Montgomery County Public Schools

Changes to Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Two permanent changes have been made to Medical Flexible Spending Account(FSA) eligible expenses under the federal Coronavirus Aide, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) law. The law was signed on March 27, 2020. Both of these changes are retroactive and effective for expenses incurred on or after 1/1/2020.

Over the Counter (OTC) drugs and medicines no longer require a prescription to be eligible. This includes products such as cough syrup, allergy medicine and pain relievers.  

Menstrual care products (i.e. tampons, liners, pads, cups, etc.) are now eligible. 

Benefit Strategies,  MCPS FSA administrator is working on updating their systems to ensure that the FSA debit cards can be used to pay for the newly eligible expenses. In addition,  individual merchants (drug stores, grocery stores, online retailers, etc. that accept FSA debit cards) will need to update their own systems. This is expected to be completed by early summer, although some merchants may take longer. Until you are able to use the FSA card, you can use another form of payment for these items and submit for reimbursement to Benefit Strategies through our secure online portal, mobile application or a FSA claim form. 

 Caremark/CVS Health is taking steps to care for our plan members and to help individuals stay adherent with their medications.  

  Relaxing Refill Restrictions

Caremark is waiving early refill limits on 30-day prescriptions for maintenance medications at any in-network pharmacy. Relaxing refill-too-soon limitations allows members to obtain maintenance medication prescriptions ahead of their normal fill schedule. This applies to all employee and retiree prescription plans. The 30-day early fill override is a temporary process in effect for the current COVID-19 emergency situation. 

  Members to Refill Maintenance Medications

We know that access to needed medication is important to you and your family members during the uncertainty caused by COVID-19. We strongly recommend you take action now for individuals who have long-term maintenance medications to refill eligible maintenance prescriptions for 90-day supplies.

 MCPS has a 90-day prescription benefit for maintenance medications at CVS/pharmacy and the option of home delivery from CVS Caremark Mail Service pharmacy with no delivery cost.

 Free Home Delivery from CVS Pharmacy

Beginning immediately, CVS Pharmacy will waive charges for home delivery of all prescription medications. With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encouraging people at higher risk for COVID-19 complications to stay at home as much as possible, this is a convenient option to avoid coming to the pharmacy for refills or new maintenance prescriptions.