Reimbursement Account and Vitamins

Hi All: Does anyone know a way of being able to utilize your medical reimbursement account for vitamins? I understand that non-prescription herbs/supplements are not covered, but because these are required for our long-term health post surgery, is there a way we can get a prescription for them? Just curious, and trying to save a buck. Thanks

Kelly, I don't know about other insurance but I have Medicare Part D and it specifally says that they will not pay for post-wls supplements. I think this is unfair since they cover recreational drugs like Viagra! Go figure. Marilyn

Marilyn....I checked that out last year about the viagra....Alot of people were complaining that life saving drugs were not being covered and viagra was so Medicare does not cover viagra anymore....Iam wondering if since they just passed the bill so that medicare patients could have WLS if they wont come up with us getting vitamins?...Craig Lee

this is all very interesting. they might who knows and especially if it is prescription written. It is a life saving thing that we have them after surgery . Maybe someone should start investigating this. Even if it doesnt help us it may help others in the future. Jan

Kelly... It would be nice if you could get reimbursement for this but I wouldn't hold out expecting it. Most plans will actually spell out in great detail the coverage and exclusions. I know when I was reading up on our plans (mine and my DH's) they were SO specific on things like this... even when it was a life and death issue such as a newborn with specific medical issues I.E. PKU problems - where a specialized formula WAS needed for medical purposes. Even in situations like this OUR plans still excluded it. (which btw I think sucks)..... Hopefully yours might cover it...but they (ins. co's) are getting so hinky lately that I would doubt it. They seem to be coming up with more and more things that they WON'T cover but the premiums continue to rise... go figure right? Let us know what you find out.... Elizabeth~

I'm not sure the previous responders addressed medical reimbursement accounts (commonly called cafeteria plans)... Yes, you can submit OTC protein supplements and vitamins for reimbursement from your self-funded account - I've done it the last two years. As long as they are MEDICALLY NECESSARY (aren't those are the magic buzz words for getting all things approved). This is easily documented by getting your surgeon to put in writing what supplements you MUST use - make sure it states that they are required for life. My cafeteria plan administrators balked the very first time, but there haven't been any questions after getting the first claim documented to their satisfaction. I just enclose a photocopy of the same surgeon's letter with each claim. Good luck!! -Cindy (RNY 1-3-05) 274/153/140

Thanks, Cindy. I'll be sure to get such a letter from my surgeon.