What are the restrictions on the Healthy Benefits card?

Asked by: Mr. Sheldon Oberbrunner  |  Last update: January 31, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (62 votes)

Cards may be redeemable only for certain goods or services, or may be restricted from redemption for certain goods or services, including but not limited to alcohol, tobacco, firearms or gift cards, as determined by applicable law, rules and regulations, and applicable program documents provided by your Program Sponsor ...

What can't you buy with Healthy Benefits card?

Items you can't buy with your Healthy Food Card include:
  • Non-food items.
  • Alcohol or nicotine products.
  • Pet food.
  • Candy or desserts.
  • Chips.
  • Fresh baked goods.
  • Soda.
  • Prescriptions.

Why is my Healthy Benefits card being declined?

The most common reasons why a benefit card may be declined at the point of sale are: The benefits card has not been activated. 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.

What is covered under a healthy benefits card?

Consumers can spend their benefits on various health-related products and services depending on the program. Examples can include over-the-counter items, select groceries, medical devices, counseling services, nutrition education, fitness equipment, pet food, household supplies, gas, transportation, utilities, etc.

Can I buy shampoo with my Healthy Benefits 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.

Healthy Benefits+ Visa card | UCare Medicare Plans

43 related questions found

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 buy bottled water with my Healthy Benefits card?

Yes, you can use your SNAP benefits to buy bottled water.

What can I buy with my health benefits card?

Not all items listed are eligible for all plans.
  • OTC Medications. Vitamins & supplements. Pain relievers. Allergy, cough & cold. OTC hearing aids.
  • Personal Care. Oral health. Incontinence products. Sun & skin care. ...
  • Grocery. Fresh fruit & vegetables. Dairy, meat, poultry & fish. Frozen foods. ...
  • Maternity. Diapers. Baby formula. Baby wipes.

Can you give me a list of healthy food?

Top 15 healthy foods you should be eating
  • Fish. ...
  • Broccoli or any of the cruciferous vegetables. ...
  • Beets. ...
  • Spinach and other leafy green vegetables. ...
  • Kale. ...
  • Peanut butter. ...
  • Almonds. ...
  • Mangos.

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.

Can you use a benefits card for anything?

You can use your Benefits Card at certain healthcare and non- healthcare merchants or transit merchants specified by your Benefits Plan. A healthcare merchant includes medical providers such as doctors, dentists, vision care facilities, and other locations that sell only medical services/products.

Why would my Healthy Benefits card be deactivated?

Your Benefits Debit Card will be temporarily deactivated if you fail to provide required documentation for Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA), Limited Purpose Flexible Spending Account (LPFSA), or Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) transactions.

Can you buy coffee with the Healthy Benefits 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.

Can I use my Healthy Benefits card for gas?

This allowance can be used for Over-the Counter (OTC) Items, groceries, home utilities and gas at the pump.

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.

Can you buy ice cream with your healthy food card?

Can I buy ice cream with my Healthy Foods card? No, ice cream isn't usually permitted with the Healthy Benefits Plus Program.

What does healthy food include?

A healthy diet includes the following:
  • Fruit, vegetables, legumes (e.g. lentils and beans), nuts and whole grains (e.g. unprocessed maize, millet, oats, wheat and brown rice).
  • At least 400 g (i.e. five portions) of fruit and vegetables per day (2), excluding potatoes, sweet potatoes, cassava and other starchy roots.

What is the cheapest food to live off of?

25 Cheap Foods To Buy When You're Broke
  • Pasta. Pasta is an affordable pantry staple used to make lots of dishes. ...
  • Oatmeal. Oatmeal contains fiber and nutrients to keep you full and energized all morning. ...
  • Peanut Butter. ...
  • Sweet Potatoes. ...
  • Frozen Breakfast Burritos. ...
  • Rice.

What are examples of whole foods?

Whole foods include fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains (such as oats, brown rice and barley), nuts, beans, fish, shellfish and eggs. Minimally processed foods are foods that are a little processed, such as frozen produce or whole wheat flour.

Can I get 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).

What is covered under healthy benefits at Walmart?

With Healthy Benefits+™, you get funds to spend on a variety of assistive devices, saving you more and making your benefits go further! You can use your benefits to purchase assistive device products including grab bars, raised toilet seats, hearing amplifiers, low vision aids, reaching aids and more!

Can you buy candy with 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.

What can I pay with my Healthy Benefits card?

Healthy Options allows individuals to pay for, amongst other things:
  • Food.
  • Utilities, rent and mortgage.
  • Gas at the pump.
  • Non-medical transportation.
  • Home supplies.
  • Personal supplies.
  • Over-the-counter medicine.
  • Pet food and supplies.

What food items can you get with a OTC card?

Examples of approved food items are fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry, seafood, eggs, dairy, rice, pasta, beans, and much more.