Where Can I Use My OTC Card? Stores and Eligible Items

An Over-the-Counter (OTC) card is provided by certain health insurance plans, primarily Medicare Advantage, some Medicaid programs, and employer-sponsored plans. This card is pre-loaded with funds for eligible over-the-counter health items. It cannot be used for general purchases. The funds are a supplemental benefit to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for wellness items.

Eligible Items for Purchase

OTC cards cover a range of health and wellness products. These include over-the-counter medications like pain relievers, cold and flu remedies, and allergy medications. First aid supplies such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, and gauze are eligible. Personal care items, including dental hygiene products, certain skincare items, and feminine hygiene products, are also covered.

Many plans cover vision care essentials, such as reading glasses and contact lens solutions, and hearing aid batteries. Vitamins and supplements are included. Medical devices like blood pressure monitors, glucose meters, and various supports or braces often qualify for purchase. It is important to consult your specific health plan’s benefits catalog or approved product list for a definitive and current list of eligible items, as eligibility can vary significantly between providers.

Where to Use Your Card

OTC cards can be used at a variety of approved locations. Major pharmacy chains, such as CVS and Walgreens, are common in-store retail partners where these cards are accepted. Large discount retailers that feature pharmacy sections, including Walmart, often also participate in OTC card programs. Some grocery stores and smaller local pharmacies may also be part of the network.

Beyond physical stores, many health plans offer dedicated online platforms or allow the use of OTC cards on the websites of major online retailers. These online options often provide a curated selection of eligible items that can be ordered for direct delivery to your home, enhancing convenience. Additionally, some plans facilitate mail-order purchases, allowing members to order items directly from their plan or an approved vendor by submitting a form.

Completing a Transaction

Using your OTC card at the point of sale, whether in a physical store or online, is straightforward. For in-store purchases, you present the card at checkout, which is then processed like a debit or credit card, often requiring a swipe, chip insertion, or tap. You may be prompted to enter a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to authorize the transaction, similar to a standard debit card purchase. If your total purchase exceeds the funds available on your card, the OTC card will typically cover the eligible portion, and you will need to pay the remaining balance using another payment method, such as cash or a personal debit/credit card.

When your shopping cart contains both eligible and non-eligible items, the OTC card system automatically identifies and applies funds only to the eligible products. The cost of non-eligible items will not be covered by the card, and you will be responsible for their payment separately. For online transactions, you typically select the OTC card as a payment method during the checkout process and enter the card details, including the card number, expiration date, and security code. Online platforms are designed to recognize eligible items and deduct only those costs from your card balance, prompting for an alternative payment method for any remaining balance or non-eligible items.

It is important to monitor your card’s balance to avoid issues at checkout. You can usually check your OTC card balance by calling the customer service number located on the back of your card, visiting your plan’s dedicated member portal online, or through a mobile application provided by your plan or the OTC network. Funds loaded onto OTC cards typically have an expiration period, often at the end of a benefit period, such as monthly, quarterly, or at the end of the plan year. Unused funds usually do not roll over to the next period, meaning any remaining balance may be forfeited if not used by the expiration date.