WASHINGTON, D.C.–Today marks International Self-Care Day, which highlights the health benefits of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and consumers' access to these medicines 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please consider the following statement from Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (KS-02) on International Self-Care Day:

“As we mark self-care day, we are reminded of the President’s healthcare law restricting Americans with Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) from using funds from these accounts to purchase OTC medicine like aspirin or allergy medication. When folks are already facing higher premiums, requiring an unnecessary prescription for over-the-counter medicine only costs families more time and money. This prohibition restricts the ability of individuals to manage their own health care expenses and adds yet another burden to physicians. The “Restoring Access to Medication Act” is sensible legislation that both Republicans and Democrats agree needs to pass.”

NOTE: Last year, Congresswoman Jenkins introduced the H.R. 2835, the Restoring Access to Medication Act, to repeal this portion of President Obama’s health care law and to give consumers power over their own health care spending. The bill relieves strain on the system by removing the requirement that they get a doctor’s note to purchase OTC medications with their HSA or FSA.

• USA TODAY reported on Monday: “For many Americans, the first line of defense against illness is an over-the-counter medicine (OTC). But OTC meds are now more costly for many, since flexible spending accounts (FSA) no longer cover them.” 

• “An April study conducted by the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) of 2,130 individuals found that 75% of Americans want the law to change so FSAs include OTC expenses again,” USA TODAY continued.

# # #