Health Choices Coalition renews plea for FSA-eligible OTCs with no Rx needed

WASHINGTON — The Consumer Healthcare Products Association and the other members of the Health Choices Coalition on Friday sent letters to members of Congress urging the repeal of the requirement that prevents consumers from using their flexible spending arrangements to purchase over-the-counter medicines without first getting a doctor’s prescription. 

“Over-the-counter medicines serve as a first line of defense for American families’ healthcare needs while offering a valuable cost-savings to consumers,” stated John Gay, CHPA VP government affairs. “Repeal of this provision can save time and money for patients, physicians and our healthcare system at large."

A recent survey by CHPA revealed that primary care physicians estimated, on average, that 10% or more of office visits were unnecessary and could have been avoided by self-management, including the use of OTC medications.

As the second anniversary of the enactment of healthcare reform approaches, members of the Health Choices Coalition are urging Congress to take action in order to allow consumers to use their FSAs for OTC medicines.

“As Congress considers ways to meet our nation’s healthcare needs effectively, they should work to restore an important incentive for consumers to use efficient healthcare options that save time and money,” Gay said.

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