Why did I receive an OTC card?

Asked by: Guillermo Kreiger  |  Last update: November 8, 2023
Score: 4.7/5 (29 votes)

An OTC Medicare card is provided by private insurance carriers through Medicare Advantage plans. You can use this card to purchase select over-the-counter products at participating locations. This includes various health and wellness products, medications, vitamins, durable medical equipment (DME), and more.

What does the OTC card pay for?

Use your OTC Plus card to pay for non-prescription drugs, health-related items, healthy foods, and home utilities such as gas, electric, water, and internet service. Save at your neighborhood pharmacy, farmers' markets, online, and other participating retailers.

How often do you get money on your OTC Network card?

Will the benefit amount on my OTC Card reload every quarter? Yes. As long as you are an active member, your OTC Card will automatically reload on the first day of every quarter (January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1). You have the full 3 months to use your benefit amount.

What does OTC card mean?

As a member of ArchCare Advantage HMO Special Needs Plan, you will get a pre-paid Over-the-Counter (OTC) card. You can use this card to buy eligible over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and health-related items. In 2022, the OTC card benefit is $120 per month (up to $1,440 per year).

What does OTC benefits mean?

Your OTC benefit helps you save money on a wide range of over-the-counter health and wellness products. You can use your benefit amount to purchase products such as pain relief, first aid, cold and allergy medicine, dental care items and more.

OTC Network card eligible items and Store List | OTC Network card Product List

38 related questions found

How much is the Medicare OTC benefit?

Over-the-counter (OTC) items benefit. As a Blue Shield Balance (HMO) member, you have access to a monthly allowance1 of $45 for OTC items, at no additional cost. More than 1,000 OTC items are covered by this plan, as allowed by Medicare.

Can I withdraw money with my OTC card?

OTC withdrawals are available up to the daily withdrawal authorization limits, provided the Available Balance in your account is greater than or equal to the cash withdrawal amount requested.

How do people get OTC cards?

How to Apply for OTC Card? Seniors can receive a Medicare OTC card depending on which Medicare Advantage plan they have. If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan with the OTC benefit, you will receive your card with your plan materials and policy cards after enrollment.

How do I use my OTC card for food?

Once activated, you can use your OTC and Grocery Card for eligible purchases at participating stores. No PIN or signature is required for in-store purchases — it works just like a prepaid card. Go to the checkout lanes, and simply swipe the card for payment.

What items can I buy with my OTC card?

Eligible items.
  • 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 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.

Does OTC money expire?

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).

Can I use my OTC card at Family Dollar?

In addition to shopping from Medline, members can use their OTC card in-store at CVS, Dollar General, Family Dollar, Rite Aid, Stop & Shop, Walgreens, and Walmart, and at Walmart.com. IMPORTANT: The new 2023 OTC card has a magnetic strip on the back for swiping the card at participating retail stores.

Does OTC card need to be activated?

Cards must be activated prior to use. Cards can only be used at participating retailers for approved products they carry. Approved products are frequently updated and may vary by retailer.

What can I buy with my OTC card 2023?

Categories of covered OTC items include generic and brand name products for allergy, sinus, cold and flu; pain relief; home health care and daily living; supports, braces and wraps; dental and oral health; eye and ear care; first aid; smoking cessation; diabetes care; foot care; digestive health; incontinence; skin ...

How do I pay with OTC card at CVS?

Inform the cashier that you have the OTCHS benefit and present your member ID card before the cashier begins to scan products. Your insurance card is used to verify eligibility, not as a form payment. You can also cut out and present the QR Code to the store colleague at the register to assist with the transaction.

Can I buy candy with OTC 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.

Can you buy milk with OTC card?

OTC Food Benefit Card

It can be used to purchase eligible food items such as fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, bread, eggs. You can find a complete list of eligible items by clicking on this link: Full list of eligible items.

Can OTC card be used anywhere?

In-store—Swipe your OTC card at participating retailers, including CVS, Dollar General, Family Dollar, Rite Aid, Stop & Shop, Walgreens, and Walmart. Login to carepartnersct.com/order-OTC to find a participating store near you.

What is my OTC member ID?

Where can I find my Member ID number? It can be found on the front of your health plan ID card. What is the Over the Counter (OTC) benefit? The OTC benefit offers you an easy way to get generic, over-the-counter health and wellness products through OTC at Your Door.

Can I use my Anthem Healthy Groceries card at Walmart?

You can also order products online, by phone, or by mail exclusively through our OTC partner, NationsBenefits, and get them delivered to your home at no additional cost. Please note: Your Benefits Prepaid Card is not accepted at online retailers like Walmart.com, but in-store purchases are accepted.

What foods can I get on my Healthy Benefits card?

These include:
  • Fresh or canned fruits and vegetables.
  • Frozen produce and meals.
  • Fresh salad kits.
  • Dairy products.
  • Meat and seafood.
  • Beans and legumes.
  • Pantry staples, like flour, sugar, and spices.
  • Healthy grains, like bread, cereals and pasta.

Do I need a PIN to use my OTC card?

You will not need a PIN to use your card. Your available OTC spending allowance amount will apply to the eligible items. Your total will reflect the OTC savings.

Can I use OTC card to pay for Internet?

Use your healthy food, OTC and utility bill credit to: Buy healthy foods like fruits and vegetables, meat, seafood and dairy products. Choose from thousands of OTC products, like toothpaste, first aid necessities, cough drops, bladder control pads and more. Pay utility bills like electricity, gas, water and internet.

Do all Medicare recipients get OTC benefits?

While Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) doesn't cover over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans may cover over-the-counter drugs and other health products.