New healthcare laws say OTC products require an RX if you want to use FSA dollars

[rudeguy]

What is the idea behind this? In order to get my allergy meds, sleep aids, cold medicine, condoms, cough drops, nicotine lozenges and a whole list of other things covered under Flex Spending, I now need an RX from my doctor. What the hell? So now I have to plan ahead to get a cold or a muscle ache?

Not only is this a huge hassle but now my doctor will be even busier. Its already usually a 3 week wait, now how long will it be with everyone needing to see him to get diaper rash cream (yes its on the list)?

Why do we need the government to tell us what we can spend our money on? This isn't insurance claim crap...its my money that I have taken out of my check.

And this is just the first stage of Obamacare. What's next?

Take a look at the list for yourself.
https://www.wageworks.com/employee/health-care/expenses/fsa2011.htm

 

[her209]

Why do we need the government to tell us what we can spend our money on?

Overdramatic much. Feel free to spend after-tax dollars on allergy meds, sleep aids, cold medicine, condoms, cough drops, nicotine lozenges and a whole list of other things.

 

[bfdd]

Overdramatic much. Feel free to spend after-tax dollars on allergy meds, sleep aids, cold medicine, condoms, cough drops, nicotine lozenges and a whole list of other things.

But those are things people use to improve their health, why wouldn't they be able to use their health savings accounts to pay for them?

lol so glad I didn't switch and kept my old plan even if it costs me more.

 

[feralkid]

Obama says I have to see my doctor if I want to quit smoking or buy condoms

Sounds right to me.

 

[matt0611]

Has Obama quit smoking yet?

 

[FoBoT]

What is the idea behind this?
And this is just the first stage of Obamacare. What's next?

yes, this drives up costs, to force a single payer system (total govt. control of all healthcare)
yes, it is the first stage, next is British style total govt control of all medical

 

[theeedude]

Where does Obama say you have to see your doctor?

 

[sMiLeYz]

Obama killed my puppy.

 

[Rainsford]

Given what an FSA is SUPPOSED to be for, it sort of makes sense that you would need to demonstrate some actual medical necessity for it. Or in other words, are you suggesting the FSA should be based on the honor system?

 

[Jhhnn]

Lameness. Does your health plan currently cover the things you mention?

Let me guess- the answer is "no".

Under the FSA system, such things may be covered if your doctor prescribes them.

This is not difficult to understand, if understanding rather than outrage is what you're after...

 

[boomerang]

Has Obama quit smoking yet?

If he does choose to quit and has to see a doctor, we'll be paying for it. Even if it's...30, 40 years from now.

 

[JSt0rm]

guys im gonna go hide in the basement until its over. I figure 30 years should do it.

 

[dullard]

Why should I pay more tax to subsidize you getting cheaper condoms? Using less of my tax dollars for your minor medical needs is the first step towards lower health care costs.

Oh wait, now that I think about it, maybe I should...

 

[rudeguy]

Why should I pay more tax to subsidize you getting cheaper condoms? Using less of my tax dollars for your minor medical needs is the first step towards lower health care costs.

Oh wait, now that I think about it, maybe I should...

You aren't paying more tax dollars to subsidize those things. I pay for them 100%.

But you are fine with paying for insurance for someone that doesn't even want it?

:hmm:

 

[HAL9000]

You can't quit smoking without a prescription for medication....?

Also you should pay to quit smoking, it's not a medical condition it's your fault.

If you want to have sex why should anyone else pay for that?!

 

[rudeguy]

You can't quit smoking without a prescription for medication....?

Also you should pay to quit smoking, it's not a medical condition it's your fault.

If you want to have sex why should anyone else pay for that?!

either read the thread or go away. I vote #2.

 

[simpletron]

Lameness. Does your health plan currently cover the things you mention?

Let me guess- the answer is "no".

Under the FSA system, such things may be covered if your doctor prescribes them.

This is not difficult to understand, if understanding rather than outrage is what you're after...

Actually up to and including this year, my FSA allows the reimbursement of over-counter medicine without a prescription. Starting next year, I'll need a prescription for over-counter medicine to be reimbursed. Restocking the medicine cabinet was a common way to spend the last dollars in an FSA before you lost the money, but that is going away because of Obamacare.

 

[dullard]

You aren't paying more tax dollars to subsidize those things. I pay for them 100%.

Do you understand how flex spending accounts work?

Everything purchased with a flex spending account is tax subsidized. So, yes, I do pay for those things that you purchase through a flex spending account.

 

[HAL9000]

either read the thread or go away. I vote #2.

I read the OP you were complaining that they wont be subsidising you quitting smoking or having sex.... Blah blah waaa.

 

[herm0016]

Do you understand how flex spending accounts work?

Everything purchased with a flex spending account is tax subsidized. So, yes, I do pay for those things that you purchase through a flex spending account.

they only difference is that you do not pay taxes on it. there is no govt. money being spent. it is all your money.

 

[dullard]

they only difference is that you do not pay taxes on it. there is no govt. money being spent. it is all your money.

The government reducing millions of tax bills so that people can buy minor items is the EXACT same result as if the government spent that money for minor items. In either case (a) I pay for it with taxes or (b) the debt goes up and I pay for it later with taxes and interest.

Unfunded tax cuts (unfunded by no matching spending cut) are the same thing as unfunded spending in the end. Please stop pretending otherwise.

 

[herm0016]

The government reducing millions of tax bills so that people can buy minor items is the EXACT same result as if the government spent that money for minor items. In either case (a) I pay for it with taxes or (b) the debt goes up and I pay for it later with taxes and interest.

Unfunded tax cuts (unfunded by no matching spending cut) are the same thing as unfunded spending in the end. Please stop pretending otherwise.

the difference between us:

i think the money i made is mine, and lowering the % i pay in taxes increases my take home.

you think its the governments, and when your tax rate goes down for some reason it is costing the government money.

ex: a tax increase: you say the government is getting more money. I say i am loosing more.

 

[rudeguy]

the difference between us:

i think the money i made is mine, and lowering the % i pay in taxes increases my take home.

you think its the governments, and when your tax rate goes down for some reason it is costing the government money.

ex: a tax increase: you say the government is getting more money. I say i am loosing more.

Right

Its my money. I bust my tail to take care of my son and myself. I have no problem paying taxes, I actually take pride in doing it. But this sense of entitlement the Democrats seem to have towards my paycheck is out of control.

 

[Orignal Earl]

While I've been in the hospital, here in Canada. the Doc has offered me a 5 week supply of patches. They would be covered.
But I'm pretty sure if I went and seen a Doc normally, ( 2 hour wait tops, yikes at 3 weeks) he could not prescribe me it and have it covered.

 

[shira]

I'm still waiting for an explanation as to how the fact that over-the-counter drugs and medical products will no longer be eligible for purchase with pre-tax dollars starting in 2011 PREVENTS the OP from purchasing nicorettes and condoms without first seeing his physician.