Can I Buy Bread With My Over-the-Counter Card?
Navigate your OTC benefit card. Learn what's covered, where to use it, and how to maximize your health plan's allowances.
An Over-the-Counter (OTC) benefit card functions like a prepaid debit card, provided by certain health plans, primarily Medicare Advantage plans. This card helps individuals cover the cost of everyday health products and access necessary health and wellness items without significant out-of-pocket expenses. The card provides a set amount of funds to spend on approved items at participating retailers.
Understanding Eligible Items
While many OTC cards primarily cover medical supplies and over-the-counter medications, some plans include allowances for healthy food or groceries. This means purchasing items like bread with your OTC card is possible, but it depends entirely on your specific health plan’s benefits. Not all plans extend their benefits to include groceries.
Most OTC cards commonly cover a range of health and wellness products. These often include over-the-counter medications like pain relievers, cold remedies, and allergy medications. First-aid supplies such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, and wound care products are generally covered. Dental care items, including toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss, are frequently eligible. Personal care products like soap, shampoo, and certain skin care items may also be included. Some plans may even cover certain durable medical equipment, vitamins, and supplements. Review the specific benefit details provided by your individual health plan, as they typically offer a detailed list of eligible items or a catalog to guide your purchases.
Finding Participating Stores
OTC cards are not universally accepted, so they can only be used at specific, authorized retailers. To find where your card is accepted, check your health plan’s official website or member portal. Many plans provide a store locator tool or a list of participating merchants.
Some health plans or card issuers also offer a dedicated mobile application or online tool that can help you locate nearby stores. Alternatively, you can call the customer service number located on the back of your OTC card. Customer service representatives can provide an updated list of approved retailers in your area. Common types of retailers that often accept OTC cards include major pharmacy chains, some grocery stores, and large big-box retailers. Online stores are also increasingly becoming options for using these benefits.
Using Your Card at Checkout
When using your OTC card at a participating store, the process is similar to using a standard debit or credit card. You will typically swipe or insert the card at the point-of-sale terminal. For some transactions, a Personal Identification Number (PIN) might be required, so have it ready if your card was issued with one.
If your purchase includes both eligible and ineligible items, or if the cost of eligible items exceeds your card’s balance, you may need to split the payment. Use the OTC card first for eligible items up to its available balance. Any remaining balance for eligible items or the cost of ineligible items must then be covered using another payment method, such as a personal debit or credit card, or cash. If your card is declined, it could be due to insufficient balance, attempting to purchase ineligible items, or the card not being activated. Confirm your card’s activation status and eligible items before shopping.
Managing Your OTC Card
You can typically check your card’s balance through your health plan’s member portal or a dedicated card website provided by the issuer. A customer service phone number, usually found on the back of your card, also offers balance inquiry services.
Understand your plan’s benefit expiration rules. Funds may be loaded monthly, quarterly, or annually, and unused amounts may or may not roll over. Many plans operate on a “use-it-or-lose-it” basis, where benefits expire at the end of a defined period, such as the calendar year. If your OTC card is lost, stolen, or damaged, report it immediately to your health plan’s customer service. They can guide you through deactivating the compromised card and requesting a replacement.