> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://ucardhub-helpcenter.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Using Your UCard OTC Benefit to Buy Health Products

> Your UCard OTC allowance covers hundreds of over-the-counter health products. Learn which items qualify and where you can shop with your benefit.

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    <span>Get Started Here</span>
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Your UCard includes an over-the-counter (OTC) benefit — a dollar allowance you can spend on approved health, wellness, and personal care products. This benefit makes it easy to stock up on everyday essentials like vitamins, pain relievers, bandages, and more without spending out of pocket.

## What the OTC Benefit Covers

Your OTC allowance applies to a broad range of health and wellness categories. Here's an overview of what's typically eligible:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Pain Relief & Fever" icon="thermometer">
    Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin, and topical pain relief creams and patches.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Cold, Flu & Allergy" icon="head-side-cough">
    Antihistamines, decongestants, cough syrups, and nasal sprays to help you manage seasonal and everyday symptoms.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Vitamins & Supplements" icon="pills">
    Multivitamins, vitamin D, calcium, fish oil, and other commonly approved supplements to support your daily health routine.
  </Card>

  <Card title="First Aid & Wound Care" icon="kit-medical">
    Bandages, gauze, antiseptic solutions, and compression wraps for at-home first aid needs.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Diabetes Supplies" icon="droplet">
    Testing strips, lancets, and glucose tablets to help you manage your diabetes day to day. Availability is plan-specific.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Personal Care" icon="soap">
    Dental care products, eye drops, ear care, and other approved hygiene and personal care items.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Where to Use Your OTC Benefit

Your UCard OTC benefit gives you flexible options for how and where you shop.

**In-Store:** Use your UCard directly at participating retailers such as CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and Dollar General. OTC-eligible items are automatically identified at the register — no extra steps needed on your end.

**Online OTC Catalog:** Many plans include access to an online OTC catalog through NationsOTC or a similar fulfillment partner. You can browse approved items and have them shipped directly to your home. Look for the OTC order link in your member portal at uhc.com.

<Note>
  OTC benefit availability and the specific item catalog vary by plan. Some plans offer in-store purchasing, some offer catalog ordering, and some offer both. Check your Evidence of Coverage or sign in to your member portal to confirm what's available on your plan.
</Note>

## How to Check Your OTC Balance

Keeping track of your OTC balance helps you make the most of your benefit before it expires.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Sign in to your account">
    Sign in at uhc.com or open the UHC app on your mobile device.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Go to your benefit balances">
    Navigate to **My UCard**, then select **Benefit Balances**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review your OTC allowance">
    Your OTC allowance and its expiration date are listed here. Note that your OTC balance and grocery balance are often tracked separately, so be sure you're looking at the correct line.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Tips for Maximizing Your OTC Benefit

Getting the most out of your OTC allowance is easy when you plan ahead:

* **Restock recurring essentials early.** Make a list of the vitamins, pain relievers, and other health products you use regularly and pick them up at the start of each benefit period.
* **Check the eligible item list before you shop.** Reviewing the approved product list online before heading to the store helps you avoid adding non-covered items to your cart.
* **Take advantage of home delivery.** If getting to a store is inconvenient, use the online catalog option to have approved items shipped directly to your door.
* **Don't let your balance go to waste.** OTC benefits typically reset monthly or quarterly — any unused balance may expire at the end of the period, so plan your purchases accordingly.

<Warning>
  Prescription medications are **NOT** covered by the OTC benefit. Only OTC (non-prescription) items that appear on your plan's approved list are eligible. Attempting to use your UCard for prescription purchases at the pharmacy will not work.
</Warning>


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