HSA & FSA accepted; best-value for top quality care
Same-day mental health, weight loss, and primary care appointments available
Accept major insurances and cash-pay
Are you unsure how long to keep prescription receipts in the U.S. or what to do if your records go missing? In this article, you’ll learn the retention timelines based on receipt type and how to reconstruct lost receipts and get straightforward answers to common questions.
Need help understanding how your prescription history affects your treatment? Book an appointment on Klarity Health to speak with a licensed provider who can offer medical guidance based on your care needs.
Have questions about your past prescriptions?
Providers on Klarity Health can review your medication history and offer guidance on safe, effective treatment—based on your current needs.
Why do you need to keep prescription receipts?
Prescription receipts are more than proof of payment. They serve important financial and legal purposes:
- Support Internal Revenue Service (IRS) medical deductions, including Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) claims
- Provide documentation for insurance reimbursement, including Explanations of Benefits (EOBs) and employer plans
- Help defend against IRS audits or reimbursement disputes, especially if income is underreported by more than 25%, which can extend the IRS audit window to 6 years
How long should I keep prescription receipts?
The table below outlines suggested retention timelines, based on receipt type and purpose:
| Receipt type | Purpose | Recommended retention |
| Insurance/reimbursement receipts | Claim documentation | 1 year (up to 3 years if disputes arise) |
| IRS medical deduction receipts | Tax deductions, HSA/FSA audits | At least 3 years; extend to 6 years if underreporting |
| DEA controlled substance receipts* | DEA compliance (provider level) | Minimum 2 years (for registrants, not individual patients) |
| Medicare Part D records | CMS audits and contract compliance | 10 years (11 years recommended as best practice) |
| Long-term/chronic treatment records | Personal medical or legal tracking | Optional; 7 years or more recommended for chronic care |
*DEA requirements apply to pharmacies and healthcare providers, not individual patients.
State regulations on prescription record retention
While these laws apply to healthcare providers and pharmacies, not individual patients, they’re important for understanding how long records are typically kept in the U.S.
| State | Provider retention requirement |
| California | Minimum of 7 years after the last service date. For minors: at least 1 year past age 18 or 7 years total, whichever is longer. |
| Arizona | At least 6 years for adults or 2 years after a minor reaches adulthood, whichever is longer. Hospitals must retain records for a minimum of 3 years. |
| North Carolina | Hospitals must retain adult patient records for 11 years after discharge. In some cases, minors’ records must be kept until the patient turns 30. |
| Most states | Retention periods range from 5 to 10 years depending on state law (Florida: 5 years, Connecticut: 7 years, Illinois: 10 years). |
These regulations apply to providers and pharmacies, not individual patients, but you may choose to follow similar timelines for personal recordkeeping.
What if I lost my prescription receipts?
Losing prescription receipts doesn’t necessarily disqualify you from IRS deductions or compliance. Here’s how to reconstruct documentation:
1. Reconstruct records for the IRS.
Under the IRS Cohan Rule, reasonable estimates may be accepted if no receipts are available. Use supporting documents, such as:
- Bank or credit card statements
- Insurance claim summaries
- Pharmacy transaction histories
2. Download pharmacy records.
Access your prescription history through online portals from major chains like CVS or Walgreens.
3. Collect insurance documentation.
Retrieve EOBs from your insurance provider.
4. Provide supporting details.
Include dates, medication names, pharmacy names, and amounts paid to strengthen the credibility of your claim.
5. Consult a tax professional.
If you’re facing an IRS audit, a tax expert can help you reconstruct records and represent your case.
Key takeaways
- Follow the longest applicable retention rule when multiple requirements apply (IRS vs. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) vs. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)).
- For IRS purposes, keep receipts at least 3 years, or up to 6 if your income was underreported.
- Pharmacies and providers must retain DEA-related records for 2 years.
- Medicare Part D-related documents should be held for at least 10 years.
- For long-term treatments or chronic conditions, many professionals recommend retaining medical records and bills for 7 years or more.
Ready to book an appointment on Klarity Health?
Ready to book an appointment on Klarity Health?
Licensed providers can assess your current prescriptions—including those for ADHD, anxiety, depression, insomnia, or weight-related care—and determine if treatment is medically appropriate.
If you have questions about how your medication history may impact your ongoing care, a provider can offer guidance based on your clinical needs.
Unsure how your past prescriptions affect current treatment?
Speak with a licensed provider to review your medication history and get a personalized care plan.
FAQs
*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Free initial consultations are available only with select providers. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.
