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Spring is here, and while most people welcome the return of longer days and warmer weather, more than 81 million Americans who suffer from seasonal allergies are preparing for weeks or months of runny noses, watery eyes, coughing, and fatigue. And after a challenging fall allergy season last year, many may be dreading the prospect. For employers, this can mean increased costs – to the tune of $5 million annually – due to absenteeism, presenteeism, and productivity loss.
Allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the United States and a leading cause of misery and expense for anyone who has to ponder pollen counts before leaving their home. The average consumer spends a whopping $266 each year on allergy treatments, which adds up to more than $16,000 over their adult life. While employees who suffer from allergies pay more out of pocket to manage their symptoms, they also report losing 2.3 hours of productivity per day during allergy season.
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To add insult to discomfort, most people aren't aware that they could be paying for these everyday allergy products with tax-free flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health savings account (HSA) dollars.
That's where your HR team comes in. By educating employees about FSA and HSA eligibility, you can help them avoid downtime and get the most from their health benefits so they can perform at the top of their game at work, while enjoying life and the outdoors.
3 Ways to use FSA and HSA funds to survive allergy season
- Over-the-counter (OTC) medications to manage symptoms. OTC allergy medicines like Zyrtec, Claritin, and Benadryl are eligible without a prescription, following the passage of the CARES Act in 2020. All three are brand names for antihistamines that do similar things in slightly different ways, and all treat reactions like nasal congestion and itching. If allergies are causing significant stuffiness, FSA and HSA funds can also be used to purchase a decongestant or eye drops to relieve itchy eyes.
- Non-medical intervention. If employees prefer to avoid pharmaceutical interventions, there are also non-medical options that can be purchased with FSA and HSA funds. Saline nasal mists and saline nasal irrigators can provide much-needed relief for allergies, and both are FSA- and HSA-eligible.
- Air filters. Most allergy sufferers don't know that air filters may be eligible for reimbursement with an FSA or HSA, if they have a letter of medical necessity — which a doctor may be able to provide — as are mattress covers.
To help employees understand the full breadth of clinical services and products that are available to treat allergy symptoms, direct them to an online FSA or HSA eligibility, depending on which benefit your organization offers.
There's plenty to love about spring, and there's no need for employees to be affected at work or in their personal lives by allergies. Help them plan ahead and understand how to use their FSA or HSA to stay on top of symptoms.
Susan Elliott-Bocassi is senior vice president of operations for Health-E Commerce, parent brand to FSA Store, HSA Store, WellDeservedHealth, and Caring Mill.
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