What does OTC card not cover?

Asked by: Prof. Camden Kuvalis  |  Last update: March 24, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (68 votes)

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 can you not get 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).

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 meat with my OTC card?

Purchase healthy foods from participating retailers and farmers' markets. Examples of approved food items are fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry, seafood, eggs, dairy, rice, pasta, beans, and much more.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.)

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 can you not buy with a Healthy Benefits card?

Certain items such as soda, candy, chips, and other junk foods are usually not eligible for purchase with the card. Additionally, alcohol and tobacco products are never allowed to be purchased with a Healthy Benefits 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.

Can I buy clothes with my UCard?

With the UCard, you will be able to:

buy over-the-counter products. spend your earned rewards on eligible items like gifts, clothing, and more. go to the gym.

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.

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 toilet paper an OTC item?

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).

Does OTC cover tampons?

Menstrual or feminine care products are also recognized as eligible expenses – including pads, tampons, cups, and other period care items.

What is OTC shampoo?

Our OTC medicated shampoo for seborrheic dermatitis is an OTC, Over The Counter medicated shampoo that is safe enough to be purchased without a doctors prescription.

What is an OTC cosmetic?

OTC Cosmetic:

Articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body…for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance without affecting the body's structure or function.” [FD&C Act, sec.