Why doesn't my OTC card work?

Asked by: Brielle Paucek  |  Last update: April 5, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (74 votes)

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.) The merchant is encountering problems (e.g. coding or swipe box issues).

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.

Why is my Healthy Benefits card being declined?

Attempting to use the Card when there are insufficient funds accessible with it may result in your transaction being declined or the Merchant allowing you to pay for the balance of the transaction with another method of payment.

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.

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.

How to Activate Your OTC Network Card

20 related questions found

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.

Is toilet paper covered by an 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).

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 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 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.

Why would my Healthy Benefits card be deactivated?

Your Benefits Debit Card will be temporarily deactivated if you fail to provide required documentation for Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA), Limited Purpose Flexible Spending Account (LPFSA), or Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) transactions.

Can I buy gas with my Healthy Benefits card?

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

What are the restrictions on the 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. It is important to check with your specific program for a full list of eligible items.

Why isn't my Healthy Benefits card working?

The most common reasons why a benefit card may be declined at the point of sale are: The benefits card has not been activated. 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.

Why did I lose my OTC benefits?

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.

What months does the OTC card reload?

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). Your new quarterly benefit will automatically be reloaded on the first day of the new quarter (January 1, April 1, July 1, October 1).

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.

How does the OTC card work at Walmart?

How do I use my OTC Network card on Walmart.com? You can create a Walmart.com account and add your OTC Network card to your wallet or enter your OTC Network card as a payment method during check-out.

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 groceries can you buy with OTC card?

desserts, fresh baked goods, soda, and tobacco.
  • • 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 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.

What can I not buy with my 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.

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.

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.

What stores accept OTC benefits card?

What can I buy with my OTC card?
  • CVS.
  • Walgreens.
  • Duane Reade.
  • Rite Aid.
  • Dollar General.
  • Family Dollar.
  • Walmart.