The CARES Act Frequently Asked Questions
- What is The CARES Act?
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 visit https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/3548/text
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What feminine care products are now eligible?
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…”
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Did OTCs previously require a prescription for purchase?
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.
- Where can I buy these products?
You can buy OTC Items anywhere and submit the receipts for reimbursement. The Inventory Information Approval System (IIAS) is currently being reviewed and we expect them to expand the capabilities of the Pro-Flex Benefit Card to accept transactions for the expanded OTC list and menstrual items by the end of May 2020.
You can find a coupon for purchases made at FSAstore.com in your Pro-Flex Employee Portal.
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Why the change?
The two key provisions that passed in the CARES Act were originally held in a bill called the Restoring Access to Medication Act. 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?
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.
- Where can I find a list of eligible items?
On the Pro-Flex website, www.proflextpa.com choose FSA Eligibility List from the Resources menu.
- I still have questions, who can I contact?
If you have any remaining questions, please contact a Pro-Flex Benefits Representative by phone at (716) 633-2073, by email at csr@proflextpa.com, or via live chat on the Pro-Flex website, www.proflextpa.com.
