EmblemHealth OTC Card: Medicare and Essential Plan Benefits
Reviewed October 5, 2026. EmblemHealth offers an over-the-counter (OTC) card in several of its New York plans. For 2026, EmblemHealth lists the OTC benefit in its VIP Dual, VIP Dual Enhanced and VIP Dual Reserve (HMO D-SNP) plans and its VIP Value (HMO-POS) Medicare plan. Members can shop at participating stores such as CVS, Duane Reade, Walgreens and Walmart, or order for home delivery through Convey Benefits or CVS OTC Home Delivery. EmblemHealth’s Essential Plan also includes an OTC card worth $125 a quarter.
Quick answer: Medicare OTC amounts load monthly or quarterly depending on your plan and don’t roll over to the next period. For Medicare plan questions, call the EmblemHealth Medicare Connect Concierge at 877-344-7364 (TTY 711). Essential Plan members can activate their card and check the balance at mybenefitscenter.com or 888-682-2400 (TTY 711), 24/7.
EmblemHealth Medicare OTC benefit (2026)
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Plans with OTC (2026) | EmblemHealth VIP Dual (HMO D-SNP), VIP Dual Enhanced (HMO D-SNP), VIP Dual Reserve (HMO D-SNP), VIP Value (HMO-POS); benefits vary by service area |
| How often it loads | Monthly or quarterly, depending on the plan |
| Rollover | No. EmblemHealth says the amount “may only be used during the benefit period and will not roll over” |
| In-store shopping | CVS, Duane Reade, Walgreens, Walmart and other participating retailers |
| Home delivery | Convey Benefits or CVS OTC Home Delivery |
Source: EmblemHealth Medicare OTC benefit. Your Summary of Benefits lists your exact amount.
How to order EmblemHealth OTC items for home delivery
| Option | Website | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Convey Benefits | conveybenefits.com/emblemhealth (or the mail-in catalog form) | 855-858-5940 (TTY 711), Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
| CVS OTC Home Delivery | mybenefitscenter.com | 833-875-1816 (TTY 711), Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. |
Order before your benefit period ends, because unused Medicare OTC dollars expire. For how CVS-based OTC programs work, see our guide to CVS OTC benefits.
EmblemHealth Essential Plan OTC card
EmblemHealth’s Essential Plan, New York’s low-cost health plan for eligible adults, has its own OTC card (EmblemHealth):
- Amount: $125 credit every calendar quarter, up to $500 a year
- Where to use it: participating retailers including CVS, Dollar General, Duane Reade, Family Dollar, Save A Lot, Stop & Shop, Walgreens and Walmart, plus home delivery through Amazon
- Activation and balance: mybenefitscenter.com, the OTC Network app, or 888-682-2400 (TTY 711), 24/7
- Rollover: unused credit carries over to the next quarter, but anything left on December 31 doesn’t carry into the new year
- Card problems: EmblemHealth Customer Service, 888-447-7703 (TTY 711), 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday
Because the Essential Plan card runs on the OTC Network, it can also be used on Amazon. See how to check your OTC card balance for how OTC Network balances appear at checkout.
What you can buy
- Pain relievers, cold and allergy medicine
- Vitamins and supplements on the approved list
- First-aid supplies
- Dental care items
- Other health items in your plan’s OTC catalog
Your plan’s catalog is the final word on eligible items. Prescription drugs aren’t included.
EmblemHealth contact numbers
| Need | Phone |
|---|---|
| Medicare Connect Concierge | 877-344-7364 (TTY 711); 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week Oct. 1 to Mar. 31, Monday to Saturday Apr. 1 to Sept. 30 |
| Convey Benefits (Medicare OTC orders) | 855-858-5940 (TTY 711) |
| CVS OTC Home Delivery (Medicare) | 833-875-1816 (TTY 711) |
| Essential Plan OTC card activation and balance | 888-682-2400 (TTY 711), 24/7 |
| EmblemHealth Customer Service (Essential Plan) | 888-447-7703 (TTY 711) |
Choosing a plan with OTC benefits for 2027
The VIP Dual plans are for New Yorkers with both Medicare and Medicaid. If you have Medicare and limited income, see Medicare Savings Programs and our overview of Medicaid in New York. To compare OTC amounts with other New York plans, see the Healthfirst OTC Plus card and how to find Medicare Advantage plans with OTC benefits. Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Which EmblemHealth plans have an OTC card?
For 2026, EmblemHealth lists VIP Dual, VIP Dual Enhanced, VIP Dual Reserve and VIP Value, plus its Essential Plan.
Does the EmblemHealth OTC balance roll over?
Not for Medicare plans; the amount must be used in its benefit period. Essential Plan credit carries over quarter to quarter but expires December 31.
Where can I use my EmblemHealth OTC card?
At participating stores such as CVS, Duane Reade, Walgreens and Walmart, or through home delivery from Convey Benefits or CVS. Essential Plan cards also work on Amazon.
How much is the EmblemHealth Essential Plan OTC card?
$125 per quarter, up to $500 a year.
This article is general information. Medicare365 is not affiliated with or endorsed by EmblemHealth or any U.S. government agency. Benefits vary by plan; confirm with EmblemHealth.