The FSA Rx Question

"Can I still buy Rx products with my FSA? What are the new rules for flexible spending accounts? I'm so confused about the prescription requirement."

If you're finding yourself nodding alone with these questions and statements, you're among others who find it a confusing change. A Flexible Spending Account (FSA)offers a great way to save on over-the-counter expenses, and also on medications. But, many people are often confused by health care reform involving how you get reimbursed for OTC medications. Resulting from that reform, products including Advil, Tylenol or even Zyrtec require a prescription, if you want to get reimbursed by your FSA.

Available products

Thousands of products are covered by an FSA without needing a prescription, though. However, if you do need to submit a prescription, you can submit a prescription to FSA Store, and we can help you process your FSA claim quickly. If you have questions about which FSA eligible products qualify, it's best to ask your FSA administrator to get details about your FSA account.

If you do submit your prescription to us, you shouldn't need to also submit it to your FSA administrator. However, it's not a bad idea to hold on to receipts and any documentation for purchases or uses you made of your FSA, in the rare event that it is requested by your FSA administrator.

FSA Store can help you process your Rx in easy ways:

All we need from you is:

• Your Physician's contact information (name, address, phone number) and we'll reach out to the physician directly.
• You could also mail your prescription (not a copy, but the original Rx) or have your doctor fax it.

Have any questions related to your Flexible Spending Account? Read more about these accounts in our Learning Center or check out our Eligibility List!

Update: As of March 2020 with the passage of the CARES Act, the OTC Rx requirement has been repealed and prescriptions are no longer necessary to purchase over-the-counter medicines with an FSA or HSA. Additionally, menstrual care products like tampons and pads are fully FSA-/HSA-eligible. Learn more here.