How do I know if I have OTC benefits?
Asked by: Marcel Towne | Last update: April 29, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (19 votes)
How do I know if I qualify for an OTC card?
Generally, individuals enrolled in specific Medicare Advantage plans that offer Over-the-counter (OTC) benefits qualify for an OTC card. These plans typically provide a set allowance for purchasing health-related items like medications, wellness products, and personal care items.
Does everyone on Medicare get OTC benefits?
Does everyone on Medicare get OTC benefits? Most Medicare Advantage (also known as Medicare Part C) plans include OTC benefits. Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) doesn't typically cover over-the-counter products.
Where can I check my OTC balance?
The OTC Network® Mobile App allows you to keep track of your balance and easily find eligible items and discounts when shopping at participating retailers. Visit the App Store or GooglePlay and search OTC Network to download the latest version of the OTC Network Mobile App.
How do I find my OTC member ID?
It can be found on the front of your health plan ID card. Your OTC member ID number is the same as your Blue Cross member ID number.
Medicare Advantage OTC benefits, or Over the Counter.
How often do you get money on your OTC card?
It's important to know when your OTC card reloads. Money might be added on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis, depending on your plan. And remember, if benefits don't roll over to the following period, you'll need to use them — otherwise you'll lose them. For example, some plans have a quarterly structure.
How do I check my UnitedHealthcare OTC balance?
The UCard Hub is where you can check your balance, shop online, find participating stores and more. Download the UnitedHealthcare app to get instant access to see your prescriptions, find pharmacies and 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 day of the month does the OTC card reload?
For a quarterly allowance, on the first day of every quarter—January, April, July, and October—your allowance dollars will automatically be added to your card. For monthly allowances, on the first day of each month, your allowance dollars will automatically be added to your card.
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).
How to get an OTC benefits card?
An OTC benefit card is funded by select health plans and primarily awarded to plan members participating in an associated Medicare Advantage (Part D) program.
How much is the OTC benefit?
OTC benefits are typically structured on an allowance basis where an enrollee is provided an allotted annual, quarterly, or monthly allowance with quarterly allowances being the most common. On an annualized basis, the average allowance per enrollee in 2021 was $400.
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.
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 get an OTC card if I have Medicaid?
In some states, Medicaid beneficiaries may need a prescription or need to meet other requirements for an OTC product to be covered. In both MA and Medicaid, OTC benefits are typically provided through an OTC card that has a set dollar limit.
How does OTC allowance work?
A quarterly OTC spending allowance is pre-loaded to your Benefits Prepaid Card on the first day of each quarter. Unused amounts rollover to the next quarter but must be used by the end of the calendar year.
How do I find out how much is on my OTC card?
A: You can access your card balance 24/7/365 by going online at MyBenefits.NationsBenefits.com or on the MyBenefits app.
Who qualifies for an OTC card for Medicare?
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.
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.
What does an OTC card not cover?
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.
How much money is on my UCard?
On the Web: You can check your balance on the UCard Online Card Office by logging in to the new Get Funds site. If you have not yet registered to Get Funds, you will need to register first. At Points of Sale: At points of sale, your UCard balance will be displayed automatically after every transaction.
Can I buy gas with my healthy benefits card?
This allowance can be used for Over-the Counter (OTC) Items, groceries, home utilities and gas at the pump.
How much OTC does UnitedHealthcare give per month?
Get $200 monthly to buy OTC products and healthy food with a Dual Complete plan.
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 UCard for gas?
What utility bills am I able to pay for using my benefit credit? Use your benefit credit on your UCard to help pay utility bills, like: Electric. Gas.