Every month, L.A. Care Medicare Plus members receive a $120 combined allowance preloaded onto their Benefits Mastercard® Prepaid Card. This allowance can be used for Over-the Counter (OTC) Items, groceries, home utilities and gas at the pump.
Please note that unused funds will not carry over to the next month. Please check your Member Handbook for additional details. Here’s how members can use this benefit:
Over-the Counter (OTC) Items
Members can use the card to purchase non-prescription health and wellness items such as:
- Cough and cold medicine
- Vitamins
- Pain relievers
- Bandages
- COVID-19 Over-The-Counter Tests
Healthy Foods / Grocery
Members can use the card to purchase nutritious items such as:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Frozen meals
- Meat and seafood
- Nutritional shakes
- Water and more
Utilities Assistance
The card can help members cover home utility costs, including:
- Electric and heating
- Cable and satellite
- Telecommunication services
- Computer networks/information services
Automotive Gasoline
Members can pay for gas directly at the pump. Note: Purchases inside gas station convenience stores are not covered. Some gas stations may place a temporary hold on the card, causing transaction declines.
Getting Started
The Benefits Mastercard® Prepaid Card and activation instructions will be mailed to members, along with an OTC Product and Grocery catalog. Members will receive their Mastercard® Prepaid Card, activation instructions, and catalog within 10 – 12 business days after confirmation of enrollment.
Your choice of four ways to shop:
In-Store
Members can shop at participating pharmacies and retailers like Albertsons, CVS, Food-4-Less, Ralphs, Walgreens, Walmart, and more. You can visit lacare.nationsbenefits.com to find a store nearby.
Online
Members can browse and order approved products at lacare.nationsbenefits.com. First-time users need to register on the Benefits Pro Portal or app. Returning users can log in, select items, and checkout.
By Phone
Members can review the catalog or visit lacare.nationsbenefits.com to choose their products. They can place orders by calling 1-833-571-7587 (TTY: 711). Member Service Representatives are available 24/7, including holidays.
Order Through the App
Members can download the Benefits Pro app on their mobile phone. View their account balance and transactions. They can also check if a product is approved while they are shopping in-store. Download the free app in the App Store® or Google Play™.
Catalogs
L.A. Care Medicare Plus 2025 Catalog English
Didn’t Receive Your Kit or Need a Replacement Card?
Members can call NationsBenefits® at 1-833-571-7587 (TTY: 711). Representatives are available from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. local time to assist with any questions about this benefit.
Store Finder
To find a store visit lacare.nationsbenefits.com, and don't forget to check the Member Handbook for more details.
About the Benefits Prepaid Card Allowance
Medicare approved L.A. Care Medicare Plus to provide these benefits as part of the Value-Based Insurance Design program. This program lets Medicare try new ways to improve Medicare Advantage plans.
The monthly allowance offers flexibility in choosing how to spend on Grocery, Utilities Assistance, Automotive Gasoline, and Over-the-Counter (OTC) items. Please note that any unused funds do not roll over to the next month.
Important information about your allowance
- All products purchased are subject to the retailers’ return/exchange policies.
- Retail location stores include Walmart, CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, and other participating retailers.
- Online ordering is available only through LACare.NationsBenefits.com
- Only approved products are covered. You are responsible for paying the amount of any purchases over the value on your card, and any non-approved items.
- Only the member who was issued the card can use it to make purchases.
- If your card is lost or stolen, request a replacement card online at LACare.NationsBenefits.com or call 1-833-571-7587 (TTY: 711).
- If your phone order is lost or stolen call NationsBenefit at 1-833-571-7587 (TTY: 711) with your order number.
- You can begin submitting orders once your coverage starts.
- Over-the-counter benefits are administered by Nations Benefit. All brands listed are trademarked by their respective manufacturers. Brands and item eligibility are subject to change.
- L.A. Care Medicare Plus (HMO D-SNP) is a health plan that contracts with both Medicare and Medi-Cal to provide benefits of both programs to enrollees.