Who qualifies for an OTC card in NYC?
Asked by: Mrs. Kristin Bechtelar | Last update: August 20, 2025Score: 4.5/5 (73 votes)
How do I know if I qualify for an OTC card?
You'll need to be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers the OTC benefit. Once you're enrolled, your plan should provide you with the card automatically. If you're not sure if your plan includes this benefit, it's a good idea to check with your plan provider or review your plan's summary of benefits.
Who can get the OTC benefit?
*FOR OVER-THE-COUNTER BENEFITS AT NO ADDITIONAL COST: Over-the-counter (OTC) allowance benefits are included in select Medicare Advantage and Medicaid plans. The allowance may only be applied to select OTC products. Allowance amount may vary by plan.
How do I get money on my OTC card?
Depending on the health plan, funds are loaded or reloaded to the card on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis. OTC funds not used during the allotment period are lost and do not roll over to the next period, unless the health plan specifically allows for a rollover period.
Does an OTC card cover groceries?
OTC Food Benefit Card
It can be used to purchase eligible food items such as fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, bread, eggs.
Medicare Advantage OTC Card
What household items can I buy with my OTC card?
- 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.
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.
How do I get an OTC card in NY?
To qualify for an OTC card, you must qualify for Medicare coverage. Cards are issued by your individual Medicare provider. Benefits are dependent on the type of Medicare plan you have.
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.
Can I buy 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).
Will Medicare pay for OTC?
Most Medicare Advantage plan members receive a quarterly OTC benefit allowance to cover health and wellness products, non-prescription medications, vitamins, and more.
Can I buy with my OTC card at Walmart?
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 Medicaid get OTC card?
' Both MA's and Medicaid plans' coverage of OTC products is typically provided via an OTC card with a pre-determined dollar limit. MA and Medicaid beneficiaries can then redeem the OTC card for certain products either through an MA OTC benefit catalog or at specified retailers.
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 qualifies as OTC?
Refers to a medicine that can be bought without a prescription (doctor's order). Examples include analgesics (pain relievers), such as aspirin and acetaminophen. Also called nonprescription and OTC.
How do I know if I have OTC benefits?
To find out if you have coverage, call the customer service number on the back of your Medicare Advantage card. Ask if you have the OTC benefit, how much you can spend and how often the benefit resets.
Can I pay a bill with my OTC card?
Use your OTC Plus card to pay for non-prescription drugs, health-related items, exercise equipment and activity trackers, healthy foods, and home utilities such as gas, oil, electric, water, and internet service. Save at your neighborhood pharmacy, farmers' markets, online, and other participating retailers.
Is the OTC card only for seniors?
To qualify for an OTC card, you must be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers this benefit. While most beneficiaries become eligible at age 65, younger individuals with certain disabilities may also qualify.
What groceries can you buy with an OTC card?
- • Fresh fruits and vegetables. • Canned fruits and vegetables. • Frozen produce and meals.
- • Fresh salad kits. • Dairy products. • Meat and seafood.
- • Beans and legumes. • Pantry staples – flour, sugar, spices, etc. ...
- • Nutritional shakes and bars. • Soups.
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.
What can I buy with my UCard at Walmart?
- Braces and supports.
- Dental and oral care.
- Diabetes care.
- Eye and ear care.
- First aid.
- Foot care.
- Incontinence products.
- Pain relief.
Can I buy shampoo and conditioner 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). See additional examples in the OTC Chart.
How to check balance on UCard?
Download the UnitedHealthcare mobile app and access the UCard Hub on the go. With the app, you can check your balance, shop in-store using the product scanner, check out with your digital UCard and more.
Does Target accept an OTC card for seniors?
Major retail stores and pharmacies including CVS, Walgreens, Target, Walmart, Family Dollar, Rite Aid, Dollar General, Kroger, and Publix will usually accept Medicare Advantage OTC cards, making it simple for you to access the over-the-counter items you need.