Are pads and tampons covered by insurance?

Yes! Tampons are now classified as a “medical expense,” making them FSA eligible.

Are tampons considered essential items?

Tampons’ cost adds up “These products are not defined as essential, which means they are not covered by federal food stamps programs and other relief programs,” said Bealer. “They are not included as essential items that would potentially be tax-exempt during a public health crisis such as COVID-19.

Are period Products Healthcare?

Menstrual products — including tampons, pads, liners and other similar products — are now considered qualified medical expenses, and Americans can use their health savings account (HSA), flexible spending account (FSA) and health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) to purchase these products.

Why should pads and tampons should be free?

Offering free and accessible period products can help people who menstruate save upwards of $5,000 in their lifetimes, reduces stress on women’s shelters, and reduces waste — especially if the products provided are eco-friendly!

Are feminine hygiene products covered by insurance?

The recent changes in legislation known as the CARES Act has reclassified menstrual hygiene products to be treated as any other spending on “medical care.” That means tampons, pads, liners, and cups purchased after December 31, 2019 are FSA and HSA eligible. …

Are feminine products HSA eligible?

You can now use your FSA or HSA funds for over-the-counter medications and feminine care products. You can also use your funds for feminine care products, including tampons, pads, liners, cups, sponges, etc., for the first time.

Why are tampons a necessity?

Pads and tampons are a simple necessity, yet women across America are going without them. The cost of these products make them inaccessible for many low-income women struggling to make ends meet. These women often forgo menstrual hygiene products in order to afford for other basic necessities.

Should sanitary pads be free?

Ideally, it should be free only for those who cannot afford as – it will highly reduce the budget, making it a more feasible project. And when products are available for free, people do not value them. They will end up taking a lot more than what they need leading to a lot of wastage.

Are period products a necessity?

Menstruating is a basic fact of human existence. Menstrual hygiene products are necessities, not luxuries, and should be treated as such. Unfortunately, food stamps and subsidies under the WIC (women, infants, and children) program that help with groceries do not cover menstrual products.

Why do I have to pay for tampons?

The law was passed in an effort to eliminate the cost burden and keep low-income students in schools during their menstrual cycle. Companies involved in supplying the necessary feminine hygiene products (tampons and pads) for complete menstrual care in the restrooms of schools include WAXIE and Hospeco.

Are menstrual pads covered by FSA?

Yes! The CARES Act has reclassified menstrual pads as a “medical expense,” which means you can now use your FSA to pay for pads.

Are tampons covered under HSA?

With the passage of the CARES Act in March 2020, tampons and other menstrual care products are now fully FSA-/HSA-eligible. According to the text of the bill, menstrual care products include, “tampon, pad, liner, cup, sponge, or similar product used by individuals with respect to menstruation…”

Does WIC pay for tampons?

Government assistance programs like Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) don’t pay for feminine care products, even though they’re a medical necessity. Women who live in poverty may also lack access to warehouse clubs, where tampons are sold in bulk.

Why are tampons so expensive for poor women?

Women who live in poverty may also lack access to warehouse clubs, where tampons are sold in bulk. If there’s no major grocery store in their area, they may be forced to buy period products at convenience stores and drug stores. They may also have less free time to scour around for the best prices.

Do you have to pay sales tax on tampons?

Even though tampons and other period products are an essential need for women, consumers still have to pay a sales tax on them in 35 states. The average sales tax in the US is 5\%, so a $7 box of tampons will cost about 35 cents in taxes.

Does health insurance cover menstrual hygiene products?

Menstrual hygiene has a direct effect on the overall health of every woman, and with the need for feminine hygiene products being as high as it is, health insurance should consider covering the cost of pads and tampons.