With an Over-the-Counter (OTC) card, you can purchase a variety of eligible health-related household items to support your well-being. These cards are often provided by health plans to help members cover the cost of certain non-prescription health products.
Eligible OTC Items for Purchase
OTC cards allow you to buy items that fall under specific health categories. While exact eligible items can vary by plan, many common health and wellness products are generally covered. Here's a breakdown of common categories and examples of items you might be able to purchase:
| Category | Eligible Items |
|---|---|
| First Aid & Wound Care | Band aids, adhesive bandages, gauze pads, first aid kits, antiseptic wipes, OTC antibiotic creams/ointments. |
| Pain & Fever Relief | OTC pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin), topical pain relief creams. |
| Cold, Cough & Allergy | OTC cold/cough/flu drugs (e.g., cough syrup, decongestants), OTC antihistamines and allergy sprays. |
| Oral Health | Toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, denture care products. |
| Health Management Devices | Food scales, blood pressure monitors, glucose meters and strips. |
| Smoking Cessation | Nicotine replacement therapy items (e.g., patches, gum, lozenges). |
How to Use Your OTC Card
Using your OTC card is similar to using a debit card at participating retail stores. You typically swipe the card at checkout, and the cost of eligible items will be deducted from your card balance. It's important to keep track of your balance and to understand your plan's specific guidelines regarding eligible items and purchasing limits.
Many health plans provide detailed lists of what their specific OTC cards cover. For more information on how OTC card benefits work and to find a comprehensive list of eligible items for your plan, you can often check your health plan's member resources. You can learn more about general OTC card benefits by visiting resources like Health First Health Plans' Medicare Advantage member resources section.
