Over-the-Counter (OTC)

At Elderplan, we recognize the importance of having access to nutritious meals, healthy groceries, and your favorite health-related items. We also understand the importance of flexibility in using your benefits for everyday needs. While most of our plans provide Traditional OTC benefits, the amount you can spend varies by plan. For eligible members,1our Expanded OTC option offers additional benefits, enhancing your ability to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.


Traditional OTC Benefits

If you have Traditional OTC Benefits, you can make health-related purchases for non-prescription medication, health, wellness and first aid items.  Allowance varies by plan, so please make sure to check your OTC benefit as well as your current balance before you go shopping. You can review OTC Benefits by Plan for more information.

Expanded OTC Benefits

To be eligible1 for the Expanded OTC benefit, members must meet specific criteria. Eligible members can use their OTC allowance for additional items, including;

  • NEW! Community Ride Shares:  Use your OTC allowance toward transportation, including Uber and Lyft, to visit friends and family, pharmacies, grocery stores, houses of worship, senior centers. It can also be applied to tolls, parking and fuel purchases at the gas pump.
  • Rent or Mortgage Assistance: You can use your OTC allowance toward your rent, mortgage and Homeowner Association (HOA) fees at the place where you live, as long as VISA is accepted as a form of payment.
  • Cell phone, Internet, and Utility Bill Payment: You can use your OTC allowance to pay your internet, cell phone, and utility bills at any in-store or online retailer that accepts VISA.
  • Home-Delivered Meals, you can leave the cooking to us. Our partners deliver delicious and healthy meals right to your doorstep. The meals are tailored to each member and can be customized based on your medical condition, like diabetes, kidney problems, cancer and heart disease.
  • Groceries and Fresh Produce are delivered right to your door. Members can order fresh produce, home-delivered meals, and pantry essentials.

Whether you have Traditional OTC or the Expanded OTC benefit, you will be provided with an easy-to-use Visa-issued card. And, with a dedicated member portal and phone app, you can find participating retailers and track how much you’ve spent and how much you have left on your card. You can confirm eligibility by answering a few quick health-related questions to see if you are eligible for the Expanded OTC benefit.

  1. Eligibility is determined by whether you have a chronic condition associated with SSBCI benefit (expanded OTC). Examples of SSBCI conditions include, but are not limited to, Cardiovascular Disorders, Diabetes, Arthritis, Chronic Lung Disorders and Cancer. There are other eligible conditions not listed. Standards may vary for this benefit.[][]