Reclassification of Certain Over-the-Counter Drugs May Lead to Loss of Benefits Under Drug Plans

Thanks to Aon Consulting for this:

Under the federal Natural Health Products Regulations, as of January 1, 2010, all products that fall under the Natural Health Products (NHPs) umbrella will have their Drug Identification Number (DIN) replaced by a Natural Product Number (NPN).

Consequently, if an Extended Health Care/Drug plan reimburses only drugs with a DIN, as of January 1, 2010 many over-the-counter drugs will no longer be eligible for reimbursement under the plan. (Over-the-counter drugs are drugs that do not require a prescription but may be reimbursed by the plan if they are prescribed by a physician, such as calcium or Aspirin 80 mg.)