In the current state of health insurance companies not yet covering the advertising of over-the-counter products, a new proposal from the US Department of Health and Human Services seeks to change that.
Along with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, various government agencies recently solicited comments from health care providers and consumers on a proposal that would require insurers to cover certain preventive involuntary medications, such as tobacco turkey. Contraceptive birth control, folic acid for pregnant women, and breastfeeding supplies. Affirmation of Eligibility will be required later after the cheap guidance
Public Health Secretary Xavier Becerra said in a statement: “We know that making prevention services available over the counter can improve access—but there may still be cost barriers.” While health insurance companies usually pay for at least some preventive medications, only Medicaid and some Medicare Perfect Care plans pay for over-the-counter items.
A key reason for this request is that just months ago, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first birth control pill that does not require a prescription. The drug, called Opal, is expected to be available in stores and online around early next year, according to Laurie Sobel, associate director of women’s health policy. The next time your birth control is late filling, Anti-Counter Opal can be a temporary solution
Intensification of coverage for over-the-counter products will not only save consumers money, but also eliminate the need for doctor visits to obtain preventive medicine. For people who have limited access or time to health care, non-prescription medicine is very important.
What’s next for insurance coverage? If the federal government eventually requires insurers to cover preventive over-the-counter products, coverage may expand to include other products that are available without a prescription, such as cough and allergy medications or over-the-counter medications. Pain medication. (AHIP, the political and trade association representing health insurers, told Variol that it was not aware of HHS’s request for comment until contacted by Variol and Pres. (has not been answered by the time of
Logan Tucker, a representative of the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPPA), which represents manufacturers and distributors of OTC drugs, supplements, and medical devices, told Veriwell that “CHPPA along with its member companies The information is being carefully considered.”
The average American household spends about $645 a year on OTC products, Tucker said. $2 generic drugs are just around the corner.
While people sometimes think of over-the-counter products as less important than prescription drugs, “all types of over-the-counter products represent important products for the American consumer,” says Vin Gupta, MD, chief medical officer of Amazon Pharmacy. told Very well.
For example antibiotics. While they can treat the underlying cause of a bacterial illness, products that are sold OTC are important for treating other symptoms such as fever, pain, and cough.
Many effective allergy, pain relievers, and cough and cold medications are sold only as over-the-counter products, with no cost-sharing or health insurance coverage. U.S. consumers soon realized just how much substandard products can eat into their pockets when the Covid-19 public health emergency ended in May, and insurers were forced to pay for the cost of the Covid-19 pandemic.
