Anthem OTC Benefits 2027: Medicare Card, Catalog and Medicaid Allowance
Updated October 12, 2026. Anthem OTC benefits let eligible members buy over-the-counter health items with a plan allowance. In Anthem Medicare Advantage plans, the allowance loads onto the Benefits Mastercard Prepaid Card, run by NationsBenefits, and you can use it at participating stores or order online, by phone or by mail. For 2027, Anthem describes two setups: a quarterly OTC allowance in some plans, and a monthly Everyday Options Allowance in others that combines OTC items, healthy food and utilities.
Quick answer: Whether you get an Anthem OTC benefit, and how much, depends on your exact plan and county. Some 2027 Anthem plans have no general OTC allowance at all. Check the “Over-the-counter items” line in your plan’s 2027 Summary of Benefits or Evidence of Coverage. Anthem Medicaid members get different OTC benefits that depend on the state.
Anthem Medicare Advantage OTC benefits in 2027
| Benefit type | What it covers | How often it loads | Unused money |
|---|---|---|---|
| OTC allowance | Approved over-the-counter health items | Each quarter | Expires at the end of the quarter |
| Everyday Options Allowance | OTC items, healthy foods and utilities combined (food and utilities usually only for members who qualify) | Each month | Expires at the end of the month |
Anthem’s Medicare flex-card page describes both setups for plan year 2027. Your plan has one, the other, or neither. Dollar amounts differ widely, from a small quarterly allowance on some HMO plans to larger monthly amounts on some Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) for people with Medicare and Medicaid. Don’t rely on an amount you saw for someone else’s plan.
How the Anthem Benefits Mastercard works
- The card is a Benefits Mastercard Prepaid Card issued by The Bancorp Bank. It isn’t a credit card and gives no cash back.
- It works only for eligible items at participating stores.
- Anthem says the card isn’t accepted on Walmart.com.
- You check your balance and see the catalog after signing in at mybenefits.nationsbenefits.com.
- You can order online, by phone or by mail through NationsBenefits, with free home delivery.
For card balance steps across carriers, see how to check your OTC card balance. If you’re not sure where to sign in, read OTC benefits login help.
What you can buy with Anthem OTC benefits
Your plan’s catalog has the full list. OTC catalogs usually include items such as:
- Pain, cold, cough and allergy medicine
- Vitamins and supplements
- First aid supplies
- Dental and denture care
- Incontinence and personal care items
- Home health items such as blood pressure monitors
Food and utility bills are only covered if your plan has an Everyday Options Allowance and you meet its rules. Learn more about how these cards work in Medicare OTC cards explained and the truth about flex cards for seniors.
Where to use your Anthem OTC card
Use the store locator after you sign in to NationsBenefits, because participating stores differ by plan. For store-by-store guides, see Walmart OTC card, CVS OTC benefits and Does Target accept OTC cards?
Anthem Medicaid OTC benefits by state
Anthem Medicaid plans handle OTC items differently from Medicare Advantage:
| State | What Anthem’s Medicaid pages say |
|---|---|
| Ohio | A value-added benefit of a $100 allowance to buy over-the-counter supplies online or in store. Member Services: 833-912-0938. |
| Indiana | OTC medicines are covered with a doctor’s prescription through CarelonRx. |
| Virginia (Anthem HealthKeepers Plus) | Prescription and OTC medicines at no cost through CarelonRx. |
| Wisconsin | OTC drugs have a $0.50 copay; Healthy Rewards pays $25 per qualifying activity. |
Value-added benefits can change each year, so check your state’s Anthem Medicaid benefits page or member handbook. Anthem’s parent company, Elevance Health, also renamed its Amerigroup plans Wellpoint in several states starting in 2024.
Is “Anthem Better Health” a real OTC program?
We couldn’t find an Anthem program called “Anthem Better Health.” The name is easy to mix up with Aetna Better Health, which is Aetna’s Medicaid brand, or with Anthem’s Healthy Rewards program for Medicaid members. If you have an Anthem plan, your OTC benefit is the one described in your plan documents above.
Changing plans for 2027
If OTC money matters to you, compare 2027 plans during Medicare Open Enrollment, October 15 to December 7, 2026. Look at the OTC line along with premiums, networks and drug costs. Current members should read the 2027 Annual Notice of Change. See Medicare Open Enrollment, and compare other carriers’ OTC benefits in Humana OTC, Aetna OTC and AARP OTC catalog 2027.
Frequently asked questions
Does every Anthem Medicare plan have an OTC benefit?
No. Some 2027 Anthem plans have no general OTC allowance, and some cover only OTC hearing aids. Check your Summary of Benefits.
Does Anthem OTC money roll over?
No. Quarterly OTC money expires at the end of each quarter, and monthly Everyday Options money expires at the end of each month.
How do I order Anthem OTC items online?
Sign in at mybenefits.nationsbenefits.com, open the catalog and place your order. Delivery is free.
Can I use my Anthem OTC card on Walmart.com?
No. Anthem says the card isn’t accepted on Walmart.com. Check the store locator for participating stores.
What number do I call about my Anthem OTC benefit?
Call the member services number on your Anthem ID card (TTY 711). Ohio Medicaid members can call 833-912-0938.
Medicare365 is not affiliated with or endorsed by Anthem, Elevance Health, NationsBenefits or any U.S. government agency. Benefits vary by plan, state and county; check your plan’s Evidence of Coverage or member handbook.