Is toilet paper considered OTC?

Asked by: Erin Bernier  |  Last update: September 12, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (55 votes)

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 is covered under OTC?

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 paper towels with my OTC card?

You can use your card to buy things like: Food and fresh groceries, like meat, vegetables, and canned goods. Everyday items, like toothpaste, shampoo, deodorant and shaving cream. Household goods, like laundry detergent, paper towels and tissues.

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.

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.

how to make OTC “work smoother” (health insurance)

16 related questions found

Is toilet paper OTC?

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).

Is toothpaste OTC approved?

What is toothpaste? Toothpaste is an Over-the-Counter (OTC) toiletry item that utilizes abrasives and cleaning agents to clean teeth of plaque and other buildup for both cosmetic and long-term health purposes.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How often can I use my OTC card?

Your OTC benefit can be used multiple times throughout the quarter, not to exceed your benefit allowance. Quarterly benefit periods are distributed as follows: Quarter 1 (January, February and March) Quarter 2 (April, May and June)

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.

What falls under OTC?

OTC Supplies
  • 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.

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.

What can I use my OTC card for in 2024?

You can use your allowance to buy OTC products like:
  • Cold, flu and allergy medicine.
  • Dental care supplies.
  • Eye and ear care products.
  • Pain relievers.
  • First aid and medical supplies.
  • Sunscreen and more.

What does 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 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 can I buy at Dollar General with my U card?

Dollar General customers can now purchase food, produce, over-the-counter medicines and additional wellness products in more than 20,000 stores across the country using health supplemental benefits.

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.

What can you get off a OTC card?

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.

Is shampoo considered OTC?

These products are then considered both a cosmetic and an OTC drug, and must comply with the regulatory requirements of both categories. A simple example of this is the intended use of shampoo. Shampoo is considered a cosmetic because of its intended use to cleanse hair.

What is the strongest prescription toothpaste?

Colgate PreviDent 5000 Booster Plus and Colgate Duraphat 5000 are both high-level (prescription-strength) fluoride toothpastes containing 1.1% sodium fluoride (5000 ppm fluoride).

What is the OTC card for seniors?

The over-the-counter (OTC) card is a benefit offered by some Medicare Advantage plans specifically designed to help individuals save on everyday health products. With this card, you can choose items like over-the-counter medications, vitamins, first aid supplies, and personal care products at approved retailers.