What months does the OTC card reload?

Asked by: Oswaldo Emard  |  Last update: April 13, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (52 votes)

As long as you are an active member, your OTC allowance will automatically reload on the first day of every quarter (January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1). You have the full three months to use your benefit amount. Be aware that any balance remaining at the end of a quarter does not roll over to the next quarter.

Does the OTC card reload every month?

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 are the quarters for OTC benefits?

Quarterly allowance: January – March; April – June; July – September; October – December.

Will the BCBS OTC card be reloaded?

Reloading funds:

The quarterly allowance will automatically be loaded onto the My Flex Benefit Card on the first day of each quarter (January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1). Unused allowances will not be carried over from one quarter to the next quarter.

How often do you get OTC?

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.

Medicare Advantage OTC Card

36 related questions found

How long does the OTC card last?

You'll receive your OTC card within three weeks of your plan's effective date. When you get it, the card will be loaded with your quarterly benefit amount. Remember, the benefit doesn't roll over and unused funds expire at the end of each quarter (March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31).

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.

What groceries 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.

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.

What does the OTC card pay for?

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.

What are the seasonal quarters?

First quarter, Q1: January 1 – March 31 (90 days or 91 days in leap years) Second quarter, Q2: April 1 – June 30 (91 days) Third quarter, Q3: July 1 – September 30 (92 days) Fourth quarter, Q4: October 1 – December 31 (92 days)

Can I buy gasoline with my OTC card?

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

How much is CVS OTC quarterly allowance?

The benefit amount of $50 per calendar quarter may be used by the member in the quarter it is received. Any unused portion of the quarterly benefit may be carried into the following quarter; however, if the unused portion is not used during that quarter, it will expire.

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 is the 2025 allowance card?

A card designed to prioritize your overall wellness.

Available on the 2025 PriorityMedicareSM Thrive and PriorityMedicareSM Thrive Plus plans, this card has both a quarterly over-the-counter allowance and an annual allowance to use towards fitness facilities, equipment and nutrition support services.

What is my balance on my OTC card?

Use the My Benefit portal to view your OTC balance, search eligible items or find participating retailers near you or available online. If the scanned/entered item is discounted, the savings will be displayed.

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.

Can I use my UCard at Dollar General?

Good news! Many Dollar General stores are ready to accept UCard payments and more stores are expected to be ready in the months ahead.

Does Amazon accept an OTC card?

No, members cannot shop directly on amazon.com or use the Amazon mobile app to purchase products using their OTC credit or UCard. Do members need an Amazon Prime account to purchase products? No, members do not need an Amazon Prime account to purchase products.

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.)

Can you buy pet food with an 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.

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.

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.

Is OTC cheaper than prescription?

Q: Is it cheaper to buy a medication over-the-counter? A: Not always. OTC medications are generally not covered by health insurance plans and can be expensive. It may be easier to buy OTC medication if you do not have insurance that covers prescriptions.

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.