FAQ over-the-counter prescriptions

FAQ over-the-counter prescriptions

Questions Answered about Over-the-Counter (OTC) Prescription Processing.



1 Why do I need to submit a prescription for over-the-counter (OTC) items?
 

In compliance with new Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations effective January 1, 2011, all OTC medicines and drugs reimbursed from Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA/HSA) must be accompanied by a prescription.


The regulation only applies for purchases of OTC medicines and drugs with FSA funds. You do not have to obtain a prescription if you do not plan to use your FSA funds.


 
2 Which over-the-counter (OTC) items require a prescription?
  OTC items that are medicine or drug, except for insulin, require a prescription for reimbursement from your FSA/HSA account. You can find more information about product eligibility on this page.
 
3 Are there any items that I can purchase with my FSA card without a prescription?
  Yes, there are thousands of products ranging from blood pressure monitors to first aid kits and wheelchairs that can be purchased with an FSA card without a prescription. You can find more information about product prescription requirements on this page.
 
4 What is the process for submitting a prescription for OTC items?
 

You can purchase your OTC medicines and drugs at FSAStore.com in three easy steps:


  • Add the items to your cart and proceed to checkout.
  • During the checkout, click on the "OTC prescription" banner and complete the prescription process.
  • Let us know which items you have prescription for and how you will be submitting the prescription.

You can also submit a manual claim to your FSA administrator and include the prescription with your claim for reimbursement.

 
5 What are the options for submitting a prescription at FSAStore.com?
 

FSAStore.com offers three options for submitting a prescription:

  1. "Call My Doctor" - provide us your doctor's contact and we will take care of the rest!
  2. Ask your doctor to fax or electronically submit the prescription to our pharmacy partner.
  3. Mail your prescription directly to us.
 
6 Can I fax or email scanned prescription to FSAStore.com?
 

Due to legal restrictions on the submission of a doctor's script, only doctors may call, fax or electronically submit their prescriptions (patients themselves may not). However, patients are permitted to mail the original paper prescriptions.


At FSAStore.com you can also use the "Call My Doctor" feature which takes away the hassle of visiting your doctor and mailing a prescription. To use this feature you only have to enter your doctor's contact details during the checkout process and we will contact your doctor to obtain the prescription for the OTC medicines in your shopping cart.

 
7 How do I distinguish products that do require prescription from products that do not?
 

All products at FSAStore.com are clearly marked with one of the two icons:


FSA Ok - this icon designates items that do not require a prescription

FSA Rx - this icon designates items that do require a prescription to be reimbursed by an FSA.


To view a full list of product categories that distinguish FSA eligibility click here

 
8 I do not have an FSA debit card. Can I still shop at FSAStore.com?
 

Yes, you can. We accept all major credit and debit cards. However, if you want to purchase items that require a prescription and would like to get a reimbursement from your FSA account, you have to submit a claim, which should include both your receipt and prescription, to your FSA Administrator for manual processing. We do not offer OTC prescription processing for non-FSA card purchases.

 
9 I do not have an FSA debit card. Can I still submit prescriptions to FSAStore.com for processing?
  If you don't have an FSA debit card, you can checkout using a major credit card and submit your prescription along with your invoice to your FSA administrator through their manual claim process.
 
10 Is an OTC prescription different from a regular prescription?
 

A valid OTC prescription fits the same requirements of any standard prescription that your physician is accustomed to writing.


It should always contain:

  1. Physician's name and telephone number
  2. Physician's license/DEA number
  3. Patient's name and identifying information
  4. Name and quantity of medicine or drug
  5. Period of validity (expiration date)

For an OTC prescription, a one-year supply is generally recommended to minimize visits to your doctor. Click here for a description of a sample Rx.

 
11 How long does it take to process my prescription?
  FSAStore.com makes every effort to turn your prescription around within 24 to 48 hours. Customer Service will immediately notify you via email or telephone of any problems with your order or prescription. Prescription items are shipped separately from other items in your basket and your card will not be charged until the prescription has been verified.
 
12 I received notice that there were errors in my prescription. What should I do?
  We will notify you by email or phone if we are unable to process your prescription. If you receive such a notice, please contact our 24/7 customer service and we will be happy to help you resolve the issue.
 
13 I have prescriptions for some FSA eligible with prescription items in my cart but not all of them. What should I do?
  During the prescription submission process, you will be asked to specify the FSA "eligible-with- prescription" items for which you have a prescription. You may still purchase the FSA "eligible-with-prescription" items for which you do not have a prescription with a major credit card.
 
14 Is the data I submit kept secure and private?
  FSAStore.com complies with privacy regulations. All prescription information is securely archived after received. FSAStore.com maintains, as applicable, customer's profiles, prescription files, and order information in a manner consistent with applicable federal and state laws and regulations. Check our full privacy policy here.
 
15 Where do I submit my prescriptions to FSAStore.com?
  FSAStore.com offers three options for submitting a prescription:

1. "Call My Doctor" - provide us your doctor's contact details and we will take care of the rest!

2. Ask your doctor to fax or call to submit the prescription to our pharmacy.

Phone: - Call us or have your health care professional call us at: 1-877-935-5797

Fax: - Have your health care provider fax your prescription to us at: 1-866-624-5797

3. Send the original prescription written by your doctor at the given address. Copies not accepted.

FSAStore.com c/o Wellpartner, Inc.
PO Box 5909
Portland, OR 97228-5909

 
16 2. Where can I access the over-the-counter prescription process page?
  You can access the over-the-counter prescription process page here. Please note that this page requires a sign in.

You can learn more about the prescription process here.



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