CVS OTC Benefits | How it Works

✅ What the OTC benefit is

It’s a health-plan benefit that gives you a dollar allowance to buy non-prescription health and wellness items (OTC products) through CVS (or other participating retailers) under your insurance/plan.
You don’t have to pay out of pocket for the whole item (up to your allowance) — the plan covers it.
Items can often be ordered:
- In-store at a participating CVS.
- Online or by phone for home delivery.

Your plan gives a preset allowance — e.g., $25 per month, or $50 per month, or $25 per quarter (amount varies by plan).
You use the allowance on approved OTC items from a catalog or list tied to your plan.
Usage rules typically:
- Online/phone orders may be limited (e.g., up to 3 orders per quarter) if using the home-delivery route.
- In-store usage may allow more frequent transactions (subject to plan).
Unused benefits might carry over in some plans, but not all. For example, one plan: “Unused benefit can be carried forward to the next quarter… Any unused as of 12/31 will be forfeited.”
Eligible items include things like: first aid supplies, cold/flu medication, allergy relief, dental care, personal care/hygiene items.

Not all items in CVS are eligible – only those listed under your plan’s approved OTC catalog for your allowance. e.g., the item must be on that list.
Not every CVS store or every location may accept the OTC benefit program/OTCHS. It depends on store participation.
Coupons, sales or extra-rewards may not always apply when using the OTC benefit (since benefit uses specific program rules) — check your plan.
If you go over your allowance, you may pay the difference out of pocket.
Some plans don’t allow rollover of unused amounts; unused funds may be forfeited at end of period.

Helps you save money on everyday non-prescription health items.
Offers convenience: in-store, online or by phone; home-delivery option in many cases.
Encourages wellness and preventive self-care (access to OTC items you might otherwise skip).