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Frequently Asked Questions

About GSK

  • What is GSK Consumer Healthcare?

    We are a leading consumer healthcare company, and our mission is to help people do more, feel better, and live longer. We’ve created some of the world’s best-loved brands and products, which millions have trusted for allergy relief, joint pain, sensitive teeth, digestive upsets, or simply want to boost their immune systems.

  • How long has GSK been in business?

    Beginning in 1715 with the opening of an apothecary shop in London, our story has always focused on innovation. From individual entrepreneurs to a global company of over 100,000 employees, we’ve developed a wide variety of medicines and healthcare products that form the foundations of today’s GSK.

  • What are some GSK brands?

    You’ll find many of our brands in your medicine cabinet, in many categories. In fact, you’ve probably been depending on some them for years. Read more about our brands and how they can help you.

  • Can I use an HSA or FSA to buy GSK products?

    You can use your HSA and FSA tax-preferred savings account to purchase OTC products. The passage of the CARES Act by Congress includes provisions to restore OTC eligibility under tax-preferred HSA and FSA accounts. Your plan details may vary, so save your receipt and check with your benefits or health provider for eligibility. 

About Direct Relief

  • What is Direct Relief?

    Founded in 1948, Direct Relief’s mission is to make sure healthcare professionals have what they need during times of disaster. Now, for the COVID-19 pandemic, Direct Relief has been working tirelessly to get protective gear and critical care medications to as many health workers as possible, as quickly as possible.

  • How else has GSK given back during the pandemic?

    We have and will continue doing what’s needed to help healthcare workers and our consumers. In addition to supporting Direct Relief, our other actions include:

     

    Participating in a major industry-wide movement to amplify the message: #StayHome. Save lives. 

     

    Shipping 3,000 care packages to every essential manufacturing and distribution center employee across the country. 

     

    Coordinating a donation of ChapStick and Abreva to healthcare workers in 12 high-impact areas.

About FSA/HSA

  • What is the difference between a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and a Health Savings Account (HSA)?

    FSA: A flexible spending account (FSA) is a workplace account you can use to pay for certain medical costs that come out of your own pocket, such as insurance copays, prescriptions, and other health-related items and services. The contributions to an FSA are tax-deductible.

     

    HSA: A health savings account (HSA) is an account you can use to pay for a variety of medical costs. Only people with a qualifying high-deductible health plan are eligible. The contributions to an HSA are tax-deductible, and the account's earnings (if invested) are tax-free, as are withdrawals for eligible medical expenses.

  • What expenses can these accounts be used to pay for?

    Account holders can receive tax-free distributions from their FSA or HSA to pay or be reimbursed for qualified medical expenses that they incur after establishing the account. (IRS.gov Publication 969). The definition of a qualified medical expense is the same for both accounts (IRS.gov Publication 502).

     

    According to the IRS, qualified medical expenses are:

    • The costs of diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and for the purpose of affecting any part or function of the body. These expenses include payments for legal medical services rendered by physicians, surgeons, dentists, and other medical practitioners. They include the costs of equipment, supplies, and diagnostic devices needed for these purposes.

     

    Medical care expenses must be primarily to alleviate or prevent a physical or mental disability or illness. They don't include expenses that are merely beneficial to general health, such as vitamins.

  • How did the passage of the CARES Act affect eligible categories?

    In March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed into law. Among other benefits, it offers additional healthcare provisions for Americans affected by the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. 

     

    As a result, more OTC products than ever, including feminine care products, are eligible as qualified medical expenses.

  • What types of products are qualified medical expenses?

    GSK, a consumer healthcare company, makes some of the most popular OTC brands — many of which are probably in your medicine cabinet right now. 

     

    You can download a list of eligible categories, including the GSK brands you use every day.

  • How can I make the most of my FSA/HSA?

     Remember, all plans are different. Check with your benefits plan administrator for the details of your particular plan. 

    GSK has provided a useful and easy-to-use Cost Calculator, so you can estimate how much you spend on participating OTC GSK products, plus other brands and services. That way, you can make more informed decisions about your FSA/HSA contribution, and budgeting for these types of expenses.