Flexible Benefit Card and OTC graphic icon
Over-the-counter (OTC) benefit

Flexible Benefit Card and OTC allowance

Your Flexible Benefit Card makes it easy to pay for the products you need the most. If you're new to BCBSRI, start by activating your card. If you're a renewing member, continue using your current card. You can review your benefits and shopping options farther down on this page.

If you have received a new card, choose how you want to activate it:

Remember: you cannot use your Flexible Benefit Card until you activate it.

Your Flexible Benefit Card for 2026

PlanBenefit
BlueCHiP for Medicare Enhanced (HMO-POS)$25/quarter
BlueCHiP for Medicare Extra (HMO-POS)$40/quarter
BlueCHiP for Medicare Essential (HMO-POS)Not included
 
BlueCHiP for Medicare Core (HMO)$50/quarter
BlueCHiP for Medicare Access (HMO-POS)OTC/groceries2: $50/month
BlueRI for Duals (HMO D-SNP)OTC/groceries2: $151/month

Your OTC shopping options

In-person

Use your Flexible Benefit Card at participating retailers like: 

  • CVS Pharmacy®
  • Dollar General
  • Price Rite
  • Rite Aid
  • Shaw's®
  • Stop & Shop®
  • Walgreens
  • Walmart®
TIP: Swipe your Flexible Benefit Card like a credit card. There’s no PIN required.

Online

Log in to bcbsri.nationsbenefits.com shop on the Benefits Pro app. Select products, add to basket, and checkout. Items will be shipped to you at no cost.

TIP: Download the Benefits Pro app1—find retail locations, check product eligibility, place orders, and track your balance. And it’s the fastest way for new members to activate their cards.

Phone

Call 1-866-304-2138 to order products over the phone. Items will be shipped to you at no cost. View the OTC catalog.

Important to know

  • Your Flexible Benefit Card is tied to a BCBSRI-funded account (not your bank account), and it cannot be used for anything except approved items.
  • Online and phone orders will be shipped to you at no cost in 2-5 days.
  • Unused benefits do not roll over to the next benefit period. You cannot exceed your quarterly benefit amount.
  • Get more from your OTC benefit and shop around. Prices, brands, and items vary from store to store. Purchases made online or by phone using the catalog may also be different than what you find in stores.
  • Featured retailers are current as of January 1, 2026. Other retail locations are available in our network.

Questions?

Call NationsBenefits at 1-866-304-2138.

1Download the app from the App Store or Google Play. Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Google Play is a trademark of Google Inc.

2You may be eligible for a grocery benefit, which is part of Special Supplemental Benefits (SSBCI), if you are enrolled in BlueCHiP for Medicare Access (HMO-POS) or BlueRI for Duals (HMO D-SNP) and live with one or more qualifying chronic condition(s), as defined by CMS, including but not limited to chronic heart failure, chronic lung diseases, dementia, diabetes mellitus, and frailty and fall risk. Access members must also receive a Low-Income Subsidy (also called Extra Help). Receiving this benefit is not solely determined by your condition(s); all relevant eligibility criteria must be satisfied before benefit is available for use. Please see your Evidence of Coverage for full details.