As a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, the MERS Health Care Savings Program will be affected in two ways beginning Jan. 1, 2011.

Expansion of the Definition of Dependent

Beginning Jan. 1, 2011, eligible Health Care Savings Program participants may request reimbursement for qualified medical expenses for children less than 26 years of age, regardless of status (single or married, dependent or non-dependent).

Over-the-Counter Drug Reimbursement Changes

A prescription will be required to receive reimbursement from the MERS Health Care Savings Program account for some over-the-counter drugs. Reimbursement for items such as allergy medications, pain relievers, antacids, and cold and flu medications will now require a prescription. However, insulin, bandages, crutches, and other medical devices will not be affected by this change. For a list of over-the-counter items that will require a prescription and those items that won’t require prescriptions, please visit www.mersofmich.com.

We will be sending additional information to Health Care Savings Program participants within the next few weeks. For more information, visit www.mersofmich.com or contact our Service Center at 800.767.2308. The Service Center also has new expanded hours: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.