October 29th 2025
By Ari Parker
OTC cards can be used online, in stores, and via the phone or mail. Participating stores vary by insurance carrier, and the Chapter OTC app is the easiest way to shop online.
Many Medicare Advantage plans have OTC benefits, and these benefits are a common reason people may choose one plan over another. Yet, an estimated 70% of OTC benefits go unused. That equates to 5 billion dollars across all OTC recipients.
One of the reasons Medicare OTC dollars go unused is because people are unsure of how and where to use their benefits. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know.
Where you can use your OTC card depends on which insurance carrier you use. For example, Humana OTC dollars can be used at CenterWell as well as many brick and mortar stores. United OTC spending cards can be used on the UHC website or app—and also in participating stores.
Participating stores usually include large national chains and select local pharmacies. Most allow OTC Medicare card payments for everyday health items, like allergy meds, vitamins, pain relief, first aid supplies, and dental care products.
Below are some of the major retailers that accept OTC cards, but you should always check with your specific carrier to figure out which stores will accept your OTC card.
CVS Pharmacy
Walgreens
Rite Aid
Walmart
Kroger
Safeway
Publix
Albertsons
Target
There are two common reasons OTC card holders don’t like the in-store experience:
Fear the store won’t accept their card as payment
Fear they’ll purchase items that are not eligible
No one wants to be embarrassed when they go to check out and their payment doesn’t work or they need to put items back. This leads to many seniors avoiding the OTC card retail shopping experience altogether.
Wise advice: Use your OTC card at the pharmacy counter (not self-checkout). If you’re unsure which items qualify, staff can confirm eligibility before you pay.
While it might seem old-fashioned, phone and mail orders are still a reliable option for seniors who prefer to speak to a person or avoid technology.
Many people find it easier to use them in a store or online. That said, if you speak with someone directly on the phone or use an OTC catalog to mail order your items, at least you can be sure your items are eligible!
While using your OTC card online is one of the most convenient ways to shop, it’s often made complicated by insurance carrier systems. And each insurance company has their own different way for you to shop online with OTC benefits. With United Healthcare, you need to use their app. With Humana, you use CenterWell. And Aetna you can use the CVS website.
We hate to see OTC dollars go unused. Especially as the cost of common goods go up year after year, seniors on fixed incomes need every dollar they can get. That’s why we created the Chapter OTC app, which makes using your OTC card online easy, regardless of your insurance carrier.
With the app you can:
Easily input your Medicare Advantage plan info
Check the balance of your OTC benefit
See a catalog of eligible items specific to your OTC benefit
Place your order to be delivered to your home
Sign up for reminders so you never miss out on using your OTC benefit again
This app was made to make redeeming your OTC benefit EASY. One user shared, "I was very surprised how easy it was instead of the Healthy App that Wellcare suggested, I would definitely use your company again. Once again your service was wonderful and easy."
Don’t let your OTC dollars expire. Download the free Chapter OTC app today and make the most of your Medicare benefits.
