Healthfirst OTC Plus Card: 2027 Amounts, Balance and Where to Use It
Reviewed October 5, 2026. The Healthfirst OTC Plus card is a prepaid benefits card that comes with Healthfirst Medicare Advantage plans in New York. It loads a set amount each month that you can spend on health items like vitamins, pain relievers and eye drops, and in Healthfirst’s dual-eligible (D-SNP) plans also on healthy food, utilities and household supplies. Unused money expires at the end of each month. For 2027, Healthfirst lists monthly amounts from $10 (65 Plus Plan) to $256 (CompleteCare).
Quick answer: Check your Healthfirst OTC balance by texting BAL to HF4YOU (434968), signing in at MyHFNY.org or the Healthfirst NY app, or calling 1-833-684-8472, 24 hours a day. Healthfirst Member Services is 1-888-260-1010.
Healthfirst OTC Plus card amounts for 2026 and 2027
| Healthfirst Medicare Advantage plan | 2026 monthly OTC Plus amount | 2027 monthly OTC Plus amount |
|---|---|---|
| CompleteCare (HMO D-SNP) | $252 | $256 |
| Life Improvement Plan (HMO D-SNP) | $175 | $180 |
| Connection Plan (HMO D-SNP) | $55 | $45 |
| Increased Benefits Plan (HMO) | $35 | $35 |
| 65 Plus Plan (HMO) | $25 | $10 |
Source: Healthfirst OTC benefits page. Amounts depend on your plan and can change each year, so check your plan’s Evidence of Coverage. Notice that some 2027 amounts are lower than in 2026; if the OTC benefit matters to you, compare plans during Medicare Open Enrollment, October 15 to December 7, 2026.
What you can buy with the Healthfirst OTC Plus card
| All plans with OTC Plus | D-SNP plans also |
|---|---|
| Over-the-counter health items such as aspirin, vitamins and eye drops | Healthy foods at grocery stores and farmers markets |
| Exercise equipment and activity trackers | Home utilities: gas, oil, electric, water and internet |
| Personal emergency response systems (PERS) | Personal care items and household cleaning supplies |
Healthfirst also lists limits: the card can’t be turned into cash, can’t be used for Part B or Part D prescription drugs, and eligible items can be bought only for the member, not family or friends. Activity trackers and PERS devices are limited to one per member.
Where to use your Healthfirst OTC card
- In stores: Healthfirst lists Stop & Shop, Duane Reade, Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Family Dollar, local pharmacies and GrowNYC locations.
- Online: Amazon.com, Walmart.com, Instacart.com, ConveyOTC and Mom’s Meals.
Participating stores can change, so use the store locator in the Healthfirst NY app or on MyHFNY.org before you shop. If the register declines an item, it may not be on the approved list for your plan.
How to activate your card
- Call 1-833-684-8472 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week), or
- Sign in at MyHFNY.org, or
- Use the Healthfirst NY mobile app.
How to check your Healthfirst OTC card balance
| Method | How |
|---|---|
| Text | Text BAL to HF4YOU (434968) |
| Online | Sign in at MyHFNY.org |
| App | Healthfirst NY mobile app |
| Phone | 1-833-684-8472, 24/7 |
Your balance resets each month. Healthfirst says, “Any unused balances will automatically expire at the end of each month, or upon disenrollment or transfer to another Healthfirst plan.” Plan your purchases so you don’t lose money at month’s end. For general tips that apply to any plan, see how to check your OTC card balance.
Healthfirst contact numbers
| Need | Phone |
|---|---|
| OTC Plus card activation and balance | 1-833-684-8472 (24/7) |
| Healthfirst Member Services | 1-888-260-1010 |
| TTY (English) | 1-888-542-3821 |
| TTY (Spanish) | 1-888-867-4132 |
Healthfirst lists Member Services hours as 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week from October through March, and weekdays from April through September.
Who qualifies for the bigger D-SNP amounts
CompleteCare, Life Improvement Plan and Connection Plan are dual special needs plans for people who have both Medicare and New York Medicaid (or certain Medicare Savings Program levels). If you have Medicare and limited income, see whether you qualify for Medicare Savings Programs or Extra Help, and read our overview of Medicaid in New York.
Comparing Healthfirst with other plans
An OTC card shouldn’t be the only reason you pick a plan. Check that your doctors, hospitals and prescriptions are covered first. Read how to find Medicare Advantage plans with OTC benefits and the pros and cons of Medicare Advantage. Other New York plans are covered in Medicare Advantage plans in New York.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Healthfirst OTC card for 2027?
Healthfirst lists monthly amounts of $256 (CompleteCare), $180 (Life Improvement Plan), $45 (Connection Plan), $35 (Increased Benefits Plan) and $10 (65 Plus Plan) for 2027.
How do I check my Healthfirst OTC card balance?
Text BAL to 434968 (HF4YOU), sign in at MyHFNY.org or the Healthfirst NY app, or call 1-833-684-8472.
Does the Healthfirst OTC balance roll over?
No. Unused balances expire at the end of each month.
Can I use the Healthfirst OTC card for groceries?
Only in Healthfirst’s D-SNP plans (CompleteCare, Life Improvement Plan and Connection Plan), which allow healthy foods at grocery stores and farmers markets.
Can I use my Healthfirst OTC card on Amazon?
Yes. Healthfirst lists Amazon.com, Walmart.com, Instacart.com, ConveyOTC and Mom’s Meals as online options.
This article is general information. Medicare365 is not affiliated with or endorsed by Healthfirst or any U.S. government agency. Benefits can change; confirm with Healthfirst.