How much is Medicare OTC benefit?
Asked by: Edwardo Bednar | Last update: November 7, 2025Score: 4.3/5 (57 votes)
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.
How often do I get money on my OTC card?
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.
Does Medicare pay for OTC meds?
Most Medicare Advantage plan members receive a quarterly OTC benefit allowance to cover health and wellness products, non-prescription medications, vitamins, and more.
How much OTC does UnitedHealthcare give per month?
Get $200 monthly to buy OTC products and healthy food with a Dual Complete plan.
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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 groceries with my UnitedHealthcare UCard?
Your plan comes with a credit that will be loaded to your UnitedHealthcare UCard® every month to help pay for over-the-counter (OTC) products and healthy food. Shop in-store or online for covered groceries, pain relievers, cold remedies and more.
How do I check my OTC benefits?
You may check check the balance on your OTC benefit card by calling the number on the back of your card or signing in to your OTC plan provider's online member portal.
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 do I get Medicare to pay for medication?
You can call HICAP at (800) 434-0222. Calls to this number are free. Go to www.socialsecurity.gov. Download and complete the “Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs.” If Social Security sent you a letter about “extra help,” attach a copy of this letter to your application.
Can I pay a bill with my OTC card?
Use your OTC Plus card to pay for non-prescription drugs, health-related items, exercise equipment and activity trackers, healthy foods, and home utilities such as gas, oil, electric, water, and internet service. Save at your neighborhood pharmacy, farmers' markets, online, and other participating retailers.
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 groceries can you buy with an OTC card?
- • Fresh fruits and vegetables. • Canned fruits and vegetables. • Frozen produce and meals.
- • Fresh salad kits. • Dairy products. • Meat and seafood.
- • Beans and legumes. • Pantry staples – flour, sugar, spices, etc. ...
- • Nutritional shakes and bars. • Soups.
How do I get money on my OTC card?
Most Medicare Advantage plans that offer OTC cards provide a set amount of money on the card each quarter, not every month. So, you'll usually see your balance refreshed every three months.
Can I use my OTC card on Amazon?
Can I use my card to purchase OTC items online from websites like Amazon? You can only purchase OTC items online from the NationsBenefits website.
Can I get laundry detergent with my OTC card?
You can also get everyday items like laundry detergent, soap and toothbrushes.
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.
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.
Is the OTC card monthly?
Your OTC allowance benefit is built into your plan and costs you nothing extra. Depending on your plan, you may receive a monthly allowance benefit or a quarterly benefit.
What can I buy with my UCard at Walmart?
- Braces and supports.
- Dental and oral care.
- Diabetes care.
- Eye and ear care.
- First aid.
- Foot care.
- Incontinence products.
- Pain relief.
How does OTC allowance work?
Over-the-Counter (OTC) benefit details
This benefit provides you with a quarterly allowance to order eligible over-the-counter medications and health-related products. OTC medications are trusted as a first line of defense in treating minor ailments, help reduce doctor visits and save you money.
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.
What does the UnitedHealthcare OTC card pay for?
Your plan comes with a credit that will be loaded to your UnitedHealthcare UCard® every quarter for covered OTC products. Shop in-store or online for pain relievers, cold remedies, vitamins and more.
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.)