FY2011 Health Benefits Booklet

Maryland State Employees and Retirees 49
Health Care Account
– eLigiBLe Expenses
Sample eligible expenses include:
u Copays, coinsurance, and deductibles
(but not premiums);
Acupuncture;
Birth control pills;
Childbirth classes;
Chiropractic visits;
Dental care;
Diabetic supplies;
Eye exams, glasses, and contacts;
Hearing aids;
Laser eye surgery;
Orthodontia;
Over-the-counter drugs and medical
supplies;*
Physical therapy;
Prescription drugs;
Psychotherapy;
Smoking cessation programs;
Speech therapy;
Sterilization surgery; and
Well-baby and well-child care.
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* Below is a sample list of over-the-counter
(OTC) drugs that are primarily used for
medical care. Receipts must state the
name of the medicine or drug, the date,
and the amount paid. You will not require
a statement from a medical practitioner.
u Allergy and asthma medicines, nasal
sinus sprays;
u Pain relievers – topical creams and oral
medicines;
u Cough drops, throat lozenges, cough
syrup, cold medicines, and flu relief;
u Nicotine gum or patches for stopsmoking
purposes;
u Antibiotic cream, cortisone cream,
first aid spray, calamine lotion, bug bite
medication;
u Eye drops, allergy eye drops, contact
lens cleaning solution; and
u Medical supplies.
Dual-Purpose Examples:
This is a sample list of OTC drugs that may
have both a medical purpose and a general
health purpose. In order for the OTC
expense to be reimbursed, you will need to
obtain a medical practitioner’s note stating
that you have a specific medical condition
and that the OTC drug is recommended to
treat the condition.
u Weight-loss drugs to treat a diagnosed
disease (e.g., obesity);
u Feminine hygiene products (e.g., for use
after surgery or child birth);
u Sunscreen (e.g., persons diagnosed with
skin cancer);
u Joint supplements for diagnosed joint
condition (e.g., arthritis);
u OTC hormone therapy;
u Dietary supplements to treat a specific
medical condition (e.g., Vitamin B
prescribed for treatment of scurvy);
u Prenatal vitamins;
u Supplements such as iron, calcium, etc.;
and
u Fiber supplements to treat a specific
medical condition for a limited time.
Items such as vitamins, herbal and dietary
supplements, cosmetic treatments, or items
that are for maintaining general good health
are not eligible expenses.
You are still required to provide
documentation in the form of a cash register
receipt that must clearly identify the name of
the purchased item.
Health Care Account
– What is Not Covered
Sample ineligible expenses include:
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Cosmetic procedures (unless required to
restore appearance or function due to
disease or illness);
Expenses you claim on your income tax
return;
Expenses reimbursed by other sources,
such as insurance plans;
Fitness programs (unless medically
necessary);
Hair transplants;
Illegal treatments, operations, or drugs;
Benefit insurance premiums, including
COBRA;
Prescription drug discount fees; and
Weight loss programs for general wellbeing.
This is a sample list of OTC items that
may not be reimbursed under any
circumstances. These items are likely to be
primarily for general health.
u Toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss;
u Make-up, lipstick, eye cream;
u Face cream, moisturizers;
u Perfume, body sprays, deodorants;
u Shampoos and soaps;
u Acne treatments (rarely reimbursable);
u Foot-care products like corn pads;
u Hair loss treatments; and
u Dietary supplements and replacements
(vitamins).
Dependent Day Care
Account – eLigiBLe
Expenses
Sample eligible expenses include:
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Care of a child under age 13 at a day
camp, nursery school, or by a private
sitter for a child that lives in your home
at least eight hours a day;
Before- and after-school care (must be
kept separate from tuition expenses);
Care of an incapacitated adult who lives
with you at least eight hours a day; and
Expenses for a housekeeper whose
duties include caring for an eligible
dependent.
Dependent Day Care
Account – What is
Not Covered
Eligible dependent day care services cannot
be provided by a person you are claiming
as your dependent. You will need the Social
Security or tax identification number of the
person or facility that provides the care.
Sample ineligible expenses include:
u Education and tuition fees;
u Late payment fees;
u Overnight camps (in general);
u Sports lessons, field trips, clothing; and
u Transportation to and from a dependent
day care provider.
FLEXIBLE SPENDING
ACCOUNTS