OTC Benefit (2024)

FAQs

Can I buy soap and shampoo with my OTC card? ›

OTC items are not eligible for reimbursem*nt if they are normally used for general health, are not used to treat a medical condition (e.g. toothpaste, mouthwash, lotion, shampoo) or are cosmetic in nature (e.g. teeth whitening products, wrinkle reducers). See additional examples in the OTC Chart.

Use your $25 a month to get items like baby wipes, allergy products, pain relief medicine and more. You can also get everyday items like laundry detergent, soap and toothbrushes.

Who Qualifies for an OTC Card? To get a Medicare Advantage OTC card, you must meet the requirements for Medicare coverage, which usually means being 65 or older and having worked for 10 years (or 40 quarters) while paying the Medicare tax.

Depending on your provider, OTC cards may be filled each quarter (every three months) or at the beginning of every month. Funds on OTC cards do not carry over to the next month or quarter. If you do not use your full quarterly allowance, any unused funds are lost.

Items that do not qualify include non-food and pet items, alcohol, baby formula, candy, chips, coffee shop items, desserts, fresh baked goods, soda, and tobacco. To check if an item is approved, members can download the Healthy Benefits Plus app, scan the product and it will advise if item is allowable.

You can use your card to buy things like: Food and fresh groceries, like meat, vegetables, and canned goods. Everyday items, like toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant and shaving cream. Household goods, like laundry detergent, paper towels and tissues.

OTC card eligible items often include health and wellness products, such as cough and cold remedies, vitamins, medical equipment and more.

OTC withdrawals are available up to the daily withdrawal authorization limits, provided the Available Balance in your account is greater than or equal to the cash withdrawal amount requested.

OTC Food Benefit Card

It can be used to purchase eligible food items such as fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, bread, eggs. You can find a complete list of eligible items by clicking on this link: Full list of eligible items.

How do I know if I have enough funds to complete my purchase? For balance inquiries you can use any of the following: OTC Network member portal, OTC Network mobile app, or call the number on the back of your OTC Network card. If your card is saved to your Walmart.com account, the balance will reflect in your Wallet.

What is OTC in grocery? ›

OTC (Over-the-Counter) Plus and OTC Card

Staying healthy is easier with a Healthfirst OTC Plus and OTC card. Save on items you use every day, such as toothpaste, eye drops, aspirin, and more, when you shop at participating neighborhood stores and select online retailers, with free home-delivery options available.

You can also ask for cash back. Use a HigherOne ATM to withdraw funds. $500 withdrawal limit per day.

Your OTC benefit helps you save money on a wide range of over-the-counter health and wellness products. You can use your benefit amount to purchase products such as pain relief, first aid, cold and allergy medicine, dental care items and more. Check your OTC catalog for the list of items covered by your benefit.

Remember, the benefit doesn't roll over and unused funds expire at the end of each quarter (March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31). Your new quarterly benefit will automatically be reloaded on the first day of the new quarter (January 1, April 1, July 1, October 1).

Do unused funds roll over on my debit card? Your allowance does not roll over and will expire at the end of the quarter. Be sure to use it before the three months are over.

These products are then considered both a cosmetic and an OTC drug, and must comply with the regulatory requirements of both categories. A simple example of this is the intended use of shampoo. Shampoo is considered a cosmetic because of its intended use to cleanse hair.

Shop for healthy food and OTC products or pay utility bills

A credit will be loaded to your UnitedHealthcare UCard® every month to help pay for healthy food, over-the-counter (OTC) products, and utility bills. Shop in-store or online to buy covered groceries, pain relievers, cold remedies and more.