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 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.

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 is covered under the OTC card? ›

Use your OTC Plus card to pay for non-prescription drugs, health-related items, fitness equipment and activity trackers, healthy foods, and home utilities such as gas, oil, electric, water, and internet service. Save at your neighborhood pharmacy, farmers' markets, online, and other participating retailers.

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.

What foods can I get with my OTC card? ›

desserts, fresh baked goods, soda, and tobacco.
  • • Fresh fruits and vegetables. • Canned fruits and vegetables. • Frozen produce and meals.
  • • Fresh salad kits. • Dairy products. • Meat and seafood.
  • • Beans and legumes. • Pantry staples – flour, sugar, spices, etc. ...
  • • Nutritional shakes and bars. • Soups.

Why is OTC important? ›

OTC saves the effort that one has to take to go out there and purchase medicines. It helps to provide the proper medication at the right place at the right time. A person can choose to buy OTC medicines from the store that is situated nearest to their residence. Thus improving accessibility and saving time and effort.

What are the disadvantages of OTC? ›

Disadvantages
  • Higher risk. Volatility: OTC stocks are often more volatile than their exchange-listed counterparts. ...
  • Limited information and transparency. ...
  • Lack of liquidity. ...
  • Potential for fraud. ...
  • Limited analyst coverage.

What are the cons of OTC drugs? ›

Inappropriate or inaccurate medication may cause negative symptoms or fail to treat the underlying cause while worsening rather than helping the patient's health. 3. Taking too much medication can have serious side effects, such as coma, permanent disabilities, and worst circ*mstances even death.

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.

Can I buy laundry detergent with my OTC card? ›

You can also get everyday items like laundry detergent, soap and toothbrushes.

Can I buy shampoo with my OTC card? ›

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? ›

A quarterly OTC spending allowance is loaded to your Benefits Prepaid Card on the first day of each quarter. Unused amounts rollover to the next quarter but must be used by the end of the calendar year.

What can you buy with over-the-counter benefits? ›

Eligible items include:
  • Nicotine replacement therapy items.
  • Band aids and first aid supplies.
  • Food scales.
  • Oral hygiene care products.
  • OTC antibiotic creams/ointments.
  • OTC antihistamines and allergy sprays.
  • OTC cold/cough/flu drugs.
  • OTC pain relievers.

Can I withdraw money from my OTC card? ›

OTC withdrawals are available up to the daily withdrawal authorization limits, provided the Available Balance in your account is greater than or equal to the cash withdrawal amount requested.

How much money is on my OTC card? ›

How do I check the balance on my OTC card? Once your card is activated, you should learn how to check your account details. You'll especially need to check your balance and the amount you've used. Most cards have a toll-free number listed on the back of the card, which you can call to find out.

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.

Can I buy soap and shampoo with my OTC card? ›

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.

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