The CARES Act and How To Get Your Insurance To Pay For Your Period Products

In 2020, the United States government passed the CARES Act, passing a bill that recognizes period supplies as medical expenses and allows period-related purchases to be covered up front or reimbursed through your health insurance. (FSA, HSA, or HRA.) All we can say is: FINALLY! 

First, a quick refresh on what "FSA, HSA and HRA" even mean, and then we'll let you know how you can take advantage of the CARES act. 

What's An FSA, HSA, or HRA?

FSA (Flexible Spending Account): A flexible spending account is a special type of account, usually arranged by your employer, it  lets you pay for many out-of-pocket medical expenses with tax-free dollars.  FSA funds don't rollover year to year, however, FSA accounts usually have a short grace period at the year to allow you time to finish using up the funds, usually around 90 days. If you still have leftover money from last year, you can use it on things like menstrual cups and underwear. In this account, you use it or lose it, so it's best to use it up!

HSA (Health Savings Account): A health savings account is a bank account that is tax free on money going in, and out as long as the funds are used to pay for eligible health care expenses. HSA accounts roll over year after year, and are often paired with low premium/high deductible insurance plans. 

HRA (Health Reimbursement Account): A health reimbursement account is an employer-funded account, from which employees are reimbursed, tax-free for qualified medical expenses up to a fixed dollar amount per year. 

So How Do I Use My Funds for a Poppins Period Cup and/or Underwear?

Use the designated card:

Some of these accounts include a debit card that enables you to use your funds upfront for medical expenses or purchases. With those cards you should be able to use the card to make the purchase directly on our website. Just be sure to make separate orders for things not covered under the CARES act (such as a drying place.) You may need to call to get approval to use your card on our website.

Reimbursement:

If you don't have an FSA card, or your card doesn't seem to be working on the site, make the purchase and then keep your receipt and use it to file for reimbursement. Most insurance companies have efficient processes these days. A lot of times you can easily upload documents to file the claims right from your phone. 

 What's Covered?

• Menstrual Cups
• Period Underwear
• Poppins Period Cup Wash
• Pads, tampons, sponges are also covered under the CARES Act

What's not?

• Drying place
• Steamer bags

You can contact your plan provider to for any specific questions you may have about purchase eligibility and limits.

It's SO exciting (and encouraging!!!) to see period supplies recognized as a medical expense. 

Check out our shop with the highest quality, medical grade menstrual cups you can buy. Also, our high absorbency, and oh-so-comfortable period underwear will give you the extra peace of mind you need, with no extra waste!