What Stores Take OTC Cards & What You Can Buy
Unlock the full potential of your OTC card. This guide helps you understand where to use your benefits, what health essentials are covered, and how to manage your funds.
An Over-the-Counter (OTC) card functions as a health benefit provided by certain health plans, most commonly associated with Medicare Advantage plans. This card is preloaded with a specific allowance to help members purchase eligible health-related products without using their personal funds. It serves as a convenient way to manage everyday health expenses by simplifying access to various non-prescription items.
Where to Use Your OTC Card
OTC cards are accepted at a wide range of national retailers, pharmacies, and some grocery and discount stores across the United States. Major chains like Walmart, CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Dollar General, Family Dollar, and ShopRite frequently participate. Many health plans also allow the use of OTC cards at their own affiliated pharmacies or online portals.
The specific stores that accept an OTC card vary by health plan and card provider. It is advisable to consult your health plan’s documentation or the card provider’s website for a comprehensive list of participating retailers. Some plans also offer online shopping capabilities, allowing members to purchase eligible items for home delivery. While many retailers accept these cards, the exact acceptance can differ by location, so checking beforehand is a practical step.
OTC cards work in both physical stores and online, providing flexibility for members to acquire needed health products. The card functions like a prepaid debit card, making transactions straightforward at approved locations.
Eligible Items for Purchase
Items purchasable with an OTC card are health-related and generally do not require a prescription. Common categories include pain relievers like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and aspirin, as well as cold, flu, and allergy medications. First aid supplies such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, and topical ointments are also covered.
Many plans include items for dental care, eye care, and diabetic supplies like glucose meters and test strips. Vitamins, minerals, and health monitoring devices such as blood pressure monitors and thermometers are eligible.
Eligibility is determined by your specific health plan and card provider. Plans provide a detailed list or catalog of eligible items. Items like general groceries, cosmetics, household cleaning supplies, alcohol, and tobacco products are not eligible for purchase with an OTC card.
Using Your OTC Card at Checkout
Using an OTC card at a physical store checkout is similar to using a standard debit or credit card. Present the OTC card to the cashier for swiping or insertion into the card reader. The transaction will process like a debit card.
If your purchase includes both eligible and non-eligible items, the OTC card will only cover the cost of eligible products. You will need to provide an alternative payment method, such as a personal debit card, credit card, or cash, for the non-eligible items. If the total cost of eligible items exceeds the card’s balance, the card will deduct the maximum available amount, and the remaining portion must be paid using another form of payment.
Some retailers and card providers offer online portals or mobile apps to manage your card. Retaining receipts is advisable for your records, though they do not display the remaining card balance.
Checking Your Card Balance
Monitoring your OTC card balance is important to maximize your benefits. The most common methods for checking your balance include accessing the card provider’s online portal or website. These portals often allow you to view transaction history and current available funds.
Another reliable way to check your balance is by calling the toll-free phone number on the back of your OTC card. This number connects you directly to the card provider’s customer service for real-time balance information. Some card providers also offer mobile applications to check your balance.
OTC card allowances are typically provided on a monthly or quarterly basis, and unused funds often do not roll over to the next period. Regularly checking your balance helps ensure you utilize your full benefit before it expires. Receipts from purchases usually do not show the remaining balance, making official channels essential for accurate information.