How does the CARES Act affect my FSA?

FAQs on Newly FSA-Eligible Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medicine and Feminine Care Products

What’s the CARES Act?

Answer: This legislation included two important provisions that are vital for FSA users: the repeal of the requirement to obtain prescriptions for OTC medicines, and making feminine care products eligible for the first time. For more information, here's the full text of the CARES Act.

What feminine care products are now FSA-eligible?

Answer: According to the text of the bill, menstrual care products include, “tampon, pad, liner, cup, sponge, or similar product used by individuals with respect to menstruation…”

Wait, OTC medicines required a prescription for purchase with an FSA? Really?

Answer: Yes! Since 2011, any products with medicated ingredients required a prescription to purchase with an FSA. That meant FSA users had to visit the doctor, obtain prescriptions, pay unnecessary co-pays and more just to obtain common medicine cabinet items. To say that was a hassle for everyone involved was an understatement! With this restriction now gone, this opens up a huge range of potential medical products that are now available for purchase. This includes OTC medicines like Tylenol®, Zyrtec® and more, and could even encompass future product categories.

When can I buy these products with my FSA?

Answer: We at FSAstore.com are working hard to bring on eligible OTC medicines and feminine care products as quickly as possible. As soon as our inventory is updated, we want to make sure our customers get the great news first, so be sure to add your email address below!

Why the change?

Answer: The two key provisions that passed in the CARES Act were originally held in a bill called the Restoring Access to Medication Act (HR 1922). This is one of many iterations of the act that have been introduced through Congress with the direct aim of removing the prescription requirement for OTC medicine purchases with an FSA. But this most recent version was the first to include feminine care products as eligible. The bill was able to garner bipartisan support and inclusion in the CARES Act package.

When are these changes effective?

Answer: Immediately and retroactive to January 1, 2020. Check with your benefits administrator to find out if past 2020 expenses can be submitted for reimbursement and when they will begin accepting OTC medicines and feminine care products as eligible expenses.

I’m an FSA Store customer and I have questions. Who should I contact?

Answer: If you have any remaining questions, please contact our 24/7 customer service department by phone at (888) 372-1450 Ext. 2, by email at customercare@fsastore.com, or via live chat.

I’m an FSA Store partner and I have questions. Who should I contact?

Answer: If you have any remaining questions, please contact your Account Manager directly. If you do not have an Account Manager or are unsure of who that may be, please contact Partner Support at partnersupport@fsastore.com.