How to Use Your Over-the-Counter (OTC) Card
Navigate your Over-the-Counter (OTC) card with confidence. This guide simplifies understanding, utilizing, and managing your health benefit effectively.
An Over-the-Counter (OTC) card is a prepaid debit card provided by certain health insurance plans to their members. This benefit helps individuals manage healthcare costs by covering eligible health-related items for everyday needs. The card serves as a convenient tool to access a specific allowance for approved products.
Getting Started with Your OTC Card
OTC cards are typically mailed to your home once you become eligible. Activating your card is necessary before making purchases. Activation often involves calling the number on the card or using an online portal. Online activation requires the card number and a secondary verification, such as your member ID or birth date.
After activating your card, check your balance to understand your spending limit. Most health plans provide balance inquiry through their online member portal, a toll-free number on the card, or mobile applications. These tools also allow you to view transaction history.
Making Purchases with Your OTC Card
OTC cards are accepted at participating retailers, including pharmacies, grocery stores, and health product stores. Online purchases may also be possible through plan portals or retailer websites. To identify merchants, consult your health plan’s website or mobile app for a list or store locator. Some retailers also display signage.
Eligible items typically include common over-the-counter health products like pain relievers, cold and flu medications, first aid supplies, and dental care products. Eligibility varies significantly between health plans; some allow vitamins, medical equipment, or certain healthy foods. Always consult your plan’s specific catalog or online list to confirm eligible items.
In stores, use your OTC card like a debit or credit card at the point of sale. Swipe or insert the card and select “credit”; a PIN is often not required. For online purchases, enter card details during checkout. If your purchase includes both eligible and non-eligible items, the card covers only the eligible portion, and you will need a separate payment for the rest.
Managing Your OTC Card Benefits
Understand your OTC card’s benefit periods and expiration rules to maximize its value. Funds are typically loaded monthly, quarterly, or annually. Unused funds usually do not roll over and will expire. Plan purchases to utilize the full allowance before it resets.
Not all items at participating retailers are eligible for OTC card purchase. The card’s system automatically declines non-eligible items. Items typically not covered include toiletries, cosmetics, and prescription medications. Your health plan provides a list of approved items.
If a purchase exceeds your card’s balance, the transaction may be declined. Many systems allow split payments, where the card covers its portion, and you pay the rest with another method like a credit card or cash. Regularly track your card usage to monitor spending and remaining funds. You can review transaction history and current balance through your plan’s online portal or mobile application.