What can I purchase with my WellCare OTC card? In this article, we will show you a wide range of things you can buy with Wellcare OTC card, along with some handy tips to get the most from your OTC benefit.

Let’s dive right in!

Are you taking advantage of the Over-the-Counter (OTC) benefit that comes with many WellCare Medicare Advantage plans? If you’re not sure what to buy or how to use your WellCare OTC card, you’ve come to the right place.

What is the WellCare OTC Card?

Before we get into the details, let’s clarify what a WellCare OTC card actually is. Many Medicare Advantage plans provided by WellCare include an OTC allowance, which is loaded onto a pre-paid card. This benefit allows you to purchase a variety of health and wellness products without paying out of pocket, up to the plan’s benefit limit.

That means you can conveniently pick up everyday health items like cold and allergy meds, vitamins, first-aid supplies, and more, all with your WellCare OTC card. Every plan has different allowances and eligibility rules, so make sure to check your plan’s specific guidelines for up-to-date information on which items are covered.

See Also: 21 Things You Can Buy with Your Aetna OTC Card

Things You Can Buy with WellCare OTC Card

Over-the-counter cold remedies

When cold and flu season strikes, you’ll be glad to know you can use your WellCare OTC card to purchase various decongestants, cough suppressants, and fever reducers. Look for common products like:

1. Cough syrups (e.g., Robitussin, Delsym)

2. Nasal decongestants (e.g., Sudafed)

3. Cough drops and lozenges

4. Fever reducers/pain relievers (e.g., Tylenol, Advil)

Allergy relief

If seasonal allergies are making you miserable, your OTC benefit can help ease the burden of buying non-prescription allergy relief medications. Some of the eligible allergy products include:

5. Antihistamines (e.g., Claritin, Zyrtec, Benadryl)

6. Nasal sprays (e.g., Flonase, Nasacort)

Pain Relievers and Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Dealing with the occasional headache, joint pain, or sore muscles? OTC pain relievers may be eligible under your plan. Common pain relief items you might pick up include:

7. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

8. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)

9. Naproxen (Aleve)

10. Topical pain relief creams (e.g., Icy Hot, Bengay)

As always, consult with your pharmacist or healthcare provider if you have questions about which product is right for you.

Vitamins and Dietary Supplements

Many WellCare plans allow you to use your OTC benefit toward dietary supplements that support overall health. Some popular categories include:

11. Multivitamins (both men’s and women’s formulas)

12. Vitamin D (important for bone health)

13. Calcium or magnesium supplements

14. Fish oil/omega-3 supplements

15. Probiotics

Remember, it’s best to consult your doctor about which supplements fit your health needs.

Digestive Health Products

Digestive issues can throw a wrench into anyone’s day. Fortunately, you can often use your WellCare OTC card to stock up on:

16. Antacids (e.g., Tums, Rolaids)

17. Acid reducers (e.g., Pepcid, Prilosec OTC)

18. Laxatives (e.g., Metamucil, Dulcolax)

19. Anti-diarrheal medications (e.g., Imodium)

If you have chronic digestive issues, your healthcare provider can recommend the best course of action and appropriate OTC products.

First-Aid Supplies

You never know when a minor cut or scrape might happen. Keep your first-aid kit fully stocked using your WellCare OTC card. First-aid eligible items often include:

20. Bandages and gauze

21. Antiseptic wipes and ointments (e.g., Neosporin)

22. Medical tape

23. Disposable gloves

24. Hot/cold packs

Personal Care and Hygiene Products

While it depends on your specific plan, some WellCare OTC benefits also allow for personal care items. These can include:

25. Dental care: toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss

26. Denture care: denture adhesive, cleaners

27. Ear care: ear drops, ear wax removal kits

28. Foot care: antifungal creams, callus removers

Double-check the guidelines for your specific WellCare plan to ensure that personal care items are included.

Read Also: 3 Ways to Apply for Medicaid OTC Card

Home Medical Equipment and Supplies

For those who need medical supplies at home, the OTC benefit might help reduce expenses on certain devices and aids, such as:

29. Blood pressure monitors

30. Glucose testing supplies (for diabetics)

31. Nebulizers and accessories (depending on plan coverage)

32. Mobility aids (e.g., canes, walkers — in some cases)

Please note that coverage for these higher-cost items can vary significantly, and you may need to contact WellCare directly or review your plan materials to confirm.

Incontinence Supplies

Maintaining comfort and hygiene is crucial, and many WellCare OTC benefits include a range of incontinence products, such as:

33. Adult briefs

34. Protective underwear

35. Underpads (bed protectors)

36. Wipes for sensitive skin

These items can be quite expensive out of pocket, so using your OTC benefit can provide considerable cost savings.

Diabetes Care Products

Some WellCare plans extend their OTC coverage to select diabetic supplies. This can include:

37. Sugar-free cough and cold products

38. Lancets and lancing devices (depending on your plan)

39. Alcohol swabs

For diabetic monitoring devices and test strips, your plan might classify them differently, possibly under your Durable Medical Equipment (DME) or pharmacy benefit. Always confirm with WellCare to avoid surprises at checkout.

Nicotine Replacement Therapies

If you’re planning to quit smoking, using nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) can be a step in the right direction. Certain WellCare plans permit OTC benefits for:

40. Nicotine patches

41. Nicotine gum

42. Nicotine lozenges

This can be a terrific way to offset some costs while you focus on a healthier lifestyle. If you need extra support, talk to your healthcare provider about smoking cessation programs and resources.

Read Also: How Much is Aetna OTC Card and How to Spend it

Tips for Maximizing Your WellCare OTC Benefits

1. Review Your Plan Catalog: Each plan has a unique list of approved items and the dollar limit for each quarter or month. Make sure to review any printed or online catalog WellCare provides to see exactly what’s covered.
2. Place Your Orders Early: If you’re ordering your OTC items online or by phone, do it at the beginning of each benefit period so you don’t risk running out of essentials.
3. Keep an Eye on Expiration Dates: Over-the-counter items have expiration dates, so avoid stocking up on more than you can use. It’s best to keep your supply fresh and use any remaining balance for other eligible products.
4. Plan for Seasonal Needs: If you know allergy or flu season is around the corner, plan your purchases accordingly. That way, you’ll have everything on hand and won’t need to rush out in bad weather.
5. Consult Your Healthcare Provider: When in doubt about whether an OTC product is suitable for your health condition, always consult your pharmacist or doctor.

Final Thoughts

Your WellCare OTC card is a fantastic tool to help stretch your healthcare budget. From cold and allergy medications to first-aid supplies, personal care items, and even nicotine replacement therapies, you have a range of options available — all at little or no additional cost to you.

Remember: Benefits and covered items may vary by plan and can change from year to year. Always refer to your plan’s official website, catalog, or customer service number for the most accurate, up-to-date information. By staying informed and planning your purchases, you’ll make the most of your WellCare OTC benefits and keep your home stocked with the essential health products you need.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Plan options and OTC allowances may differ, and covered items can change at any time. Always verify your benefits and eligible products with WellCare or your plan’s official documentation.