News: CMS seeks insurance mandate on OTC preventative services

CMS is in the process of requiring health insurance plans to most cover over-the-counter (OTC) preventative services, according to ICD10monitor.

The CMS press release includes contraceptives, tobacco smoking cessation products, and breastfeeding supplies among the potentially required OTC preventative services.

In addition to the press release, CMS has issued a new Request for Information (RFI) to solicit public commentary on the type and quantity of OTC items that ought to be covered under the new initiative. According to CMS,

The goal of the RFI is to understand the potential challenges and benefits for various interested parties, including consumers, plans, issuers, pharmacies, and health care providers, to provide coverage at no cost for recommended OTC preventive products without requiring a prescription. The Departments are committed to ensuring that everyone is able to access affordable and critical preventive items and services, including OTC preventive products.

There will be a 60-day comment period. For more information on how to submit comments or to review the entire rule, visit the Federal Register.

Editor’s note: To read the ICD10monitor coverage, click here. To read the CMS press release, click here. To read more information on the Federal Register, click here.