How do you use OTC allowance?
Asked by: Kaleb Denesik | Last update: April 6, 2025Score: 4.8/5 (51 votes)
- Cold, flu and allergy medicine.
- Dental care supplies.
- Eye and ear care products.
- Pain relievers.
- First aid and medical supplies.
- Sunscreen and more.
How do you use OTC benefits?
Your Benefits Prepaid Card can be used to purchase eligible OTC items at participating retail stores in-person. You can also order products online, by phone, or by mail exclusively through our OTC partner, NationsBenefits, and get them delivered to your home at no additional cost.
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.
How do I get money on my OTC card?
Depending on the health plan, funds are loaded or reloaded to the card on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis. OTC funds not used during the allotment period are lost and do not roll over to the next period, unless the health plan specifically allows for a rollover period.
How often do they put money on your OTC card?
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.
Talking Shop-Using Your OTC Allowance
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.
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.
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.)
How do I use my UCard for groceries?
- Simply swipe your card or scan the barcode.
- Scan your digital UCard barcode in the UnitedHealthcare app (available at most store locations)
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 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).
How does OTC work?
What are OTC securities? Over-the-counter (OTC) securities are securities that are not listed on a major exchange in the United States and are instead traded via a broker-dealer network, usually because many are smaller companies and do not meet the requirements to be listed on a national exchange.
Can I get laundry detergent with my OTC card?
You can also get everyday items like laundry detergent, soap and toothbrushes.
What can I buy with my UCard at Walmart?
- Beans and soup.
- Dairy products.
- Fresh, frozen and canned fruits.
- Fresh, frozen and canned vegetables.
- Frozen meals.
- Fresh salad kits.
- Fully-prepared meals and produce boxes.
- Healthy grains like bread, cereals, rice and pastas.
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.
How do I use my OTC card at Walmart?
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.
Can I buy chips with my Healthy Benefits card?
"You can use your benefits to purchase OTC products including allergy medication, cough drops, first aid supplies, oral care, pain relievers, vitamins, and more," reads the Health Benefits website. Certain items such as soda, candy, chips, and other junk foods are usually not eligible for purchase with the card.
Why was the OTC card declined?
You did not activate the card. The item you are purchasing is not eligible under your plan. You do not have enough money in your account. The item you are purchasing is a non-prescribed OTC medicine.
What household items can I buy with my OTC card?
Can you use OTC card at self checkout?
Yes, you can use your card at self-checkout in store.
How does my OTC card work?
An OTC (Over-the-Counter) card is similar to a prepaid debit card that comes with some Medicare Advantage plans, and it can be used at participating stores to buy approved items.
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.
Where is my OTC card accepted?
Participating Retailers: Your OTC card's usability spans across various local retailers, including well-known names such as CVS, Walgreens, Duane Reade, Rite Aid, Dollar General, Family Dollar, and Walmart. The network is expansive, ensuring your convenience.
Can I use my healthy benefits card at Aldi's?
Aldi takes EBT (food stamps) only. Otherwise the usual debit/credit/Aldi gift card/Visa gift cards. Aldi doesn't accept WIC either.