OTC (Over-the-Counter) Plus Card

Art OTC Plus 3 D left card GTM24

Staying healthy is easier with a Healthfirst OTC Plus 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 OTC Plus card, download the guide to using your card below.

Using Your OTC Plus Card
Choose Plan Year
Learn about

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, exercise equipment, and activity trackers.

Eligible members can also use it to buy healthy foods at farmers' markets and other participating retailers, and pay for home utilities such as gas, oil, electric, water, and internet service.*

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, Medicaid ID, or Medicare card to purchase OTC items.

Healthfirst plans with an OTC Plus card:

  • Life Improvement Plan (HMO D-SNP) $175/month allowance
  • CompleteCare (HMO D-SNP) $252/month allowance
  • Connection Plan (HMO D-SNP) $55/month allowance
  • Increased Benefits Plan (HMO) $35/month allowance
  • 65 Plus Plan (HMO) $25/month allowance

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

Find the right Medicare plan for you

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) Connection Plan (HMO D-SNP) Increased Benefits Plan (HMO) 65 Plus Plan (HMO)
Illustration of non-prescription bottle and tablet
OTC and Health-Related Items
Illustration of heart with a carrot
Healthy Foods*
Illustration of house with Wi-Fi signal
Home Utilities*
Illustration of dumbbells
Exercise Equipment/Activity Trackers
Illustration of an ambulance with a signal
Personal Emergency Response Systems

*Healthy foods and home utilities are special supplemental benefits for members enrolled in a Healthfirst dual-eligible special needs plan. To be eligible, you must have a chronic condition such as cardiovascular disorder, disabling mental health condition, diabetes, lung disorders, obesity, or another eligible condition not listed. Benefit eligibility is not based on your chronic condition alone.

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

Last update October 1, 2025 @ 4:48 am

How the Healthfirst OTC Plus Card Works

Purchase non-prescription drugs and health-related items such as aspirin, vitamins, eye drops, laxatives, and more at participating pharmacies and other retailers. Log in to your Healthfirst account at MyHFNY.org, or use the Healthfirst NY Mobile App for a list of approved items and participating retailers.

Buy OTC and health-related items online at walmart.com and instacart.com.

You can also shop online with no-cost delivery at https://www.conveyhfotc.com/login or log in to MyHFNY.com to automatically access your Convey account.

If eligible, you can 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, or use the Healthfirst NY Mobile App for a list of approved items and participating retailers.

  • Shop at your local grocery store
    • Visit MyHFNY.org to find a participating location near you.
  • 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
  • Have freshly prepared meals or produce boxes delivered to your home with Mom’s Meals
    • Life Improvement Plan and Connection Plan members can use the OTC Plus card to have freshly prepared meals or produce boxes 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.

       

      CompleteCare members may qualify for home-delivered meals without using their OTC Plus allowance. Contact Member Services to see if you are eligible.

Purchase exercise equipment and activity trackers (such as Apple® Watches, pedometers, and other fitness watches) through participating retailers and Convey. Visit https://www.conveyhfotc.com/login or log in to MyHFNY.org to automatically access your Convey account.

If eligible, you can use your OTC Plus card to pay for your home utilities (gas, oil, 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).

You can make your payment directly to your utility company or internet service provider by calling them or using their payment website.

Life Improvement Plan, Connection Plan, Increased Benefits Plan, and 65 Plus Plan members only: Use your OTC Plus card towards your purchase of a PERS. Personal emergency response systems give you 24/7 access to help in the event of an emergency (for example, a fall). Each emergency response system is powered by Lifestation, and you must order your PERS device and monthly service through Lifestation. Order your PERS through Lifestation by calling (888) 360-8108. Visit lifestation.com/healthfirst to see covered devices.

CompleteCare members may qualify for PERS. 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 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.

Log in to 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.

Last update October 1, 2025 @ 4:48 am

Resources

Pharmacies and Retailers

For a complete list of participating pharmacies and retailers, you can use the Healthfirst NY Mobile App, or visit MyHFNY.org.

Reimbursement

You may be eligible for reimbursement if you have trouble paying with your OTC Plus card. To learn more please use the Healthfirst NY Mobile App, or by logging in to MyHFNY.org.

Or call Member Services at 1-888-260-1010 (TTY English: 1-888-542-3821, TTY Español: 1-888-867-4132), 7 days a week, 8am–8pm (October through March), and Monday to Friday, 8am–8pm (April through September).

Eligible Items and Services

Learn more about the items and services you can purchase with your OTC Plus card by using the Healthfirst NY Mobile App, logging in to MyHFNY.org, or downloading a guide below.

Life Improvement Plan (HMO D-SNP)
CompleteCare (HMO D-SNP)
Connection Plan (HMO D-SNP)
Increased Benefits Plan (HMO)
65 Plus Plan (HMO)

Coverage is provided by Healthfirst Health Plan, Inc. and/or Healthfirst PHSP, Inc. (together, "Healthfirst"), which offer HMO plans with a Medicare contract and a contract with the NY State Medicaid program. Enrollment in Healthfirst Medicare Plan depends on contract renewal. Plans contain exclusions and limitations. Benefits vary by plan.

ATENCIÓN: Dispone de servicios de asistencia lingüística y otras ayudas, gratis. Llame al 1-866-305-0408 (TTY: 1-888-867-4132).

请注意:您可以免费获得语言协助服务和其他辅助服务。请致电 1-866-305-0408 (TTY: 1‑888‑542‑3821)。

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

Last update October 1, 2025 @ 4:48 am

Y0147_MKT26_54 5319-25_M

How to Activate and Use Your OTC Plus Card

Step 1

Activate your card by calling 1-833-684-8472
(24 hours a day, 7 days a week), or log in to MyHFNY.org

255F244F-8A2F-41FF-8899-75C43F9F7F3E Created with sketchtool.

You’ll need to provide:

  • The OTC Plus 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 walmart.com, instacart.com, ConveyOTC or log in to MyHFNY.org

4464F274-3143-4A89-8171-535AFE9C4205 Created with sketchtool. +

Take your activated Healthfirst OTC Plus 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 like Stop & Shop, Duane Reade, Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, and Family Dollar
  • Many local independent pharmacies
  • GrowNYC locations*
  • For guidance on how to use your OTC Plus card at farmers' markets, please visit the information table

For a complete list of participating pharmacies and retailers, use the Healthfirst NY Mobile App, or log in to MyHFNY.org.

You can also call our Member Services Representatives at 1-888-260-1010 (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

59849E53-3673-4DBB-A17B-A20797BAE404 Created with sketchtool.

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

Bring your OTC Plus card with you, as you cannot use your Healthfirst Member ID card or Medicare card to purchase OTC items. If you forget your card, you can access a digital version within the Healthfirst NY Mobile App.

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.

*Healthy foods and home utilities are special supplemental benefits for members enrolled in a Healthfirst dual-eligible special needs plan. To be eligible, you must have a chronic condition such as cardiovascular disorder, disabling mental health condition, diabetes, lung disorders, obesity, or another eligible condition not listed. Benefit eligibility is not based on your chronic condition alone.

Coverage is provided by Healthfirst Health Plan, Inc. and/or Healthfirst PHSP, Inc. (together "Healthfirst"), which offer HMO plans with a Medicare contract and a contract with the NY State Medicaid program. Enrollment in Healthfirst Medicare Plan depends on contract renewal. Plans contain exclusions and limitations. Benefits vary by plan.

ATENCIÓN: Dispone de servicios de asistencia lingüística y otras ayudas, gratis. Llame al 1-866-305-0408 (TTY: 1-888-867-4132).

请注意:您可以免费获得语言协助服务和其他辅助服务。请致电 1-866-305-0408 (TTY: 1‑888‑542‑3821)。

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

Limitations

Maximum Limits on OTC Plus Cards

You will receive an OTC Plus card which has a VISA logo, but it does not work like typical VISA debit or credit cards. Your OTC Plus card will have a maximum amount you can use to buy approved OTC non-prescription drugs, health-related items, and more at participating pharmacies and retailers.

Your OTC allowance only works during the current benefit period; the amount does not carry over to future benefit periods. Questions? View your Evidence of Coverage or contact Member Services.

Important Points to Remember

  • To receive your allowance, please activate your card before trying to use it
  • The OTC Plus card has a VISA logo; however, it works differently than a typical VISA card. Members may only use their cards for eligible items with participating retailers/vendors.
  • When you check out at a participating retailer/vendor, swipe your OTC Plus card for payment. If you are prompted to enter a PIN, cancel the transaction and process it as a “credit” transaction.
  • Eligible items may be purchased only for the enrollee, not for family members or friends
  • The OTC Plus card cannot be converted to cash
  • The OTC Plus card cannot be used to purchase Part B or Part D prescription drugs
  • You may only use your allowance in each benefit period; you cannot borrow against a future benefit period allowance (this is not a credit card)
  • Any unused balances will automatically expire at the end of each month, 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
  • Activity trackers and personal emergency response systems are limited to one device per member
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.

Coverage is provided by Healthfirst Health Plan, Inc. and/or Healthfirst PHSP, Inc. (together, "Healthfirst"), which offer HMO plans with a Medicare contract and a contract with the NY State Medicaid program. Enrollment in Healthfirst Medicare Plan depends on contract renewal. Plans contain exclusions and limitations. Benefits vary by plan.

ATENCIÓN: Dispone de servicios de asistencia lingüística y otras ayudas, gratis. Llame al 1-866-305-0408 (TTY: 1-888-867-4132).

请注意:您可以免费获得语言协助服务和其他辅助服务。请致电 1-866-305-0408 (TTY: 1‑888‑542‑3821)。

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

Last update October 1, 2025 @ 4:48 am

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, exercise equipment and activity trackers, healthy foods, and home utilities such as gas, oil, 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, Medicaid ID or Medicare card to purchase OTC items.

Healthfirst plans with an OTC Plus card:

  • Life Improvement Plan (HMO D-SNP) $575/quarter allowance
  • CompleteCare Plan (HMO D-SNP) $280/month allowance
  • Connection Plan (HMO D-SNP) $170/quarter allowance
  • Increased Benefits Plan (HMO) $110/quarter allowance

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

Find the right Medicare plan for you

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)* Connection Plan (HMO D-SNP) Increased Benefits Plan (HMO)**
Illustration of non-prescription bottle and tablet
OTC and Health-Related Items
Illustration of heart with a carrot
Healthy Foods
Illustration of house with Wi-Fi signal
Home Utilities
Illustration of dumbbells
Exercise Equipment/Activity Trackers
Illustration of an ambulance with a signal
Personal Emergency Response Systems

* For Healthfirst CompleteCare: Healthy foods/groceries and home utilities are special supplemental benefits. To be eligible for these benefits, you must have one of the following chronic conditions: cardiovascular disorder, disabling mental health condition, diabetes, lung disorders, or obesity. There are other eligible conditions not listed. Your chronic condition alone cannot guarantee eligibility for these benefits.

** While all Increased Benefit Plan members will have $110/ 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 October 1, 2025 @ 4:48 am

Click on each category to learn more

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, or use the Healthfirst NY Mobile App for a list of approved items and participating retailers.

Buy OTC and health-related items online with no-cost delivery at https://www.conveyhfotc.com/login.

Visit https://www.conveyhfotc.com/login or log into MyHFNY.org to automatically access your Convey account.

Update your account profile with shipping address details.

To place an order online, select products and complete the checkout process.

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, or use the Healthfirst NY Mobile App 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 Convey
    • Visit https://www.conveyhfotc.com/login or log into MyHFNY.org to automatically access your Convey account. You can also call 1-855-816-0988 (TTY 711), Monday to Friday, 8am–11pm, Saturday and Sunday, 8am—8pm.
    • Order non-perishable foods and stock up on approved items such as canned vegetables, dried pasta and more.
  • Have freshly prepared meals or produce boxes delivered to your home with Mom’s Meals
    • Life Improvement Plan, Connection Plan, and Increased Benefits Plan members can use the OTC Plus card to have freshly prepared meals or produce boxes from Mom’s Meals delivered to their home.1
    • 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.

CompleteCare members may qualify for home delivered meals. Contact Member Services to see if you are eligible.

Purchase exercise equipment and activity trackers (such as Apple® Watches, pedometers, and other fitness watches) through Convey. Visit https://www.conveyhfotc.com/login or log into MyHFNY.org to automatically access your Convey account.

Use your OTC Plus card to pay for your home utilities (gas, oil, 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).

You can make your payment directly to your utility company or internet service provider by calling them directly or using their payment website.

Life Improvement Plan, Connection Plan and Increased Benefit 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 LifeStation. Order your PERS device and monthly service through Lifestation. Visit lifestation.com/healthfirstny/ or log into MyHFNY.org to automatically access your account.

CompleteCare members may qualify for PERS. 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 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.

Log in to 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.

Last update October 1, 2025 @ 4:48 am

Resources

Pharmacies and Retailers

For a complete list of participating pharmacies and retailers, you can use the Healthfirst NY Mobile App, or visit MyHFNY.org.

Reimbursement

The fastest and easiest way to submit a reimbursement claim is through the Healthfirst NY Mobile App, or by logging into MyHFNY.org.

Or call Member Services at 1-888-260-1010 (TTY English: 1-888-542-3821, TTY Español: 1-888-867-4132), 7 days a week, 8am–8pm (October through March) and Monday to Friday, 8am–8pm (April through September)

Eligible Items and Services

Learn more about the items and services you can purchase with your OTC card.

Life Improvement Plan (HMO D-SNP)
CompleteCare (HMO D-SNP)
Connection Plan (HMO D-SNP)
Increased Benefits Plan (HMO)

Coverage is provided by Healthfirst Health Plan, Inc. and/or Healthfirst PHSP, Inc. (together, "Healthfirst"), which offer HMO plans with a Medicare contract and a contract with the NY State Medicaid program. Enrollment in Healthfirst Medicare Plan depends on contract renewal. Plans contain exclusions and limitations. Benefits vary by plan.

ATENCIÓN: Dispone de servicios de asistencia lingüística y otras ayudas, gratis. Llame al 1-866-305-0408 (TTY: 1-888-867-4132).

请注意:您可以免费获得语言协助服务和其他辅助服务。请致电 1-866-305-0408 (TTY: 1‑888‑542‑3821)。

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

Last update October 1, 2025 @ 4:48 am

Y0147_MKT25_91 5128-24_M

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, and more. 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 $85/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

What is covered?

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. You can also use your OTC card for exercise equipment, activity trackers, and personal emergency response systems (PERS). 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 Convey

  • Visit https://www.conveyhfotc.com/login, or log into MyHFNY.org to automatically access your Convey account.
  • Update your account profile with shipping address details.
  • To place an order online, select products and complete the checkout process.

Click on each category to learn more

Purchase exercise equipment and activity trackers (such as Apple® Watches, pedometers, and other fitness watches) through Convey. Visit https://www.conveyhfotc.com/login or log into MyHFNY.org to automatically access your Convey account.

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 LifeStation. Order your PERS device and monthly service through Lifestation. Visit lifestation.com/healthfirstny/ or log into MyHFNY.org to automatically access your account.

The OTC card cannot be converted to cash, nor can it be used to purchase Part B or Part D 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.

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

Resources

Pharmacies and Retailers

For a complete list of participating pharmacies and retailers, you can use the Healthfirst NY Mobile App, or visit MyHFNY.org.

Reimbursement

The fastest and easiest way to submit a reimbursement claim is through the Healthfirst NY Mobile App, or by logging into MyHFNY.org.

Log in to your account at MyHFNY.org to complete the form and submit the receipt online, OR call Signature (HMO) Member Services at 1-855-771-1081 (TTY English: 1-888-542-3821, TTY Español: 1-888-867-4132), 7 days a week, 8am–8pm (October through March) and Monday to Friday, 8am–8pm (April through September)

Eligible Items and Services

Learn more about the items and services you can purchase with your OTC card.

Signature (HMO)

Coverage is provided by Healthfirst Health Plan, Inc. and/or Healthfirst PHSP, Inc. (together, "Healthfirst"), which offer HMO plans with a Medicare contract and a contract with the NY State Medicaid program. Enrollment in Healthfirst Medicare Plan depends on contract renewal. Plans contain exclusions and limitations. Benefits vary by plan.

ATENCIÓN: Dispone de servicios de asistencia lingüística y otras ayudas, gratis. Llame al 1-866-305-0408 (TTY: 1-888-867-4132).

请注意:您可以免费获得语言协助服务和其他辅助服务。请致电 1-866-305-0408 (TTY: 1‑888‑542‑3821)。

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

Last update October 1, 2025 @ 4:48 am

Y0147_MKT25_91 5128-24_M

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), or log into MyHFNY.org

255F244F-8A2F-41FF-8899-75C43F9F7F3E Created with sketchtool.

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 ConveyOTC or log into MyHFNY.org

4464F274-3143-4A89-8171-535AFE9C4205 Created with sketchtool. +

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 like Duane Reade, Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, and Family Dollar
  • Many local independent pharmacies
  • 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, Family Dollar, CTown, Walmart, Stop&Shop, Rite Aid, Duane Reade by Walgreens, ShopRite, Dollar General, Hannaford, GrowNYC, and Western Beef.
  • Many local independent pharmacies

For a complete list of participating pharmacies and retailers, use the Healthfirst NY Mobile App, or log into MyHFNY.org

You can also 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

59849E53-3673-4DBB-A17B-A20797BAE404 Created with sketchtool.

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.

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 1-855-771-1081.

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., Healthfirst PHSP, Inc., and/or Healthfirst Insurance Company, Inc. (together, “Healthfirst”). Plans contain exclusions and limitations.

Healthfirst complies with Federal civil rights laws. Healthfirst does not exclude people or treat them differently because of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex as defined in 45 CFR § 92.101(a)(2).

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 or OTC Plus card which has VISA logos, but don’t work like typical VISA debit or credit cards. Your OTC Plus/OTC card will have a maximum amount you can use to buy approved OTC non-prescription drugs and health-related items at participating pharmacies and retailers.

For CompleteCare* members, you can buy healthy foods, home utilities, exercise equipment, and activity trackers. Life Improvement Plan, Connection Plan, Signature (HMO), and Increased Benefit Plan** members can also use their OTC/OTC Plus card for personal emergency response systems (PERS). Your OTC allowance only works during the current benefit period; the amount does not carry over to future benefit periods. Questions? View your Evidence of Coverage or contact Member Services.

*For Healthfirst CompleteCare: Healthy foods/groceries and home utilities are special supplemental benefits. To be eligible for these benefits, you must have one of the following chronic conditions: cardiovascular disorder, disabling mental health condition, diabetes, lung disorders, or obesity. There are other eligible conditions not listed. Your chronic condition alone cannot guarantee eligibility for these benefits. All applicable eligibility requirements must be met before the benefits are provided.

**For members with Extra Help; members without Extra Help can purchase OTC and health-related items, fitness equipment, activity trackers, and PERS only.

Last update October 1, 2025 @ 4:48 am

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
  • diagnostic tools like blood pressure monitors

Important Points to Remember

  • Please activate your card before using to receive your allowance
  • The OTC and OTC Plus cards have VISA logos; however, they work differently than typical VISA cards. Members may only use their cards for eligible items with participating retailers/vendors.
  • When you check out at a participating retailer/vendor, swipe your OTC Plus card for payment. If you are prompted to enter a PIN, cancel the transaction and process it as a “credit” transaction.
  • 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
  • You may only use your allowance in each benefit period; You cannot borrow against a future benefit period allowance (this is not a credit card)
  • 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 1-855-771-1081.

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