Are feminine products covered by OTC card?
Asked by: Prof. Madilyn Gerlach | Last update: December 14, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (66 votes)
Can you buy feminine products with an OTC card?
Now, FSA/HSA holders can use their debit card when buying eligible products. Menstrual or feminine care products are also recognized as eligible expenses – including pads, tampons, cups, and other period care items. This policy change applies to eligible products purchased since January 1, 2020.
What does an OTC card not cover?
What does the OTC card not cover? A Medicare plan with an OTC allowance typically does not cover prescription medications, alcohol, tobacco products, cosmetics or items for general household use. Additionally, it usually cannot be used to purchase gift cards or pay for services such as doctor visits and lab tests.
What products can I buy with the OTC card?
- Nicotine replacement therapy items.
- Band aids and first aid supplies.
- Food scales.
- Oral hygiene care products.
- OTC antibiotic creams/ointments.
- OTC antihistamines and allergy sprays.
- OTC cold/cough/flu drugs.
- OTC pain relievers.
Can I buy shampoo and conditioner with an OTC card?
OTC items are not eligible for reimbursement 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.
OTC / Card
Can I buy laundry soap with my OTC card?
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.
What products are considered OTC?
- Pain relievers and fever control medicine (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
- Decongestants (e.g., Sudafed*)
- Expectorant (e.g., Mucinex, Robitussin)
- Antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl)
- Saline nasal spray.
- Cough drops.
Is deodorant OTC approved?
Anti-perspirants/Deodorants
The anti-perspirant component still requires an approved aluminum compound as the active ingredient. Because of this, all anti-perspirant/deodorant products are considered OTC drugs and are regulated by the FDA.
Can I buy eggs with an OTC card?
OTC Food Benefit Card
It can be used to purchase eligible food items such as fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, bread, eggs.
What can I use my OTC card for in 2024?
- Cold, flu and allergy medicine.
- Dental care supplies.
- Eye and ear care products.
- Pain relievers.
- First aid and medical supplies.
- Sunscreen and more.
What can you get off a OTC card?
What is covered under your OTC allowance? Eligible products include OTC remedies or medicines to alleviate or treat illness or injury, dental care products, eye and ear care products, and incontinence supplies (adult diapers). These products do not require a prescription from a health care provider.
Is shampoo an OTC item?
Examples of OTC drug products include, sunscreen, antidandruff shampoo, acne care, and hand sanitizer. These designations are not mutually exclusive as a product can be both cosmetic and OTC when it has two or more intended uses. For example, an anti-dandruff shampoo will claim to both cleanse hair and treat dandruff.
Can I buy cereal on my OTC card?
Choose from thousands of covered groceries including fruits and vegetables, fish, poultry, meat and seafood, dairy products, beans, bread, cereals, pasta and more. Shop at thousands of participating stores including national chains like Walmart, Walgreens, CVS and Kroger or at neighborhood stores near you.
How to get free menstrual products?
To find out if an agency in your area provides period supplies to individuals in need, please contact the local service directory in your area by calling 2-1-1 or going online to 211.org. Ask about or search for period supplies or basic needs.
Is body wash covered by OTC card?
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.
Are feminine products covered by insurance?
The recent changes in legislation known as the CARES Act has reclassified menstrual hygiene products to be treated as any other spending on “medical care.” That means tampons, pads, liners, and cups purchased after December 31, 2019 are FSA and HSA eligible.
Can I buy toilet paper with my OTC card?
OTC items are not eligible if they are normally used for general health, are not used to treat a medical condition (e.g. lotion, shampoo (except for products used to treat dandruff), toilet paper, lip balm) or are cosmetic in nature (e.g. teeth whitening products, wrinkle reducers).
Can I buy coffee with my OTC card?
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.
Can I use my OTC card at Walmart for food?
Shop in stores*—Swipe your OTC card at participating physical retailers including CVS, Dollar General, Family Dollar, Rite Aid, Stop & Shop, Walgreens, and Walmart.
Does OTC cover tampons?
You can find a more complete list of eligible expenses here, but some of the most common items that removed the prescription requirement include: Cold, cough, and flu medicine. Tampons, pads, and liners. Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications.
What food items can you buy with an OTC card?
Examples of approved food items are fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry, seafood, eggs, dairy, rice, pasta, beans, and much more.
What are OTC cosmetics?
OTC Cosmetic:
“Articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body…for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance without affecting the body's structure or function.” [FD&C Act, sec.
What is covered OTC?
OTC card eligible items often include health and wellness products, such as cough and cold remedies, vitamins, medical equipment and more. If an item is eligible, the cost of the item is subtracted from an OTC card's available balance at checkout.
What are 5 examples of OTC?
- Acetaminophen.
- Ibuprofen.
- Fexofenadine.
- Loratadine.
- Hydrocortisone creams.
- Dextromethorphan.
- Pseudoephedrine.
- Bismuth subsalicylate.
Are bandaids considered OTC?
OTC products that are not medicines or drugs (such as sunscreen, bandages or contact lens solution), and are purchased to alleviate or treat a medical condition are also eligible items for reimbursement.