Health Choices Coalition urges Congress to repeal OTC restrictions on FSAs

WASHINGTON — The Health Choices Coalition sent a letter to members of Congress, urging them to repeal legislation that limits coverage of over-the-counter medicines.

The coalition is looking to Congress to repeal a provision in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that prevents consumers from using their flexible spending accounts to purchase OTCs without first getting a doctor's prescription. Members of the Health Choices Coalition are urging Congress to take action in order to allow consumers to use their FSAs for OTCs.

"This issue is about empowering millions of American consumers to cost-effectively manage their families' healthcare needs," said Bill Head, VP government affairs for the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, which is part of the coalition. "The availability of OTC medicines through an employer-sponsored FSA provides valuable cost-savings to consumers, increases worker productivity and encourages smart healthcare decisions by both employers and employees — all of which are consistent with the goals of healthcare reform."

The Health Choices Coalition represents physicians, consumers, retailers, manufacturers, pharmacies, pharmacists, patients, pharmacy benefit managers, small businesses and employers.