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 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, fitness 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:

  1. Life Improvement Plan (HMO D-SNP) $525/quarter allowance
  2. CompleteCare Plan (HMO D-SNP) $250/month allowance
  3. Connection Plan (HMO D-SNP) $285/quarter allowance
  4. Increased Benefits Plan (HMO) $100/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)*
OTC and Health-Related Items
Checked Checked Checked Checked
Healthy Foods
Checked Checked Checked Checked
Home Utilities
Checked Checked Checked Checked
Fitness Equipment/Activity Trackers
Checked Checked Checked Checked
Personal Emergency Response Systems
Checked 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 home utilities.

** The benefits mentioned are a part of special supplemental program for the chronically ill. Not all members qualify.

Last update December 29, 2023 @ 9:16 am

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 ConveyHFOTC.com.

Visit ConveyHFOTC.com 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.

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 Convey
    • Visit ConveyHFOTC.com 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 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 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 Convey. Visit ConveyHFOTC.com or log into MyHFNY.org to automatically access your Convey account.

Home Utilities

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.

Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS)

Life Improvement 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 ADT. Order your PERS device and monthly service through Convey. Visit ConveyHFOTC.com or log into MyHFNY.org to automatically access your Convey 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.

**Only Increased Benefit Plan and Connection 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 ConveyHFOTC.com from MyHFNY.org.

Last update December 29, 2023 @ 9:16 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 Plus card.

pdfLife Improvement Plan (HMO D-SNP)
pdfCompleteCare (HMO D-SNP)
pdfConnection Plan (HMO D-SNP)
pdfIncreased Benefits Plan (HMO)

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. Plans contain exclusions and limitations.

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 December 29, 2023 @ 9:16 am

Y0147_MKT24_67 1102-23_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. 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

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 for a list of approved items and participating retailers.

Buy OTC and health-related items online with no-cost delivery at Convey

  • Visit ConveyHFOTC.com, 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.

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.

pdfSignature (HMO)

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. Plans contain exclusions and limitations.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 December 29, 2023 @ 9:16 am

Y0147_MKT24_67 1102-23_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

<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), or log into <a class='external-link' style='text-decoration: underline;' href='https://www.MyHFNY.org/' target='_blank'><strong>MyHFNY.org</strong></a></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 ConveyHFOTC.com or log into MyHFNY.org

<h2>Step 2</h2>
<h3>Visit a participating location in person, or buy online at <a class='external-link' style='text-decoration: underline;' data-url='https://conveyhfotc.com'><strong>ConveyHFOTC.com</strong></a> or log into <a class='external-link' style='text-decoration: underline;' href='https://www.MyHFNY.org/' target='_blank'><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 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, and Family Dollar
  • 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, 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.

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 Member Services at 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. Plans contain exclusions and limitations.

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 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, Connection, and Increased Benefit Plans, you can buy healthy foods, home utilities, exercise equipment, and activity trackers. Life Improvement Plan and Increased Benefit Plan* members can also use their 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 members with full Extra Help; members without Extra Help can purchase OTC and health-related items only.

Last update December 29, 2023 @ 9:16 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. hormone replacements. Chinese medicine, weight management items and diagnostic tools like blood pressure monitors.

Last update December 29, 2023 @ 9:16 am

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 Member Services at 1-855-771-1081.

Support when you need it

Contact Us