VNS Health EasyCare Plus: Over-the-Counter (OTC) and Grocery Card with $235 Every Month

A preloaded spending card for qualified OTC and grocery items from network partners. $235 loaded every month.

 Read
Cost
$0
Prior Authorization Required
No, but items purchased must be CMS-approved and from network retailers
Provider Referral or Order Required
No

How To Receive

Details on how to apply

Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill (SSBCI) combines with this OTC benefit to cover certain grocery items as well as healthy food and meal options.

  1. Before using the card for the first time, call the number on the card to activate it. Follow the instructions included on the sticker. As soon as it’s activated, it is ready for use.

  2. The OTC card can be used at in-network retailers for any CMS-approved items. The most up-to-date in-network retailers and products are available at mybenefitscenter.com (log in using the OTC card number).

  3. Your loved one can also place an order.

    • ONLINE: Log in to mybenefitscenter.com using the OTC Card number.

    • PHONE: Call Convey, (855) 858-5937 (TTY: 711), M–F 8am–11 pm EST (have items number ready when calling).

    • MAIL: Complete the order form (available on p. 42 of the Over-the-Counter (OTC) Catalog) and mail it to: OTC Servicing Center, P.O. Box 526266, Miami, FL 33152-9819.

      • For ordering questions, call the Convey Order Fulfillment Center at (855) 858-5937 (TTY: 711), M–F 8 am–11 pm.

      • For delivery, allow 5–7 business days from the time the order is placed.

      • Call within 60 days of placing an order for status/tracking questions, if the order has not been received, if a defective or damaged item was received, or for product questions.

  4. Items purchased using the OTC card cannot be returned or refunded.

  5. If purchases must be made at an out-of-network retailer, a reimbursement request can be made up to the benefit amount. The plan can only approve reimbursement for covered OTC items.

    • To request a reimbursement, contact the VNS Health EasyCare Plus Team at (866) 783-1444 (TTY: 711), M–F 8 am–8 pm and follow these steps:

      • Include member name and member ID number.

      • The complete address where the reimbursement should be sent.

      • A contact phone number.

      • Submit an original, itemized receipt (showing the items purchased, the store, the store location, the date of purchase, the specific name of the product(s) purchased, and the price paid) to: VNS Health, Health Plans—OTC Reimbursement, 220 E. 42nd St., New York, NY 10017, OR FAX to 1-646-524-8338

      • Allow up to 30 days to process the reimbursement request and a check to be mailed.

Download the OTC app on a smart device (phone, tablet) to easily find local stores where the card can be used, check for eligible items in-store, and keep track of the OTC and Grocery Card balance. Find out how to get the app here.

The following are provider partners for meals and fresh produce (also found in mybenefitscenter.com):

  • GA Foods, or call 1-866-575-2772, M - F, 8 am to 6 pm EST

  • Mom's Meals, or call (877)-347-3438 (TTY: 711), M - F, 7 am to 6 pm CT

  • FarmboxRx, or call (888) 416-3589 (TTY: 711), M - F, 9 am to 6 pm ET

Availability
Ongoing, $235 loaded onto the card every month

Everything you need is all in one place

Helpful app simplifies family caregiving by combining your loved one’s insurance benefits and medical records into one user-friendly platform while enhancing your caregiving skills

Get Helpful app
banner

An over-the-counter (OTC) card is issued by the health plan and loaded every month ($225 per month) for a total of $2,700 per year.  The OTC card may be used to purchase any products listed in the member Over-the-Counter (OTC) and Grocery Card Catalog. Product categories are Allergy, Antacids & Acid Reducers, Anticandidal (yeast), Anti-diarrheal, Laxatives & Digestive Health, Anti-fungal, Bathroom Safety & Fall Prevention, Cold & Flu, Cold Sore & Medicated Lip Products, Dental & Denture Care, Diabetes Care, Diagnostics, Eye & Ear Care, First Aid, Foot Care, Hemorrhoidal Preparations, Home Aids, Incontinence Supplies, Motion Sickness, Nutritional Supplements, Pain Relief Aids, Pain Relievers & Fever Reducers, Pediculicide (lice treatment), Skin & Sun Care, Sleep Aids, Supports & Braces, Vitamins & Minerals, and Wart Removers.

This benefit can also be used to have meals - heart health, diabetic friendly, low sodium, and more - or fresh produce delivered by calling or visiting the websites of partner vendors to order (see partner vendors in the How to Receive section).

This benefit can only be used to purchase items for the health plan member. It cannot be used to buy items for dependents, caregivers, or anyone else. This benefit also cannot be converted to cash.

Some items are labeled "dual purpose" and can only be ordered if a provider recommends they be used.

Some health products may be available through Medicaid using the Medicaid Benefit ID care.

Balances left over at the end of the month do not carry over into the next month.  All applicable sales tax will be added to the order total and deducted from the available balance.

Purchasing OTC items at network retailers is strongly encouraged, but if an out-of-network purchase must be made, you can request a reimbursement, up to the benefit amount. The plan can only approve reimbursement for covered items.

Go to all guides

About us

Helpful is an app to make caregiving easier. We integrate your loved one’s insurance benefits, medical records and caregiving guides into an immediate, accessible and user-friendly experience. Helpful supports your care needs by eliminating administrative tasks and providing technology to support your caregiving experience.

Get Helpful app