Blue cross blue shield over the counter benefits


1 Some local participating retailers include Walmart, Rite Aid, CVS, and Walgreens.

OTC items may only be purchased for the enrollee; it is prohibited to purchase supplies for family members, and friends. The following supplies are not covered as they are non-eligible supplies: alternative medicines (includes botanicals, herbals, probiotics homeopathic, and neutraceuticals), baby supplies, contraceptives, convenience and comfort supplies (insoles, gloves, etc.), cosmetics, food products or supplements, replacement and attachments such as contact lens containers or batteries. To minimize mailing costs the plan may impose a limited ordering quantity per purchase. This list is subject to change. This benefit is only available if your plan offers the OTC service as a benefit. Please consult with your doctor before using any OTC products. All OTC supplies are generic comparable of brand item. Any branded item may be substituted for its generic comparable based on availability. All items are shipped based on manufacturer availability. All items may not be available all the time. If generic item is not acceptable, plan will not ship brand name item. For all people who have diabetes (insulin and non-insulin users) supplies to monitor your blood glucose: blood glucose monitor, blood glucose test strips, lancet devices and lancets, and glucose-control solutions for checking the accuracy of test strips and monitors are available through the Plan Prescription Mail-Order Service by calling Capital Blue Cross Member Services. Authorization and/or a prescription may be required from a physician.

Please allow seven to ten business days to receive your order from the time the order is placed.

Limitations and restrictions may apply. Benefits may change on January 1 of each year.

As a Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage member, you have an over-the-counter (OTC) benefit of one $25 purchase every quarter* to get the products you need conveniently delivered right to your door. Using your OTC benefit you can shop for a wide range of items including vitamins, allergy care, and first aid products. Simply order online, by mail, or by phone.

The Benefits of an Online OTC Account

Easy, Fast & Secure - Check out what your OTC benefit website offers to you through many convenient features.

  • Browse all the OTC products that are available to you like denture, and diabetes care products.
  • Monitor your balance while you shop; making it easier to use the full $25/ quarter benefit.
  • Track your current orders waiting to be delivered, and view orders made in the past.

Who is Eligible for this Benefit?

The benefit is available for Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage Direct Pay members in the following plans:

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield BlueSaver (HMO)
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Senior Blue 601 (HMO)
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Senior Blue 651 (HMO)
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Senior Blue Select (HMO)
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Forever Blue 751 (PPO)
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Forever Blue Value (PPO)
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield Freedom Nation PPO (PPO)

How to Create Your Online Account

To access your online OTC account, click the button below to login or register. See the image for what the login screen should look like. You will need your Blue Cross Blue Shield Member ID card in order to set up your account.

If you need assistance with your online account, please call the OTC Fulfillment Center, Monday – Friday between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. EST at 1-855 657-7542 (TTY 711).

If you have any OTC website specific questions, please view our FAQ page. 

Available January 1, 2021

Blue cross blue shield over the counter benefits

Ways to use your benefit

Blue cross blue shield over the counter benefits

Online

Place your order online quickly and easily with the digital catalog.

Blue cross blue shield over the counter benefits

Mail

Use the print catalog to complete and mail your order form.

Blue cross blue shield over the counter benefits

Phone

Call us to place your order using the print catalog as a guide.

*You’re eligible to receive a $25 allowance each quarter of the plan year. Your allowance amounts will reset every January, April, July, and October. Unused dollars will not roll over from one quarter to the next. If you remain a member from January through December of the same plan year, your quarterly allowances received will total $100. Over-the-counter supplies can only be ordered from the OTC Fulfillment Center. 

Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield of Western New York (BCBSWNY) is a Medicare Advantage plan with a Medicare contract and enrollment depends on contract renewal. Other pharmacies/physicians/providers are available in our network. BCBSWNY complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.  ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia linguistica, Llame al 1-833-735-4515 (TTY 711) 注意:如果您使用繁體中文,您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1-833-735-4515 (TTY 711) 

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Content Last Updated: July 30, 2021

What is covered on OTC?

Your OTC allowance is good for a variety of products including:.
Vitamins and supplements..
Pain relievers, cough drops and other OTC medicines..
Toothbrushes, toothpaste, denture cream and tablets..
Cleansing wipes and bladder control pads..
Bandages and first aid supplies..
Stomach remedies..

How often do you get OTC benefits?

At the beginning of each calendar quarter, your OTC card is loaded with the quarterly OTC amount for your plan. Your balance does not carry over—try to spend the full amount before the end of each quarter. Don't throw out your card—it will be reloaded at the start of the next calendar quarter.

What can I buy with my nations OTC card?

Hundreds of brand-name and generic products, health and wellness items, first-aid supplies, and a variety of foods are available across CMS-approved categories for home delivery nationwide at no additional cost.

Can I use my OTC card at Walgreens?

You can use your OTC card for covered items at participating local retailers, including: CVS. Walgreens.

What does over

As a part of your plan, you have an Over-the-Counter (OTC) benefit. We give you a fixed dollar amount to buy the OTC medications and products you need to stay well. These are everyday things like bandages, pain relievers, cold remedies, toothpaste and much more.

Can you use OTC card at CVS?

You can also go to any OTCHS-enabled participating CVS Pharmacy® store to use your benefit, where available. How do I use the OTC benefit? 1) In select CVS retail locations: You can pick up your OTC items at any OTC Health Solutions® (OTCHS) enabled store.