SIGIS: Special Interest Group for IIAS Standards™
Eligible Product List Criteria (10/29/2020)
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
In March 2020, legislation was passed that made two critical changes: a) removal of the prescription requirement for the reimbursement of OTC Drugs and Medicines (those products with an active drug ingredient) and the inclusion of “Feminine Care” (menstrual care) products as eligible. The Eligible Product List Committee conducted a review of products and amended the criteria.
This October 2020 update further clarifies those changes.
SIGIS has developed a list of health care over-the-counter items and other services that are considered eligible under Internal Revenue Code Sections 213, 105 and 125 rules. The list originates from a database of more than 70,000 health and beauty aid items that is continually being updated with new product introductions and discontinuations. Using the criteria in this document, SIGIS determines whether a product or service qualifies or does not qualify as a medical expense under IRS Code Section 213(d), 105(b) and applicable IRS guidance under Code Section 125. This list is reviewed monthly by the SIGIS List Committee, a group of benefit plan administrators, to assure the accuracy and integrity of the list. Additions and suggested eliminations from the list are to be referred to the Committee for monthly discussion and appropriate action.
The Eligible Product List and regular updates may be downloaded and used by all SIGIS members. Merchants certified by SIGIS or planning to be certified by SIGIS must use the Eligible Product List as a basis for identifying the items in their product database that would be eligible for submission as a SIGIS qualified healthcare product in a debit card authorization request. Benefit plan administrators may find the Eligible Product List and this List Criteria helpful in ensuring consistency between substantiation of card transactions at SIGIS merchants and other substantiation requests.
Information provided in this document is subject to change as new information becomes available and as rules and definitions change.
1. Eligibility Status Definitions
Eligible Services for IIAS Approval
Eligible services for inclusion in the IIAS total include the provision of health care services including diagnostic tests, flu shots and other vaccinations and urgent care or primary care office visits including services provided at pharmacies or stores.
Eligible Products for IIAS Approval
Eligible OTC: Eligible products include OTC products that are for medical care and are primarily for a medical purpose. They include products such as OTC medicines or drugs with or without a prescription that diagnose, alleviate or treat existing or imminent injuries, illnesses or medical conditions, or used for the prevention of disease. As a general rule, most of these products are of short-term use but some do treat chronic medical conditions. Qualified medical expenses include those over-the-counter items compliant with federal tax rules under IRS Code Section 213(d), 105(b) and 125 as outlined by the Internal Revenue Service. In these cases, the expense would not have been paid “but for” the disease or illness. Much of the guidance the IRS has provided relate to the deductibility of medical expenses, as reimbursement plans operate under overlapping sections of the Code. An expense is not deductible as medical care if the taxpayer would have paid the expense even in absence of a medical condition. All dietary supplements, with the exception of glucosamine products, fiber laxative supplements and prenatal supplements, are dual-purpose, regardless of product category due to the general wellness component. The user does not need to provide a statement from a medical provider or indicate a diagnosis in order to receive reimbursement as long as the item is on the Eligible Product List for IIAS Approval. Taxes, shipping and surcharge / convenience fees (as permitted by law and card brand / network regulations) directly associated with the purchase of an eligible product can be included.
Prescribed Drugs and Medicines, including Prescribed OTC: Drugs and medicines prescribed by a licensed medical professional and dispensed in accordance with state laws including the generation of an Rx Number are considered Eligible by the IRS. This includes OTC drugs and medicines other than dual-purpose. Since the prescription serves as determination of medical eligibility in a merchant location with a properly configured Pharmacy and IIAS POS System, no additional checks are required. These items will not be listed on the Eligible Products list due to their separate processing rules.
Not Included as Eligible Products for IIAS Approval
Dual-purpose: Some products are considered dual-purpose. These products may have both a medical purpose and a personal hygiene, cosmetic or general health purpose. In order to be considered eligible, they must be used to treat a medical condition and cannot be used to improve or maintain general health unless prescribed by a licensed health care professional to treat a specific illness, condition or injury. All dietary supplements, with the exception of glucosamine products, fiber laxative supplements and prenatal supplements, are dual-purpose, regardless of product category due to the general wellness component. These products may be eligible for reimbursement, but require a letter of medical necessity from a licensed healthcare professional stating the specific diagnosis or medical condition, the specific OTC medicine recommendation to treat the condition, and documentation of the product and cost. Dual-purpose items will not be included in the SIGIS List.
Ineligible: Products that are used for general health, cosmetic, or personal hygiene purposes are not reimbursable. Typically, these are not referred to as medicines or drugs and are not recognized to treat a medical condition. Expenses that are not reimbursable as medical care under IRS Code Section 213(d) and related sections of the federal tax code are ineligible. These include food supplements, toiletries, lotions and soaps, shampoos, and most herbal supplements. According to IRS Publication 502, you can’t include in medical expenses the cost of nutritional supplements, vitamins, herbal supplements, “natural medicines”, etc., unless they are recommended by a medical practitioner as treatment for a specific medical condition diagnosed by a physician. These items are taken to maintain your ordinary good health and aren’t for medical care.
The source of the list includes most nationally-distributed, regularly-stocked items. As such, the following types of items will generally not be included: items specially created for an individual retailer (including but not limited to private label items); a local, regional, or specialty item; bonus items (e.g. 2 oz. free); BOGOS (buy one, get one), or other in-and-out types of packaging with limited availability or distribution. Although these items will not be included in the data, they may in fact be eligible. If such circumstances exist or if one feels other items meet the eligibility criteria then they can be submitted through the add process on the SIGIS website. These will be reviewed by the SIGIS List Committee and qualifying items will be added to the eligible product listing.
Because the source of the list is nationally-distributed, regularly-stocked products, private label and store branded products will generally not be available for inclusion on the standard list produced by SIGIS. It is understood that some of these private label and/or store brand items are, in fact, eligible under IRS Code Section 213(d), and therefore, can be processed through a certified SIGIS IIAS merchant. Merchants that choose to supplement their inventory of SIGIS identified eligible items with their own private label items are free to do so by following the process detailed in the Private Label Eligibility Criteria document. That document can be found at www.sig-is.org.
2. Classifications and Examples
The following are types of products that typically would be included under each designation. These are strictly guidelines and do not represent an all-inclusive listing.
Eligible:
Devices and Supplies
Category
|
Example
|
Comment
|
Acupressure Treatments
|
Sea Band, Flents EZ Travel Wrist Band
|
Products that treat a medical condition are eligible. Weight-loss products are dual-purpose.
|
Breast Pumps and Breast-Feeding Supplies
|
Breast Pump (cost or rental fee), Breast Pump Parts (pump valve, replacement tubing, piston unit, diaphragms, pump body, flange, shield), Storage Bottles, Storage Bags, Gel Pads, Nursing Pads, Nipple Shields, Conversion Kits, Areola Stimulator, Car Adapter
|
Products that directly aid lactation are eligible. Items not eligible include: Bottle Stands, Bottle Nipples, Cleaners, Freezer Blocks, Bra Shields and Nursing Pillow and Covers, Nursing Bras and Milk Coolers
|
Compression Hosiery
|
Medical Compression 30-40 and above; any compression of Anti-Embolism Stockings, Ulcer Care Compression or Lymphedema
|
Treats condition-specific medical conditions such as anti-embolism, ulcer care or lymphedema
|
Contraceptives
|
Condoms (with and without spermicide) – Trojan, Durex, Lifestyle.
|
See also Contraceptives under OTC Drugs and Medicines for products that include an active drug ingredient.
|
Cotton Balls, Rolled Cotton, Cotton Applicators
|
US Cotton Sterile Cotton Balls and Rolls
|
Only Sterile cotton products are eligible. Non-sterile products are dual-purpose.
|
Dental Repair
|
Dentek Temparin, DOC Recapit
|
Temporary dental repair products are eligible.
|
Denture Adhesives, Repair, and Cleansers
|
PoliGrip, Benzodent, Plate Weld, Efferdent
|
Denture cleaners and maintenance products are eligible. See also Denture Pain Relief under OTC Drugs and Medicines for products that include an active drug ingredient.
|
Diabetes Care
|
One Touch Meters & Strips, Softclix Lancets & Device, Monoject insulin syringes; Dex 4 glucose products
|
Testing (meters, strips, lancets, alcohol swabs), dosing (syringes, pens, etc.), glucose are eligible. Personal Care are ineligible or dual-purpose.
|
Diagnostic Products (Includes thermometers, blood pressure monitors, cholesterol testing, pulse oximeters, drug, alcohol, and body fat testers)
|
Braun Forehead Thermometer, Nexcare Thermometer, Lifescan BP Monitor, Cholestrak, Azo UTI Test Strips, Quest Pulse Oximeter
|
Includes devices that monitor, screen or test for the presence of disease, dysfunction of the body or for other medical conditions.
|
Diapers – Juvenile Incontinence
|
GoodNites, Under Jams
|
Products marketed for juvenile incontinence only. Regular diapers and training paints are not eligible.
|
Downloadable Apps with Medical Function for tablets and smartphones
|
|
App cost could be a medical expense if used for medical purpose only (i.e. track heart rhythm). Apps that include function for general wellness are not eligible.
|
Durable Medical Equipment
|
Wheelchairs, Crutches, Oxygen Machines
|
Can be included when manufacturer provides UPC, merchants can mark non-UPC tagged items as private label items. See Home Health Care for additional criteria.
|
Ear Care
|
Bionix Oto Clear, Select Nutrition Ear Wax Candle, Provent Hearing Aid Dryer
|
Ear drops ear syringes, ear wax removal devices, ear candles, hearing aid cleaners and dryers. See also Ear Care under OTC Medicines and Drugs for products that include an active drug ingredient.
|
Enemas
|
Bags, Syringes, pre-filled enemas - Fleet
|
Devices are eligible. Pre-filled enemas are eligible.
|
Eye Care
|
Contact lens care, eyeglass repair kits
|
Products used to maintain corrective lenses and frames are eligible. Post-surgical eye protection is eligible.
|
Family Planning
|
EPT, Clearblue Fertility Monitor
|
Pregnancy, ovulation and fertility kits are eligible. Dietary supplement-only products are not eligible.
|
First Aid Dressings & Supplies
|
Band Aid, 3M Nexcare, J&J First Aid, non-sport tapes, Simply Saline Wound Wash
|
If the main purpose is for medical care and there is no "normal" use that is not medical, it could automatically qualify as eligible. Saline wound washes are eligible. Bandages impregnated or coated with a medicated product are eligible. Tapes and bandages indicated as "Athletic" or "Sport" are eligible unless marketed as performance enhancing.
|
Foot Care Treatment
|
Corn & callus cushions & pads, corn & callus remover implements; therapeutic insoles, orthotic inserts, arch supports, heel cups
|
Products that have a primary purpose to treat specific ailments are eligible; products for general use or comfort are dual-purpose.
|
Glucosamine &/or Chondroitin
|
Osteo-Bi-Flex, Cosamin D, Flex-a-min Nutritional Supplements
|
Glucosamine-only or main ingredient glucosamine products are eligible.
|
Head Lice Products
|
Nix Lice Comb, Rid Lice Comb
|
Combs, electronic devices are eligible.
|
Health Care Services
|
Urgent Care or Primary Care services provided by a licensed practitioner at an IIAS merchant
|
|
Health Supports
|
ACE, Futuro, braces, elastic bandages, hot/cold therapy, orthopedic supports, rib belts, back braces, etc.
|
If the main purpose is for medical care and there is no "normal" use that is not medical, it could automatically qualify as eligible. Athletic tape - typically used on existing injuries or as prevention against further injury, similar to a brace or wrap; not a performance enhancement product will be eligible. Work/industrial back braces belts used to prevent or treat back injury will be eligible. Items eligible if not marketed solely for performance enhancements. |
Hearing Aid/Medical Batteries
|
Duracell, Energizer Hearing Aid Batteries
|
Multi-purpose batteries not eligible.
|
Home Health Care (limited segments)
|
Elevated toilets, commodes, limb/joint protectors, medical/nutritional IV products, shower grab bar, bath transfer benches, shower stools, urinals/bedpans, traction, specialized braces & supports, ostomy, mastectomy products, urological, respiratory (excluding general air filters), electrotherapy, mobility (canes, walkers, rollators, wheelchairs), wound care, incontinence, diagnostics (stethoscopes, thermometers, bp monitors), medication dosers/organizers, eating, grooming, dressing aids and medical alerts (jewelry, alarms, etc.) are eligible.
|
General rule applies that these products may be used as part of the aging process which is not considered a medical condition, however products and equipment that assists daily functions like mobility qualify even if impairment is due to aging. Accessories not related to the actual function of equipment, such as cup holders, totes and baskets, are dual-purpose. See Dual-Purpose Home Health Care section.
|
Hot & Cold Therapy
|
ACE Hot/Cold Compress, Cara Ice Bag, Bed Buddy Back Wrap, Kaz Heating Pad, ThermaCare Heat Wrap
|
Freezer or instant cold packs, microwave or instant hot packs/pads, ice bags and electric heating pads are eligible. See also Pain Relief Oral and Topical for Medicated pads.
|
Incontinence Protection
|
Attends, Depend, Prevail, GoodNites, UnderJams
|
Skin care, cleansing products and diapers/training pants are dual-purpose.
|
Lip Balms - Sun Care
|
Banana Boat SPF 50, Bullfrog Water Armor SPF30
|
Primary use must be for protection against skin cancer and premature skin aging with indication of UVA and UVB protection (broad spectrum) and 15 and above (15+). Products that are primarily moisturizers/cosmetic with a sunscreen are dual-purpose.
|
Menstrual Care Products: Feminine Protection |
Kotex, Always, Stayfree, Tampax |
Expenses associated with menstruation or other genital-tract secretions. (Tampons, Pads, Liners, Cups, Sponges, Disposable or Non-disposable Underwear for Menstruation, or other similar products). |
Mouth Guards
|
Dentek, Night Guard
|
Night mouth guards are eligible. Mouth guards used in sports to prevent mouth injury and reduce risks of concussions will be eligible if not marketed solely for performance enhancements.
|
Nasal Moisturizers & Washes
|
Neilmed Neti Pot & solutions, Ocean Saline Spray, Simply Saline
|
Products that are saline and primarily for moisturizing but may contain added aloe, menthol or eucalyptus, etc. are eligible.
|
Nasal Strips & Snore Relief
|
Breathe Right
|
To treat sleep apnea or improper breathing. Excludes strips marked solely for performance enhancements.
|
Prenatal Vitamins
|
Stuart Prenatal, Nature's Bounty Prenatal Vitamins
|
|
Reading Glasses and Maintenance Accessories
|
Foster Grant Reading Glasses, Apex Eye Glass Repair Kit, BL Sight Saver Lens Cloths
|
Accessories used to maintain corrective lenses and frames are eligible. Chains, cases, etc. are not eligible.
|
Sun Protection (SPF 15 & above, and Broad Spectrum)
|
Coppertone SPF15+, Banana Boat SPF 15+, Cerave SPF 30, No-Add Sport Stick SPF50
|
Primary use must be for protection against skin cancer and premature skin aging with indication of UVA and UVB protection (broad spectrum) and 15 and above (15+). Products that are primarily moisturizers/cosmetic with a sun screen are dual-purpose.
|
TENS
|
Homedics Rapid+Relief, Icy Hot Smart Relief, Zewa Spa Buddy
|
TENS units and supplies are eligible.
|
Wart Removers – Cryo Products
|
Compound W Freeze Off, Dr Scholl’s Freeze Away, Wartner
|
|
Vaccinations
|
Flu Shots, Pneumonia, Shingles Vaccinations
|
|
OTC Medicines and Drugs (Included in Eligible Product List):
Category
|
Example
|
Comment
|
Acid Controllers
|
Pepcid AC, Zantac, Prilosec
|
|
Acne Medications
|
Clearasil, OXY
|
|
Allergy & Sinus
|
Alavert, Benadryl, Claritin, Sudafed
|
|
Antibiotic Products
|
Bacitracin, Neosporin, triple antibiotic ointment
|
|
Anti-Diarrheals
|
Imodium, Kaopectate
|
|
Anti-Gas
|
Gas-X, Phazyme
|
Dietary supplement are dual-purpose
|
Antifungal (Foot)
|
Lamisil, Lotrimin
|
|
Anti-Itch & Insect Bite Remedies
|
Caladryl, Lanacane, Sarna, hydrocortisone
|
|
Antiparasitic Treatments
|
Nix, Rid, lice treatments
|
|
Antiseptics & wound cleansers
|
Rubbing alcohol, peroxide, epsom salt, Betadine, Hibiclens
|
|
Baby Electrolytes and dehydtration
|
Pedialyte, Enfalyte
|
Baby Electrolytes and dehydration.
|
Baby Rash Ointments & Creams
|
Desitin, Aveeno Baby
|
Includes petroleum jelly merchandised and marketed for baby rash.
|
Baby Teething Pain
|
Baby Orajel, Anbesol Baby Oral Gel
|
|
Cold Sore Remedies
|
Abreva, Herpecin, Orajel
|
Only medicated products are eligible.
|
Contraceptives (non-condom products)
|
Encare Inserts, VCF Film, Plan B Tablet
|
OTC drugs or medicated spermicide-only products are eligible. See Contraceptives under Devices and Supplies for non-medicated product eligibility.
|
Cough, Cold & Flu
|
Robitussin, Theraflu, Vicks, Halls, Cepacol, Zicam, Cold-Eeze
|
Cold preventative products which are "proven to lessen the severity" or "reduce the duration" of colds or flu are covered. Dietary supplements are dual-purpose. Hand sanitizers are ineligible.
|
Denture Pain Relief
|
Orajel Denture Pain Relief Gel, Benzodent Cream
|
|
Ear Care
|
Medicated ear drops, Debrox, Similasin
|
|
Eye Care
|
Visine, Refresh Tears
|
|
Feminine Antifungal and Anti-itch
|
Monistat, Gyne-Lotrimin, Vagisil, Soothing Care
|
|
Fiber Laxatives (bulk forming)
|
Benefiber, Fibercon, Metamucil (powder or pills)
|
Eligible when used to treat a medical condition for short duration; bars and drinks that are "nutritional foods" for help with regularity are ineligible (dual-purpose).
|
First Aid Burn Remedies
|
Dermoplast, Solarcaine
|
Must contain an antiseptic or pain reliever, 100% aloe is ineligible (dual-purpose).
|
Foot Care Treatment
|
Corn & callus treatments, wart removers
|
Products that treat specific ailments are eligible; products for general use or comfort are ineligible (dual-purpose).
|
Hemorrhoidal Preparations
|
Preparation H, Tucks
|
|
Homeopathic Remedies
|
Boiron and Hyland products
|
Homeopathic products are classified as drugs under the Food, Drug & Cosmetic Act and fall under the same criteria as other OTC Medicines.
|
Incontinence Treatment Products
|
Calmoseptine, Baza Anti-fungal Cream
|
Rash protectants, healing and antifungals are eligible. Skin moisturizers and cleansing products are ineligible (dual-purpose).
|
Laxatives (non-fiber)
|
Dulcolax, Ex-Lax, Miralax
|
Stimulant, saline, lubricant, etc (non-fiber) are eligible.
|
Motion Sickness
|
Dramamine, Bonine
|
Acupressure products are eligible.
|
Medicated Nasal Sprays, Drops & Inhalers
|
Afrin Spray
|
|
Medicate Nasal Strips
|
|
|
Oral Remedies or Treatments (Includes Saliva substitutes, mouth sore treatments, dental repair)
|
Salivart, Anbesol, Orajel, Dentemp
|
Only dry mouth remedies that are saliva substitutes are eligible (gels, sprays, etc. not mouthwash, rinses, toothpaste).
|
Pain Relief Oral & Topical
|
Tylenol, Advil, Midol, Bayer Aspirin, Aspercreme, Ben-Gay, Icy Hot
|
Medicated topical pain relievers that contain menthol, eucalyptus, capsaicin, trolamine salicylate, etc. are not covered. Air-activated heat patches are eligible.
|
Medicated Respiratory Treatments and Vapor Products
|
Primatene, Bronkaid, medicated Vics Vapor Rub
|
Includes asthma medications; vaporizers and humidifiers are dual-purpose.
|
Skin treatments
|
Psoriasin, MG217, Dermarest Eczema
|
Medical expense as long as intended purpose is to treat existing skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, etc. (as opposed to mere prevention)
|
Sleep Aids & Sedatives
|
Unisom, Nytol, Sominex
|
Sleep products are eligible. Calming, soothing and tension products are dual-purpose. Dietary supplements are ineligible (dual-purpose).
|
Smoking Deterrents
|
Nicoderm, Nicorette
|
|
Stomach Remedies
|
Mylanta, Maalox, Tums
|
|
Dual-purpose (Not Included in Eligible Product List):
Category
|
Example
|
Reimbursement Use
|
Allergy Pillows, Mattress Covers, Air Purifiers, Filters, etc.
|
Allerease Pillow Cover, Allergy Control Bedding, Honeywell HEPA Allergan Remover Air Purifier
|
To treat allergies diagnosed by physician
|
Anti-bacterial Hand Sanitizers
|
Purell, Nexcare, Germ-X
|
Personal use component; but/for test must be established
|
Baby Diapers
|
Huggies, Pampers, Pullups
|
To treat juvenile incontinence or medical condition
|
Baby Formulas/Nutritionals
|
Pediasure, Progestimi, Enfamil RTFl
|
Only specialty formulas/nutritionals are eligible if medically necessary and authorized by medical practitioner. Only the excess cost between regular formula and the specialized formula may be eligible under an employer's plan.
|
Compression Hosiery and Accessories
|
Jobst, TED, Futuro – 20-30 or below, garters, care kits, fixatives, etc.
|
Most of these products primary purpose is for general health or mild medical treatments at compressions 20-30 or below. They are dual-purpose/ineligible but may be reimbursed for the cost over “regular” socks/hosiery if a LOMN is submitted.
|
Cosmetics/Beauty Products with Sunscreen |
Colorscience Powders & Mousse, Bare Minerals Powders, Neutrogena Healthy Skin Glow Sheers |
The primary purpose of these products is not sun protection and would not pass the “but for” test. The manufacturer’s identity is cosmetic; product is marketed as cosmetic in nature (improves or enhances appearance, tints/colors) and usually found in cosmetic departments or outlets. |
Cough, Cold & Flu Dietary Supplements
|
Airborne, Hall's Defense, Germ Defense Alka Seltzer Immunity
|
Products that are merely dietary supplements and marketed as such, including those claiming to "support the immune system" (i.e. Airborne), are dual-purpose.
|
Diabetes Nutritionals
|
Glucerna, Boost Glucose
|
To treat symptoms of diabetes when recommended by physician.
|
Diabetes Personal Care & Supplies (includes diabetes skin care, and socks)
|
Diabet-X Therapeutic Body Lotion, Diaderm Foot Cream, Dr. Comfort Diabetes Socks, Jobst Sensifit Socks
|
Personal care is generally ineligible. (Eligible products must test or treat a specific symptom or condition of Diabetes). Diabetes socks are dual-purpose/ineligible but may be reimbursed for the cost over “regular” socks/hosiery if a LOMN is submitted.
|
Dietary Supplements
|
All dietary supplements including multiple vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids (fish oil), oy, enzymes, amino acids, etc.
|
Dietary supplements, including herbals & botanicals are dual-purpose (exception: glucosamine, fiber laxatives & prenatal vitamins).
|
Digestive Aids |
Lactaid, Lactase, Beano |
Digestive aids that are Dietary Supplements are dual purpose. |
Ear plugs
|
Mack's, Flents
|
To treat medical condition (presence of middle/inner ear tubes) diagnosed by physician.
|
Exercise Equipment
|
Treadmill, exercise bike, pedalers, weights, hand exercisers
|
Exercise equipment is dual purpose in support of general health or a medical condition.
|
Face/Respiratory Masks - medical grade or commercial/consumer
|
3M Cold weather, pollen/dust filtering masks
|
Products used for, cold weather, dust/pollen may also be used for work/general health needs.
|
Feminine Moisturizing
|
Replens, Rephresh
|
To treat vaginal dryness caused by medical condition.
|
First Aid Burn & Scar Treatments & Skin Protectants (petroleum jelly)
|
Plain Aloe, Mederma, Neosporin Scar Solution, Vaseline Jelly
|
Most are cosmetic in nature or have general use purposes.
|
Fluoride Treatments
|
Gel-Kam
|
To treat medical condition diagnosed by physician & not for general oral care.
|
Food Thickeners
|
Thick-It
|
Personal use component; but/for test must be established
|
Foot Insoles and Cushioning
|
Insoles, Heel & Arch, Dr. Scholl's Air Pillo, Odor Eaters
|
General use or comfort products are dual-purpose. Products must treat specific ailment to be eligible.
|
Gloves (Rubber & Cotton)
|
Cara Cotton Gloves, Curad Vinyl Gloves, Tronex Latex Gloves
|
Protective gloves of any type & cotton beauty gloves are dual-purpose.
|
Hair Growth Products
|
Rogaine
|
To treat symptom of medical condition diagnosed by physician.
|
Health Supports – Athletic, Sports
|
Sports Compression Sleeve, Compression Garments, etc.
|
Any products with a primary purpose of performance enhancement are dual-purpose.
|
Herbals & Botanicals
|
Echinacea, ginkgo biloba, garlic
|
Dietary supplements, including herbals & botanicals are dual-purpose (exception: glucosamine & prenatal vitamins).
|
Home Health Care (limited segments)
|
Including but not limited to: Nutritional foods/liquids, positioning & support (backrests, pillows, etc.), most patient room supplies, most physical therapy
|
General rule applies that these products may be used as part of the aging process which is not considered a medical condition, however equipment that assists daily functions like mobility, eating, grooming and dressing qualify even if impairment is due to aging. Accessories not related to the actual function of equipment, such as cup holders, totes and baskets, are dual-purpose. Large expenditures like walk-in bath tub are dual purpose and may fall under capital expenditures. Home Health Care is dual-purpose other than what is indicated in the Home Health Care eligibility section (i.e. some patient room supplies like urinals/commodes and patient lifting and some aides for daily living like med dosers/organizers and medical alerts are eligible exceptions.
|
Incontinence Personal Care (Including perineal cleansers and moisturizers)
|
Aloe Vesta 2n1, Ca-Rezz Wash, Sween Cream
|
Personal care cleansers and moisturizers are dual-purpose.
|
Inversion Table
|
|
May be used to treat medical conditions or used for general health. Inversion tables are considered dual-purpose expenses.
|
Lip Balms - Moisturizers
|
Aquaphor SPF, Dermatone SPF23
|
Those with a primary purpose of moisturizing but have SPF of 15+ and state UVA/UVB are dual-purpose. (Lip balms with sunscreen that are part of a sun care line are eligible). Cosmetics with SPF are not eligible.
|
Magnifying Glasses
|
BL Sight Saver Magnifying Glass, Flents Wallet Size Magnifying Glass
|
|
Medical Nutritionals
|
Resource, Peptamen, Nutren
|
Satisfies normal nutritional needs and does not treat a specific condition
|
Medicated & Specialty Soaps
|
Basis Bar, Cetaphil Cleansing Bar
|
To treat skin condition diagnosed by physician
|
Minerals
|
Calcium Carbonate, Ferrous Sulfate, etc.
|
Dietary supplements are dual-purpose. Under narrow circumstances, they will be eligible if used to treat medical condition or at-risk for illness diagnosed by physician.
|
Nutritional Foods
|
Ensure, Boost
|
To treat medical condition diagnosed by physician & not for general health
|
Personal Amplification Devices
|
|
Can be used for enhancing sound for those not hearing impaired for personal benefit and not as a hearing aid. Items are dual-purpose.
|
Probiotics and Prebiotics
|
Culturelle, Florastor
|
Dietary supplements are dual-purpose. Under narrow circumstances, they will be eligible if used to treat medical condition or at-risk for illness diagnosed by physician.
|
Skin Care - Therapeutic Hand & Body
|
Eucerin, Aquaphor, Amlactin
|
To treat or remedy a skin condition diagnosed by physician. Lotions with SPF are primarily used as moisturizers and are dual-purpose.
|
Therapeutic Shampoo & Scalp Treatments (Medicated)
|
Nizoral, Neutrogena T-Gel
|
To treat skin/scalp condition for short duration diagnosed by physician
|
Vaporizers & Humidifiers and Accessories
|
Vicks, Sunbeam, Kaz
|
Dual-purpose if used to treat illness; ineligible for normal household use
|
Vitamins
|
Vitamin A, C, D, E, multivitamin, lutein eye vitamin
|
Dietary supplements are dual-purpose. Under narrow circumstances, they will be eligible if used to treat medical condition or at-risk for illness diagnosed by physician.
|
Weight Control Supplements
|
Alli, Slim Fast
|
To treat obesity diagnosed by physician
|
Other Ineligible Products:
Category
|
Example
|
Comment
|
Baby Toiletries, Baby Oil, Powder, Lotions & Creams
|
Johnson's Baby oil/Powder, Aveeno Baby Lotion
|
|
Beauty Shampoos, Conditioners, Hair Treatments& Hair Coloring
|
Pantene, Suave, Dove, Aveeno Nourishing Treatment, Clairol Hair Color
|
|
Cosmetics
|
Revlon, CoverGirl
|
|
Deodorants
|
Speed Stick, Degree
|
|
Facial Cleansers
|
Neutrogena Deep Clean, Dove Facial Cleanser
|
|
Feminine Cleansing Products
|
Massengill, Summer's Eve
|
|
Foot Grooming (Includes Implements, beauty & comfort, moisturizers, odor & wetness)
|
Pedifix Foot File, O’Keefe’s Foot Cream, Desenex Foot/Sneaker Spray
|
Non-medicated
|
Hair Removal & Bleaches
|
Nair, Veet
|
|
Hand & Body Cleansing
|
Dove, Dial soap
|
|
Lip Preparations
|
ChapStick, lip balm
|
|
Oral Care (Includes toothpaste, toothbrush, mouthwash, breath remedies)
|
Crest, Colgate, Scope, Listerine, Binaca
|
Will not qualify even if a dentist recommends a special product to treat a medical condition like gingivitis. These are primarily used to maintain general health.
|
Shaving & Men's Grooming
|
Gillette, Schick
|
|
Skin Care (Includes moisturizers, hand & body, bath products)
|
Aquaphor Ointment, Cococare Lotion, Dr Teal Bath Salt
|
|
Sport Energy Liquids, Bars, etc.
|
Gatorade, EAS drinks/bars
|
|
Sugar & Salt Substitutes
|
Equal, Splenda
|
|
Sun Tanning
|
Banana Boat Deep Tan Oil SPF4, Coppertone SPF 10,
|
Sun tan lotion, after sun products that are less than SPF 15 and/or that do not offer “Broad Spectrum” coverage, do not meet the minimum FDA standard for prevention of skin cancer or premature aging
|
3. Reporting items to include or delete
SIGIS members can use the Missing Product Form to request items to be added or deleted. Incomplete information will not be considered.
4. List Availability
The list is generally available by the 15th day of each month. Items for the List Review Committee to be considered for addition or deletion from the SIGIS List must be submitted by the 20th day of each month to be considered for the next month’s updates. See the Eligible Product List Calendar for exact timing.
5. Notes:
It has been reported that some merchants are unable to include a SIGIS eligible healthcare product that may also be eligible for purchase via the Food Stamp program. Should this present a problem for any merchants, it is recommended that they should eliminate it from the SIGIS data and classify it for Food Stamp eligibility, as the consumer may submit the item for manual reimbursement from their flexible spending or health reimbursement arrangement account.
Updated October 29, 2020
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