What's the current status on supplies and FSA?

[AlanMacNeill]

So I have a (quite healthy) Flexible Spending account (hooray for not getting sick as much this year as previous...), and I'm pondering a CPAP supply buy to stock up and be able to tell Lincare to kiss me in the nether regions.

I know that the FSA rules were changed recently as part of health care reform so that you need an active prescription for a lot of "over the counter" kinds of things...

Can I get reimbursed by my FSA for CPAP supplies (mask pads, new hose, etc) without giving the FSA a prescription (I don't think I've ever actually seen my prescription for my CPAP or supplies...thank you so very much for your broken system, Aetna...I wish I'd never Metcha)

[JohnO]

Excellent question. I need to spend $300 before the end of the year. I have a number of receipts that I intend to submit for reimbursement, but was not sure about CPAP stuff.

John

[ughwhatname]

I'm checking with my TPA... (I work in HR)

Okay, word is that no prescription is needed. Patient's name, date of service, etc. does need to be included, however. In discussing it with our administrator, I explained that a prescription is required to get the equipment in the first place. She countered with, "Well, who's going to buy that stuff if they don't need it?"

Now, despite what she has said, I imagine that there could be TPAs who will argue that you could be buying the equipment for someone else...

Anyway, hope that helps. Worst case scenario, they will make you go to your company to appeal your case.

Ugh

So I have a (quite healthy) Flexible Spending account (hooray for not getting sick as much this year as previous...), and I'm pondering a CPAP supply buy to stock up and be able to tell Lincare to kiss me in the nether regions.

I know that the FSA rules were changed recently as part of health care reform so that you need an active prescription for a lot of "over the counter" kinds of things...

Can I get reimbursed by my FSA for CPAP supplies (mask pads, new hose, etc) without giving the FSA a prescription (I don't think I've ever actually seen my prescription for my CPAP or supplies...thank you so very much for your broken system, Aetna...I wish I'd never Metcha)

[tattooyu]

As far as I know, you need to provide some type of proof for anything you submit on an FSA, including Rx's. I do. Just get your doctor to write an Rx for "CPAP supplies: mask, mask parts and comfort accessories" or something like that.

[JohnO]

I'm checking with my TPA... (I work in HR)
Ugh

Thanks!

[chunkyfrog]

Check the website for the exact program that manages your fund.
The list is usually a .pdf file you can read or print at your leisure.
There may be differences due to location or employer.

[justpam]

I know the rules changed on FSA's but....

1) our host, cpap dot com accepts FSA for payment. Although they need a RX for most things.

2) secondwind also accepts FSA for payment. They, too, need a RX. (at least I assumed they did so I emailed them a copy of mine).

The year is quickly coming to an end and I've purchased from both places with my FSA MasterCard.

Hope this helps a little bit.

Pam

[xenablue]

You should still be able to get all the same supplies claimed on your FSA, however the maximum you can have is $2,500 against $5,000 in the past. This sucks for those whose co-pay is higher and have a lot of meds/supplies.

Cheers,
xena