New York State's Flexible Spending Accounts - HCSA

Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs and supplies are reimbursable through the Health Care Spending Account. You may be reimbursed for OTC expenses if:

The drug or supply is used to treat a specific medical condition for you, your spouse, or your eligible dependent(s);
The submitted receipt clearly states the purchase date and name of the drug or supply;
The reimbursement expense is allowed by both the Health Care Spending Account and IRS regulations; and
You submit your request in a timely and complete manner.

Please Note: Changes to federal law limit OTC drug reimbursement. Effective January 1, 2011, OTC drugs, medicines, and biologicals that you take orally or topically require a doctor’s prescription to be eligible for reimbursement under the HCSAccount. The written prescription must be submitted with your claim in order for the expense to be reimbursed. Other OTC products (e.g. hearing aid batteries, band-aids, contact lens solution, etc.) are not affected by the law.

Prescription Required

Acid controllers Allergy & sinus medicines Antibiotic products Anti-diarrheal medicines Anti-gas products Anti-itch & insect bite products Antiparasitic treatments Baby rash ointments/creams Cold sore remedies Cough, cold & flu medicines	Digestive aids Feminine anti-fungal/anti-itch Hemorrhoid treatment Laxatives Motion sickness medicines Pain relief medicines Respiratory treatments Sleep aids & sedatives Stomach remedies


Eligible Expense Categories (note restrictions above)

Allergy Remedies Antihistamines Nasal sprays Antacids Heartburn medicines Cold Remedies Cough drops Decongestants Nasal strips Nasal sprays Sinus medications Throat lozenges Pain Remedies Bug bite medication Fever reducers First aid creams (diaper, fever blister, poison ivy) Menstrual cycle products for pain relief Products for muscle or joint pain Ointments or creams for sunburn Topical creams	Other Remedy Items Anti-diarrheals Anti-fungals Antibiotics Asthma medications Bandages, gauze pads, rubbing alcohol, liquid adhesives Carpel tunnel wrist supports Cold/hot packs for injuries Corn/callus removers Eye products First aid kits Hemorrhoid treatments Laxatives Motion sickness treatments Nicotine gum or patches for smoking cessation purposes Thermometers Wart removers


Ineligible OTC Expenses

Herbal remedies Holistic medicines Homeopathic remedies Items to improve general health Lip balm Moisturizers Toothpaste

Important Notes:

OTC drugs and supplies must be used in the same Plan Year in which you claim reimbursement for their cost. Bulk purchases are not permitted.
It is your responsibility to remain informed of the list of eligible OTC expenses, which can be found on this web site.
Newly eligible OTC drugs and supplies are not considered a valid change in status event that would allow you to either change your Health Care Spending Account annual election or enroll mid-year.
You must maintain sufficient documentation to submit receipts for reimbursement.
You may resubmit a copy of your receipt from your records if a rejected OTC expense becomes eligible for reimbursement later in the same Plan Year.

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