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

Flexible Benefit Card and OTC

Your Flexible Benefit Card makes it easy to pay for the products and services 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:
  • Visit bcbsri.nationsbenefits.com/activate
  • Call 1-877-205-8005 (TTY: 711)
  • Download and use the Benefits Pro app1

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

Your Flexible Benefit Card for 2025

PlanBenefit
BlueCHiP for Medicare Value (HMO-POS)OTC: $75/quarter
Dental, hearing: $200/year
BlueCHiP for Medicare Access (HMO-POS)OTC/groceries2: $75/quarter
Dental, hearing: $175/year
BlueCHiP for Medicare Extra (HMO-POS)OTC: $100/quarter
Dental, hearing: $300/year
BlueCHiP for Medicare Enhanced (HMO-POS)OTC: $85/quarter
Dental, hearing: $250/year
BlueCHiP for Medicare Plus (HMO)OTC: $100/quarter
Dental, hearing: $280/year
BlueCHiP for Medicare Preferred (HMO-POS)OTC: $100/quarter
Dental, hearing: $280/year
BlueCHiP for Medicare Core (HMO)OTC: $75/quarter
Dental, hearing: $200/year
BlueRI for Duals (HMO D-SNP)OTC/groceries2: $165/month
Dental, hearing: $1,500year

Your OTC shopping options

In-person

You can use the debit card at the following retail stores:

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

Online

Log in to nationsotc.com/BCBSRI or 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 NationsOTC Benefits Pro app—find retail locations, check product eligibility, place orders, and track your balance. And it’s the fastest way for new members to activate your 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 tips and guidelines

  • The debit card is tied to a BCBSRI-funded account (not your bank account), and it cannot be used for anything except approved items and services.
  • You will receive your online order within 2-5 business 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.
  • Vendors current as of October 1, 2024.

Questions?

Call NationsOTC 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 must qualify for Extra Help. Medicare approved Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island to provide these benefits and lower copayments as part of the Value-Based Insurance Design program. This program lets Medicare try new ways to improve Medicare Advantage plans.