Your OTC Benefit
Eligible members may have access to more. If you have a qualifying chronic condition, your OTC benefit may expand to cover additional items and expenses — including healthy foods, home-delivered meals, hearing aids and more.
When shopping in-store, select eligible items and choose the OTC card option at checkout. The purchase amount will be deducted automatically from your balance. Any remaining balance must be paid by an alternative payment method.
If Shopping Online, visit a participating retailer’s website. Choose eligible items at checkout, and your OTC Card will cover purchases up to your approved balance. Any remaining balance needs an additional form of payment.
2027 OTC Benefit Details
| Feature | Benefit Details |
|---|---|
| Monthly Allowance | You receive a combined allowance of $175 every month. |
| Roll-over Rules | Unused benefit dollars do not carry over to the next month; they expire at the end of each month. |
| Standard Covered Items | Eligible health-related OTC items, including Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), COVID-19 tests, and Naloxone nasal spray. Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids. |
| SSBCI Additions* | Eligible members with certain chronic conditions can use the monthly allowance for groceries, certain utility payments (including cell phone and internet bills), and personal hygiene items. |
| Payment Method | Benefits are accessed via an OTC card provided by Elderplan. |
| Key Restrictions | • The card cannot be converted to cash or used as a standard debit/credit card.• It cannot be used to purchase Part B or Part D prescription drugs.• Use is limited to select pharmacies and/or retailers |