OTC (Over-the-Counter) Plus and OTC Card

OTC Benefits cardsOTC Benefits cards

Staying healthy is easier with a Healthfirst OTC Plus and OTC card. Save on items you use every day, such as toothpaste, eye drops, aspirin, and more, when you shop at participating neighborhood stores and select online retailers, with free home-delivery options available.

If you have questions about your new 2023 OTC Plus or OTC card, download the guide to using your card below.

Using Your OTC Plus or OTC CardUsing Your OTC Plus or OTC Card

Benefits Overview

Healthfirst Medicare Advantage Plans with an OTC Plus Card

If you’re a Healthfirst Medicare Advantage plan member with an OTC Plus card, you have the flexibility to spend your benefit in more ways and at more places.

Use your OTC Plus card to pay for non-prescription drugs, health-related items, healthy foods, and home utilities such as gas, electric, water, and internet service.

Save at your neighborhood pharmacy, farmers’ markets, online, and other participating retailers.

Remember to activate your OTC Plus card and bring it with you to participating pharmacies and other retailers, as you cannot use your Healthfirst Member ID or Medicare card to purchase OTC items.

Healthfirst plans with an OTC Plus card:

  1. Life Improvement Plan (HMO D-SNP)
    $475/quarter allowance
  2. CompleteCare Plan (HMO D-SNP)
    $180/month allowance
  3. Increased Benefits Plan (HMO)
    $100/quarterly allowance

Any unused balance will automatically expire at the end of each month/quarter, or upon disenrollment from the plan.

You must activate your Healthfirst OTC Plus card before you can use it.

Learn More

Category Life Improvement Plan (HMO D-SNP) CompleteCare (HMO D-SNP) Increased Benefits Plan (HMO)*
OTC and Health-Related Items
Checked Checked Checked
Healthy Foods
Checked Checked Checked
Home Utilities
Checked Checked Checked
Fitness Equipment/Activity Trackers
Checked Checked
Hearing Aid Copays
Checked
Personal Emergency Response Systems
Checked

* While all Increased Benefit Plan members will have $100/ quarter OTC Plus card to spend, only low-income subsidy eligible members with Extra Help will be able to spend their card on healthy foods and utilities.

Last update May 10, 2023 @ 3:48 pm

Click on each category to learn more

OTC and Health-Related Items

Purchase non-prescription drugs and health-related items such as aspirin, vitamins, eye drops, laxatives, and more at participating pharmacies and other retailers. Log into your Healthfirst account at MyHFNY.org for a list of approved items and participating retailers.

  • Buy OTC and health-related items online with no-cost delivery at NationsOTC
    • Visit nationsotc.com/healthfirst, or log into MyHFNY.org to automatically access your NationsOTC account.
    • Update your account profile with shipping address details.
    • To place an order online, select products and complete the checkout process.

Healthy Foods

Purchase healthy foods from participating retailers and farmers’ markets. Examples of approved food items are fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry, seafood, eggs, dairy, rice, pasta, beans, and much more. Visit MyHFNY.org for a list of approved items and participating retailers.

  • Save on fresh fruits, vegetables, and more at GrowNYC locations
    • Use the OTC Plus card at Greenmarkets, Farmstands, or Fresh Food Box locations in GrowNYC’s network.
    • Visit grownyc.org/greenmarket/ourmarkets to locate a GrowNYC food retail site near you.
    • Go to the administrative tent at these locations and the GrowNYC attendant will show you how to use your OTC Plus card.
    • Depending on the GrowNYC location, you will either be able to:
      • swipe your card to purchase your food, or
      • receive “Healthfirst-GrowNYC Greenmarket Bucks”, which can then be exchanged for healthy food at these locations
  • Buy healthy foods online, with no-cost delivery, at NationsOTC
    • Visit nationsotc.com/healthfirst, or log into MyHFNY.org to automatically access your NationsOTC account. You can also call 1-877-236-7027 (TTY 711), Monday to Friday, 8am–8pm.
    • Order convenient fresh produce and pantry boxes and stock up on approved food items such as dried pasta, rice, beans, and more.
  • Have freshly prepared meals delivered to your home with Mom’s Meals
    • Life Improvement Plan and Increased Benefits Plan members can use the OTC Plus card to have freshly prepared meals from Mom’s Meals delivered to their home.**
    • Visit momsmeals.com/healthfirst. Use the discount code Healthfirst to receive free shipping.
    • Call 1-877-347-3438, Monday to Friday, 8am–7pm. Please identify yourself as a Healthfirst member to receive free shipping. You will not need to provide your Member ID number.

Exercise Equipment/Activity Trackers

Purchase exercise equipment and activity trackers (such as Apple® Watches, pedometers, and other fitness watches) through NationsOTC. Visit nationsotc.com/healthfirst, or log into MyHFNY.org to automatically access your NationsOTC account.

Home Utilities

Use your OTC Plus card to pay for your home utilities (gas, electric, water, and internet service)
if your utility service provider is on our approved list (e.g., NYC Water Board, Consolidated
Edison, National Grid, Spectrum, and others).

To pay for your home utility bills:

Log in to MyHFNY.org, go to the OTC Plus section, click on Learn More, and follow the
instructions from the Home Utilities section.

Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS)

Life Improvement Plan members only: Use your OTC Plus card towards your purchase of a PERS. Personal emergency response systems provide peace of mind when you know that help is available with the push of a button. Each emergency response system is powered by ADT, one of the nation’s leading providers of security, automation, and safety solutions. Order your PERS device and monthly service through NationsOTC. Visit nationsotc.com/healthfirst, or log into MyHFNY.org to automatically access your NationsOTC account.

Some CompleteCare members may qualify for PERS Contact Member Services to see if you’re eligible.

Hearing Aid Copays

Life Improvement Plan members only: Use your OTC Plus card towards your cost sharing for covered hearing aids through a participating audiologist. Please call NationsHearing at 1-877-438-7251 (TTY 711 ) to find an audiologist near you.

Some CompleteCare members may qualify for hearing aids. Contact Member Services to see if you’re eligible.

The OTC Plus card cannot be converted to cash, nor can it be used to purchase Part B or Part D covered prescription drugs. Certain brands may not be eligible at all locations. The list of eligible items may vary from month to month. Items may change, depending on availability. Limitations and restrictions may apply.

**Only Increased Benefit Plan members with Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) can use their OTC Plus card for Mom’s Meals. Some CompleteCare members may qualify for home-delivered meals without having to use their OTC allowance. Contact Member Services to see if you’re eligible.

Log into MyHFNY.org or call 1-833-684-8472 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) to activate your OTC Plus card and for a list of approved items and participating pharmacies and retailers. Please have your OTC Plus card with your 16-digit member benefit card number ready. To purchase OTC items online, click on nationsotc from MyHFNY.org.

Last update May 10, 2023 @ 3:48 pm

Resources

For a complete list of participating pharmacies and retailers, you can:

Resource Name

Life Improvement Plan (HMO D-SNP) Eligible Items

OTC Plus Claim Reimbursement Form

CompleteCare (HMO D-SNP) Eligible Items

OTC Plus Claim Reimbursement Form

Increased Benefits Plan (HMO) Eligible Items

OTC Plus Claim Reimbursement Form

OTC items are subject to the plan’s list of eligible items and the plan’s participating network of retail, online, and utility providers.

Coverage is provided by Healthfirst Health Plan, Inc. or Healthfirst Insurance Company, Inc. (“Healthfirst”). Healthfirst Medicare Plan has HMO and PPO plans with a Medicare contract. Our SNPs also have contracts with the NY State Medicaid program. Enrollment in Healthfirst Medicare Plan depends on contract renewal.

Healthfirst 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 lingüística. Llame al 1-866-305-0408 (TTY 1-888-867-4132). 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 1-866-305-0408  (TTY 1-888-542-3821).

Last update May 10, 2023 @ 3:48 pm

Y0147_MKT23_90 0816-22_2023

Benefits Overview

Healthfirst Medicare Advantage Plans with an OTC Card

If you’re a Healthfirst Medicare Advantage plan Member with an OTC card, you can use your OTC card to shop for non-prescription drugs and health-related items. The OTC card helps you save money and stay healthy.

Remember to activate your OTC card and bring it with you to participating pharmacies and other retailers, as you cannot use your Healthfirst Member ID or Medicare card to purchase OTC items.

Healthfirst plans with an OTC card:

  • Signature (HMO) Plan with OTC Choice Extras benefit $70/quarter allowance

Any unused balance will automatically expire at the end of each month/quarter, or upon disenrollment from the plan.

You must activate your Healthfirst OTC card before you can use it.

Learn More

Click on the category to learn more

OTC and Health-Related Items

Purchase non-prescription drugs and health-related items such as aspirin, vitamins, eye drops, laxatives, and more at participating pharmacies and other retailers. Log into MyHFNY.org for a list of approved items and participating retailers.

  • Buy OTC and health-related items online with no-cost delivery at NationsOTC
    • Visit nationsotc.com/healthfirst, or log into MyHFNY.org to automatically access your NationsOTC account.
    • Update your account profile with shipping address details.
    • To place an order online, select products and complete the checkout process.

Resources

For a complete list of participating pharmacies and retailers, you can:

  • Log into MyHFNY.org
  • Healthfirst Signature (HMO) members, please call your dedicated Member
    Services team at 1-855-771-1081 (TTY English: 1-888-542-3821), 7 days a week,
    8am-8pm (October through March), and Monday to Friday, 8am-8pm (April through September)
Resource Name

Signature (HMO) Approved OTC Purchases

OTC Reimbursement Claim Form

OTC Items are subject to the plan’s list of eligible items and the plan’s participating network of retail, online and utility providers.

Coverage is provided by Healthfirst Health Plan, Inc. or Healthfirst Insurance Company, Inc. (“Healthfirst”). Healthfirst Medicare Plan has HMO and PPO plans with a Medicare contract. Our SNPs also have contracts with the NY State Medicaid program. Enrollment in Healthfirst Medicare Plan depends on contract renewal.

Healthfirst 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 lingüística. Llame al 1-866-305-0408 (TTY 1-888-867-4132). 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 1-866-305-0408 (TTY 1-888-542-3821).

Last update May 10, 2023 @ 3:48 pm

Y0147_MKT22_56 1081-21_2022

How to Activate and Use Your OTC Card

Step 1

Activate your card by calling 1-833-684-8472
(24 hours a day, 7 days a week)

<h2>Step 1</h2>
<h3>Activate your card by calling <a class='tel-link' href='tel:18336848472'><strong>1-833-684-8472</strong></a><br />
(24 hours a day, 7 days a week)</h3>

You’ll need to provide:

  • The OTC Plus/OTC card number on the front of the card
  • Your Healthfirst Medicare plan Member ID card number

Step 2

Visit a participating location
in person, or buy online at nationsotc.com/healthfirst or log into MyHFNY.org

<h2>Step 2</h2>
<h3>Visit a participating location<br />
 in person, or buy online at <a class='external-link' data-url='https://nationsotc.com/healthfirst'><strong>nationsotc.com/healthfirst</strong></a> or log into <a class='external-link' data-url='https://www.MyHFNY.org/'><strong>MyHFNY.org</strong></a></h3>

Take your activated Healthfirst OTC Plus/OTC card to a participating store and select the approved items you want to purchase.

You can use your Healthfirst OTC Plus card at locations such as:

  • Retailers, including Duane Reade, Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, Family Dollar
  • Many local independent pharmacies
  • Home-delivery options through NationsOTC or Mom’s Meals
  • GrowNYC locations
  • For guidance on how to use your OTC Plus card at farmers’ markets, visit the information stand on site

You can use your Healthfirst OTC card at locations such as:

  • Retailers like Duane Reade, Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, and Family Dollar
  • Many local independent pharmacies

 

For a complete list of participating pharmacies and retailers, visit MyHFNY.org or call our Member Services Representatives at 1-888-260-1010 (TTY 1-888-542-3821), or for Signature (HMO) Member Services team, call 1-855-771-1081 (TTY 1-888-542-3821), 7 days a week, 8am–8pm (October through March) and Monday to Friday, 8am–8pm (April through September).

Step 3

Pay for your items

<h2>Step 3</h2>
<h3>Pay for your items</h3>

At local retailers, take your items to the checkout lanes. When you check out, swipe your OTC Plus/OTC card for payment. Purchases of approved items are automatically deducted from your card balance.

Bring your OTC Plus/OTC card with you, as you cannot use your Healthfirst Member ID card or Medicare card to purchase OTC items.

When you shop online at nationsotc.com/healthfirst or MyHFNY.org, remember to enter your card number:

  • OTC Plus card: 19 digit number
  • OTC card: 16 digit number

OTC items are subject to the plan’s list of eligible items and the plan’s participating network of retail, online, and utility providers.

Plans contain exclusions and limitations.

Coverage is provided by Healthfirst Health Plan, Inc. or Healthfirst Insurance Company, Inc. (“Healthfirst”). Healthfirst Medicare Plan has HMO and PPO plans with a Medicare contract. Our SNPs also have contracts with the NY State Medicaid program. Enrollment in Healthfirst Medicare Plan depends on contract renewal.

Healthfirst 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 lingüística. Llame al 1-866-305-0408 (TTY 1-888-867-4132). 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 1-866-305-0408 (TTY 1-888-542-3821).

Limitations

Maximum Limits on OTC Plus/OTC Cards

Depending on your plan, you will receive an OTC Plus/OTC card with a maximum limit for purchasing approved OTC non-prescription drugs and health-related items at participating pharmacies and retailers. In the case of CompleteCare, you can also purchase healthy foods, home utilities, exercise equipment, and activity trackers. Life Improvement Plan members can also use their OTC Plus card for personal emergency response systems (PERS) and hearing aid copays. For more information, view your Evidence of Coverage or contact Member Services.

Some items can be purchased only after a discussion with your provider.

While no prescription is needed before purchasing approved OTC nonprescription drugs and health-related items, some dual-purpose items* can be purchased only after a discussion with your provider, who will recommend the right OTC items for a specific diagnosis/condition.

*Dual-purpose items may include vitamins, minerals, supplements, herbal and Chinese medicines, hormone replacements, and diagnostic tools like blood pressure monitors.

Important Points to Remember

  • Please activate your card before using to receive your allowance
  • Eligible items may be purchased only for the enrollee, not for family members or friends
  • The OTC Plus/OTC card cannot be converted to cash
  • The OTC Plus/OTC card cannot be used to purchase Part B or Part D prescription drugs
  • Any unused balances will automatically expire at the end of each month/quarter or upon disenrollment or transfer to another Healthfirst plan
  • You cannot use your Healthfirst Member ID card or Medicare card to pay for non-prescription drugs, health-related items, healthy foods, produce, or home utilities

OTC/OTC Plus card lost or stolen?

If your card is lost or stolen, please report it immediately by calling Member Services at 1-888-260-1010. Signature (HMO) members, please call your dedicated Member Services team at 1-855-771-1081.

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