Over-the-Counter Benefits (2024)

Getting started:

This benefit provides members with a quarterly allowance administered by NationsBenefits (NationsOTC) to purchase OTC health and wellness products.

Using this benefit:

Once your My Benefit Card is activated, members can use it to purchase eligible healthcare items at participating retail stores or directly from NationsBenefits over the phone or online through the NationsBenefits portal.

  • Using a local participating retailer provides you more choices and value for your allowance.
  • Participating retailers include CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, and Walmart. To find a participating retailer near you, call NationsBenefits at 877.240.8232 (TTY: 711) or visit the NationsBenefits portal.
  • When shopping at a participating retailer, be sure to pay for your OTC benefit purchases separately from the rest of your order, if applicable, using your available NationsBenefits card allowance.
  • Refer to the tips on using your allowance at a participating retail location.
  • For phone orders, call NationsBenefits at 877.240.8232 (TTY: 711).
  • For online orders, go to the NationsBenefits portal to purchase items through the portal.
  • You may also use the MyBenefits Portal app to check account balances and purchase items.
  • Download the MyBenefits Portal app on your mobile device through the App store or Google Play to access your account and find participating retailers.

Tips when shopping at a participating retailer:

  • When visiting a participating retailer, choose eligible OTC items.
  • Using your My Benefit Card, pay for eligible OTC items separately at the time of purchase and the allowance will automatically go toward all qualifying items in the purchase, up to their card balance amount.
  • Please select “credit” when checking out. You will not receive a PIN and all debit transactions will be declined.
  • For purchases totaling more than the quarterly allowance or card balance, a second form of payment must be used for the remaining balance.
  • Refunds and exchanges should be returned to the retail location where purchased. If a return is accepted, a refund will be received back onto the My Benefit Card.

Eligible products:

Purchase a variety of OTC medications and health and wellness products with the OTC benefit.

Examples of eligible care items:

  • Oral care products (toothpaste and dental floss).
  • Eye care (OTC eyedrops).
  • First aid supplies.
  • Heating pads.
  • Blood pressure cuffs.
  • Safety and fall prevention aids.
  • Compression and supportive items.
  • Incontinence supplies.

For additional information, please contact NationsBenefits at 877.240.8232 (TTY: 711).

Cosmetic prescription products (for example, teeth whitening products, and wrinkle reducers), are not eligible purchases under the benefit.

Check eligible items by name under the OTC benefit on the NationsBenefits portal.

Check with your local retailer; some stores use stickers or signs to identify qualifying items.

Use MyBenefits Portal app on a mobile device. Download the MyBenefits Portal app on your mobile device through the App store or Google Play to access your account and find participating retailers. The app allows members to scan items in-store to identify whether an item is eligible for this program.

Download and view the OTC product catalog or request a printed version on your NationsBenefits portal. Members will not receive a 2023 OTC product catalog in the mail.

Online orders and shipping:

  • Place an order through NationsBenefits online through the NationsBenefits portal online or through the MyBenefits app and have items shipped directly to your home at no additional cost.
  • To order by phone, call NationsBenefits at 877.240.8232 (TTY: 711).
  • Orders placed through NationsBenefits will be delivered via FedEx or UPS.
  • Sign up for text or email alerts, or can or visit the NationsBenefits portal to check your order status and tracking information.
  • Orders can be shipped anywhere in the U.S., including Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
  • If traveling, the shipping address can be changed at checkout for each order.
  • Cancel orders any time prior to shipping by calling NationsBenefits at 877.240.8232 (TTY: 711) or cancel orders in the NationsBenefits portal within one hour after the order is placed.

Reloading funds:

  • The quarterly allowance will automatically be loaded onto the My Benefit Card on the first day of each quarter (January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1).
  • Unused allowances may not be carried over from one quarter to the next quarter.
  • Check the balance of available funds by logging into the NationsBenefits portal.

Contact information:

For more information about using your OTC benefits or to make a purchase, please contact Nations Benefits directly.

Over-the-Counter Benefits (2024)

FAQs

What are the OTC benefits? ›

Your OTC benefit helps you save money on a wide range of over-the-counter health and wellness products. You can use your benefit amount to purchase products such as pain relief, first aid, cold and allergy medicine, dental care items and more. Check your OTC catalog for the list of items covered by your benefit.

What are the advantages of over-the-counter medication? ›

Because these are nonprescription medications, you don't have to wait to have a prescription filled by the pharmacist. Most OTC medications are easily accessible to consumers and can help with treating symptoms of common ailments quickly and at a reduced cost.

How do I check my OTC benefits? ›

You may check check the balance on your OTC benefit card by calling the number on the back of your card or signing in to your OTC plan provider's online member portal.

Does everyone on Medicare get OTC benefits? ›

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) doesn't typically cover over-the-counter health products. Some privately sold Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, however, may include OTC coverage.

What foods can I get with my OTC card? ›

Examples of approved food items are fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry, seafood, eggs, dairy, rice, pasta, beans, and much more.

Can I use my OTC benefits at Walmart? ›

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.

Why is OTC important? ›

OTC medicines treat a variety of illnesses and their symptoms including pain, coughs and colds, diarrhea, constipation, acne, and others. Some OTC medicines have active ingredients with the potential for misuse at higher-than-recommended dosages.

What are the disadvantages of OTC? ›

Low liquidity: OTC stocks have less liquidity than those listed on exchanges. The exchange stocks usually have a significantly lower trading volume and bigger spreads between the bid and ask prices. Therefore, OTC stocks are subject to more volatility.

Why do patients prefer OTC medications? ›

Because they enable people to self-treat, OTC medicines save health systems valuable resources and can save consumers time and money. While OTC medicines are an important part of the care continuum, a healthcare professional's advice should always be sought for serious conditions, or when common ailments persist.

What does an OTC card not cover? ›

OTC items are not eligible for reimbursem*nt 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.

Do I get money on my OTC card every month? ›

Depending on your provider, OTC cards may be filled each quarter (every three months) or at the beginning of every month. Funds on OTC cards do not carry over to the next month or quarter. If you do not use your full quarterly allowance, any unused funds are lost.

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.

What is the OTC allowance? ›

This benefit provides you with a quarterly allowance to order eligible over-the-counter medications and health-related products. OTC medications are trusted as a first line of defense in treating minor ailments, help reduce doctor visits and save you money.

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).

How to apply for a Medicare OTC card? ›

How to Apply for OTC Card? Seniors can receive a Medicare OTC card depending on which Medicare Advantage plan they have. If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan with the OTC benefit, you will receive your card with your plan materials and policy cards after enrollment.

What is covered under the OTC card? ›

Use it anytime you need to purchase eligible OTC items like cold and allergy medicine, vitamins, first aid essentials, and pain relievers.

What items are covered by the OTC card in 2024? ›

Categories of covered OTC items include generic and brand-name products for allergy, sinus, cold and flu; pain relief; home health care and daily living, including bathroom safety items; supports, braces and wraps; dental and oral health; eye and ear care; first aid; smoking cessation; diabetes care; foot care; ...

What products are considered OTC? ›

OTC Supplies
  • Pain relievers and fever control medicine (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
  • Decongestants (e.g., Sudafed*)
  • Expectorant (e.g., Mucinex, Robitussin)
  • Antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl)
  • Saline nasal spray.
  • Cough drops.

References

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