Allergy medicines;
• Pain relievers; and
• Cold medicines.

Dietary supplements, toiletries, toothpaste, cosmetics, face creams and sundry items are NOT considered to be expenditures for medical care and are therefore not eligible for reimbursement.

Claims for nonprescription medications must be accompanied by receipts. The receipt must show the date purchased, name of the merchant and name of the drug. If the receipt is not itemized, the name of the over-the-counter drug should be handwritten on the receipt.

Those who submit an FSA reimbursement form are attesting to the fact that the claim is for eligible expenses incurred for themselves or eligible dependents.

For more information, e-mail the Office of Human Resources at [ben-serv@udel.edu] or call 831-2171.

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