Can I use an OTC card for groceries?

Asked by: Brooklyn Nicolas DDS  |  Last update: August 14, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (36 votes)

You can't typically buy food with an OTC card. A few Medicare Advantage plans may allow you to buy health-related food and drink items like nutritional shakes, protein bars, and meal replacement products.

What groceries 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.

Can I use my OTC card at Walmart for food?

OTC Food Benefit Card

You can use this card at the following participating retailers: CVS, Walgreens, Family Dollar, Dollar General, and Walmart. You will a receive gray colored OTC card, similar to the example shown, with a maximum $20 monthly limit for purchasing the approved food items items.

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.

How to use UCard for groceries?

At checkout, there are 2 ways to use your UCard:
  1. Simply swipe your card or scan the barcode.
  2. Scan your digital UCard barcode in the UnitedHealthcare app (available at most store locations)

I used my United Healthcare Ucard to purchase groceries| Family of two grocery haul 2023 #otc

18 related questions found

Can I buy laundry detergent 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.

Is toilet paper covered by an 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).

What can I buy with my UCard at Walmart?

Use your benefit credit on your UCard to buy covered OTC products, like:
  • Braces and supports.
  • Dental and oral care.
  • Diabetes care.
  • Eye and ear care.
  • First aid.
  • Foot care.
  • Incontinence products.
  • Pain relief.

Can you buy groceries with a healthy benefits card?

Healthy benefits are increasingly being made available through health care providers, technology companies, employers, government agencies, and more. Many of these distributors offer benefits through cards that function like prepaid debit cards, allowing purchases of select grocery items or wellness products.

Can you use OTC card at self checkout?

Yes, you can use your card at self-checkout in store.

What can I buy at Dollar General with my healthy Benefits card?

What foods can I buy with my card?
  • Fresh fruits & vegetables.
  • Canned fruits & vegetables.
  • Frozen produce & meals.
  • Fresh salad kits.
  • Dairy products.
  • Meat & seafood.

Why won't my healthy Benefits card work at Walmart?

The benefits card has been used before the 24-hour waiting period after activation is over. The participant has insufficient funds in the benefit account to cover the expense. Non-eligible expenses have been included at the point of sale. (Retry the transaction with the eligible expense only.)

Can you buy pet food with an 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.

What stores accept UCard?

Where Can I Use My UnitedHealthcare Healthy Food Card? (UCard)
  • Walmart.
  • Walgreens.
  • CVS.
  • Kroger.
  • Publix.
  • HEB.
  • Family Dollar.
  • Dollar General.

How does the OTC card work at Walmart?

How do I use my OTC Network card on Walmart.com? You can create a Walmart.com account and add your OTC Network card to your wallet or enter your OTC Network card as a payment method during check-out.

What household items can I buy with my OTC card?

Eligible items include:
  • 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 withdraw cash from my UCard?

The UCard Debit Account differs from bank-issued debit accounts in that: it can only be used to make on-campus purchases. you cannot withdraw funds from it - funds must either be spent down, or the account must be closed.

Can I pay my water bill with my UCard?

To pay eligible utilities with UCard benefits, customers must call the UnitedHealthcare member services number on the back of their UCard to request payment of their utility bill. Any approved payments will be processed by UnitedHealthcare and sent to eligible utilities on your behalf.

Can I use my OTC card to buy food?

Food & OTC Benefit Cards Accepted In-store

Shop eligible groceries and over-the-counter medications using your benefits card.

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.

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.

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.

Can I use an OTC card on Amazon?

No, members cannot shop directly on amazon.com or use the Amazon mobile app to purchase products using their OTC credit or UCard. Do members need an Amazon Prime account to purchase products? No, members do not need an Amazon Prime account to purchase products.

Can I use my UCard at Dollar General?

Good news! Many Dollar General stores are ready to accept UCard payments and more stores are expected to be ready in the months ahead.