What can you not buy with OTC card?

Asked by: Dr. Jovan Wolff  |  Last update: February 27, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (49 votes)

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.

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.

How do I know what I can buy with my 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.

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.

Can I use an OTC card for groceries?

You can't typically buy food with an OTC card. A few Medicare Advantage plans may allow you to buy health-related food and drink items like nutritional shakes, protein bars, and meal replacement products.

What Can I Buy with my OTC card?

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Can you buy food with your OTC card at Walmart?

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 can you get off a OTC card?

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 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 I buy with my UCard at Walmart?

Use your benefit credit on your UCard to buy healthy food products, like:
  • 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.

What products are considered 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.

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.

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.)

Is toilet paper considered over-the-counter?

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 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.

Does an OTC card cover bread?

You can use your food credits to buy thousands of approved foods. Use the handy list below to help you shop for foods that qualify. Pantry staples - flour, sugar, spices, etc. Healthy grains - bread, cereals, pastas, etc.

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.

What is OTC in grocery?

OTC (Over-the-Counter) Plus and OTC Card. Staying healthy is easier with a Healthfirst OTC Plus and OTC card. Save on items you use every day, such as toothpaste, eye drops, aspirin, and more, when you shop at participating neighborhood stores and select online retailers, with free home-delivery options available.

Can I buy soda with my UCard?

"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.

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 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.

What groceries can I buy with my UCard?

Groceries. The UnitedHealthcare healthy food card can be used to purchase a large list of grocery items including milk, fruits and vegetables, eggs, bread, frozen meals, cheese, condiments and more.

Can you use OTC card at self checkout?

Yes, you can use your card at self-checkout in store.

What is covered under the OTC card?

Your OTC benefit allows you to purchase medications, health and wellness items, and first aid supplies, with home delivery at no additional cost. If you have any questions or need help placing your order, we're here for you.

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.

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.