Over-the-Counter FAQs

L.A. Care Medicare Plus members have a $150 quarterly (every 3 months) allowance to buy over-the-counter (OTC) health items. Choose from thousands of approved products with your Healthy Benefits Plus card. Below are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to help you.

How do I shop for products online?

View approved OTC products online at the Healthy Benefits Plus website. When you know what you want to buy and ready for purchase, you’ll be taken to Walmart’s website.

You’ll need a Walmart.com account or you can checkout as a guest. Create a cart with the items you want. Choose the Gift Card option for payment. Enter the 17-digit number and 4-digit security code from your Healthy Benefits Plus card. Shipping is free and covered by your health plan.

Are the items listed in the enclosed catalog the only things I can buy with my allowance?

No, the catalog only includes some of the most popular Medicare-approved over-the-counter items you can buy with your allowance. You can find more products online at Healthy Benefits Plus website or at participating, in-store locations.

Can I order the products by phone?

Shop for the products you want by signing in to your account at the Healthy Benefits Plus website. You can also look though the 2023 Catalog. Make a list of the products you want and their item IDs.

Have your Healthy Benefits Plus card ready. You’ll need the 17-digit card number and the security code on the back. Then call Healthy Benefits Plus at 1.833.832.7309 (TTY 711). They can take orders seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Can I shop online at CVS, Walmart, Ralphs and Food-4-Less?

Online shopping for this benefit is through the Walmart website. You cannot use this to shop online at CVS, Ralphs, Food-4-Less or any other participating stores.

Do I pay for shipping costs?

No, all shipping costs are covered by your health plan. Once you apply your OTC benefits to your online order or by phone, all shipping costs will be removed regardless of your order total.

Do I pay sales tax?

Yes, like all OTC programs, you pay sales tax on your order. Applicable sales tax will be added at checkout.

What do I need when I checkout?

You’ll need your Healthy Benefits Plus card or the mobile app in-store.

For online, you’ll need the 17-digit number and 4-digit security code on the Healthy Benefits Plus card. Enter these numbers in the “Gift Card” field. For phone orders, you will also need these same numbers.

When will I get my card?

Members should have received their Healthy Benefits Plus card. New members get their card in the mail about two to three weeks after the coverage start date. If you don’t get your card, call L.A. Care at 1.888.522.1298 (TTY 711).

How do I activate my card?

You can activate your new card by calling 1.833.832.7306 (TTY 711) or online at ActivateS3.com.

What if I need to return an item?

All products are subject to each stores’ return/exchange policies. For phone orders, call Healthy Benefits Plus at 1.833.832.7309 (TTY 711).

Does the $150 quarterly OTC allowance roll over?

No, the allowance does not roll over to the next quarter. All benefits expire on December 31, 2023.

When can I start shopping?

Members who have their Healthy Benefits Plus cards can shop now! New members can use the card when their L.A. Care Medicare Plus coverage starts.

What if my order is lost or stolen?

With your order number, you may contact the Healthy Benefits Plus Customer Service line at 1.833.832.7309 (TTY 711).

Who can use this benefit to shop?

Only the L.A. Care Medicare Plus member who was sent the card can use it to shop.

How do I request a replacement card?

You may request a replacement card be mailed to you by contacting Healthy Benefits+ Customer Service at 1.833.832.7309 (TTY 711).

What if I go over my $125 quarterly allowance?

You will be responsible and will have to pay for any amount over your allowance balance.

Where can I download the free mobile app?

Search "Healthy Benefits Plus" on the App Store® or Google Play™.

Can I mail and/or fax my orders?

No. Please use one of the three convenient methods of shopping: in-store, online/mobile app and by phone.

How often can I shop?

There are no limits to how often you can shop.

How can I check my OTC benefits balance?

You may check your balance by visiting the Healthy Benefits Plus website or using the Healthy Benefits+ mobile app.