Learn about CVS Flex Benefits™

Maybe someone has just heard about OTC benefits. Or maybe their Medicaid or Medicare Advantage plan told them that they’re receiving this benefit. What does it mean — and how can it help people?

First, the big picture. Some go-to over-the-counter (OTC) health and wellness items may be covered at no additional cost with CVS Flex Benefits (formerly known as OTC Health Solutions of OTCHS*), which offers an OTC benefit. That means people who have CVS Flex Benefits may be able to redeem eligible products like cold medicine, deodorant, toothpaste and other items from CVS without any added cost. And if someone wants to order those items by phone or online, CVS Flex Benefits makes home delivery easy and convenient.

More than 60 plans include CVS Flex Benefits, and people can use this benefit seamlessly at thousands of CVS stores nationwide. Here’s how to get started.

In this article:

What to know about the Medicare Advantage OTC benefit

As of 2021, about 80 percent of Medicare Advantage plans offer something called the OTC benefit. It pays for eligible health and wellness products.

The exact products members can redeem may vary from plan to plan. So do the allowance amounts people have to spend and the retail locations where they can spend them. It’s important for people to verify which plan they have and what their plan’s procedures are for redeeming the benefit. Many offer OTC benefit cards, and others use name and date of birth at the CVS checkout. If someone has questions about their benefits, it’s best to check with their health care provider.

CVS Flex Benefits, created by CVS Health, offers an OTC benefit. With CVS Flex Benefits, CVS Health aims to make it even easier for members to shop for the eligible items they need in CVS stores, online or by phone. 

How can someone shop with CVS Flex Benefits at a CVS store?

Shopping at a local CVS is intuitive and seamless. These steps will guide members through the process.

The first step — getting what they need — is the easiest. The plan covers hundreds of OTC items that may help people recover from major and minor injuries and hundreds more that help support their health. As a reminder, eligible items may vary by plan.

As members shop in store, they can find products eligible for CVS Flex Benefits in a few simple ways:

1. Check for blue tags. Look for blue tags on the shelves, which indicate products in the CVS Flex Benefits catalog. Some stores have dedicated sections for these items. 
2. Check the catalog. The CVS Flex Benefits catalog is available online, and members can find it on their phones as they shop. It is also physically available in some stores.
3. Use the app. The CVS Flex Benefits app allows members to scan barcodes as they shop, and this can tell them whether the item is eligible for the CVS Flex Benefits plan they have. 

How can someone use CVS Flex Benefits at checkout?

At checkout, members can bring their items to the register the same way they usually would. Then they can tell the cashier that they have an OTC benefit with CVS Flex Benefits, and give the cashier their name and date of birth. Members can also present the QR code that came with their onboarding materials.

The store colleague will ring up the member’s approved products. If there is a balance left in their account, it will cover these items. If they exceed their balance, they will need to pay the difference out of pocket. 

Can someone order online with CVS Flex Benefits?

Absolutely. Members can sign in here. The first time, members should make sure they have all their plan information ready. To create an account, they’ll need their plan member ID, current address and email. They will also need to create a password.

Once members have signed in, their benefit amount and balance will be displayed at the top of the screen. They can browse and select eligible items, then put them in their basket.

Place an order by choosing “Checkout.” Members will then be directed to an order summary that includes the order number, shipping address, date of order and delivery time frame. All shipping is free for members.

Members can also use the CVS Flex Benefits (OTC Health Solutions) app to order. 

Do people need a computer to use their CVS Flex Benefits?

Members don’t have to be computer savvy to use these funds — or even have a computer. They can order by phone. CVS Flex Benefits members can order at 1-888-628-2770 (TTY: 711). They can speak with service agents weekdays from 9 AM to 8 PM local time.

Members should have their plan member ID ready. And before calling, they should be sure to look at their plan’s catalog and have their shopping list ready. They will need to provide the product codes listed there.

After a member places their order, the agent will provide them with their order confirmation and the shipping, tracking and delivery information, as well as any balance information.

When calling, members can also order 24/7 by using the automated telephone system. It also allows people to hear benefit information and track or cancel an order.

When will the order arrive?

Members can receive tracking information via email or text, or simply ask a service agent when they place a phone order.

Most orders will arrive in less than seven business days, though there may be exceptions during peak volume periods. Service agents at CVS Flex Benefits are ready to assist members at 1-888-628-2770 (TTY: 711).