State employees can now use their MoneyPlu$ medical spending accounts to purchase at a big discount common over-the-counter medicines including cold pills, aspirin and antacids. Previously, only medicines prescribed by a doctor were eligible for reimbursement.

How it works
You may request reimbursement for a non-prescription medicine purchased on or after October 1, 2003, if:
- the medicine was used for a specific medical condition for you and/or your dependent.
- the submitted receipt states clearly the purchase date and name of the medicine.

Fringe Benefits Management Company (FBMC) will review and update the list of OTC medicines eligible for reimbursement on a quarterly basis. It is your responsibility to remain informed about updates to this list, which can be found at www.fbmc-benefits.com. You will need to choose “Account Information” and then log in to view the list.

Beginning January 1, 2004, whenever a drug or medicine is added to the list, it will be reimbursable retroactively to the start of the same plan year in which it is added. 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. And, remember that you have only until March 31, following the end of the plan year, to submit for reimbursement eligible expenses incurred during your period of coverage within the plan year.

If you are not sure if an expenditure is eligible for reimbursement, call FBMC toll-free at 1-800-342-8017, or review the complete guide to MoneyPlu$.

Flexible Spending Account

Partial list of eligible expenses:

• *Acupuncture
• Ambulance service
• Birth control pills and devices
• *Chiropractic care
• Contact lenses, lens cleaners and solutions
• *Dental fees
• Diagnostic tests/health screening
• *Doctors fees
• Drug addiction/alcoholism treatment
• Prescription drugs
• *Experimental medical treatment
• Eyeglasses
• Guide dogs
• Hearing aids and exams
• Injections and vaccinations
• Insulin
• In vitro fertilization
• *Nursing services
• Optometrist fees
• *Orthodontic treatment (Orthodontic treatment designed primarily to improve one’s appearance is not reimbursable. Treatment designed to treat a specific medical condition is eligible.)
• Prescription drugs to alleviate nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
• Smoking cessation programs and treatments
• *Surgery
• Transportation for medical care
• Weight loss programs and meetings
• Wheelchairs
• X-rays
• Non-prescription medications in these categories:
     - Allergy: oral tablets/liquids, topical creams/ointments, nasal sprays/inhalers
     - Antacid: tablets, liquids
     - Cold (and Cough): oral tablets/liquids, nasal sprays, topical rubs/ointments
     - Pain relief: oral tablets (aspirin, etc.) topical rubs/ointments, dermal patches
  *(Some treatments or services require a letter of medical need from the provider)

Partial list of ineligible expenses:

• Insurance premiums
• Vision warranties and service contracts
• Health or fitness club membership fees
• Cosmetic surgery not deemed medically necessary to alleviate, mitigate or prevent a medical condition
• Herbal remedies
• Dietary supplements
• Vitamins
• Toiletries such as toothpaste and deodorant

Dependent Care Accounts

Eligible expenses:
Generally, child, adult and elder care costs that allow you and your spouse to work or actively look for work are eligible for reimbursement. If you are married, your spouse must work, be a full-time student or be mentally or physically incapable of self care. Examples:

• Day care facility fees
• Local day camp fees
• Baby-sitting fees for at-home care while you and your spouse are working. Care cannot be provided by you, your spouse or other tax dependent.

Examples of ineligible expenses:

• Child support payments or child care if you are a non-custodial parent.
• Payments for dependent care services provided by your dependent, your spouse’s dependent or your child who is under age 19
• Healthcare costs or educational tuition
• Overnight care for your dependents, unless it allows you and your spouse to work during that time.
• Nursing home fees
• Diaper services
• Books and supplies
• Activity fees
• Kindergarten expenses