NACDS signed on to a letter organized by the Health Choices Coalition supporting the Restoring Access to Medications Act (S. 1089/H.R. 1922). The bipartisan legislation would allow Americans to use the funds in their healthcare accounts to purchase over-the-counter (OTC) medications.
Specifically, the legislation amends the Affordable Care Act (ACA) to restore the ability of those participating in a medical savings account, such as a Flexible Savings Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), to use the funds to purchase OTC medications. FSAs and other health savings accounts allow individuals to set aside their own money each year on a pre-tax basis to pay for healthcare expenses, such as co-payments, and other healthcare expenses not covered by insurance.
The bill is sponsored by Sen. Pat Robert (R-KS), Sen. Angus King (I-ME), Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Sen. Joe Manchin (D-WV) Rep. Ron Kind (D-WI), Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY), Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-IN) and Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL).
NACDS is a member of the Coalition, which consists of a broad group of healthcare organizations and employers advocating to reverse the unintended consequences resulting from the restrictions placed on tax-preferred accounts reimbursing for OTC medications without a doctor’s prescription.
