The Over-the-Counter (OTC) Card program, administered by the state of California, provides eligible Medi-Cal beneficiaries with a monthly allowance to purchase over-the-counter medications and health-related supplies without a prescription. This program is designed to improve access to essential healthcare products and promote self-care among low-income individuals and families.
The OTC Card program is open to Medi-Cal beneficiaries who meet specific eligibility criteria, including:
The following section provides more detailed information about the eligibility criteria and the application process for the OTC Card program.
Who Qualifies for OTC Card
The OTC Card program is available to eligible Medi-Cal beneficiaries in California.
- Medi-Cal beneficiaries
- Low-income individuals
- Families in need
- Pregnant women
- Children under 19
- Seniors 65 and older
To learn more about the eligibility criteria and application process, visit the official website of the California Department of Health Care Services.
Medi-Cal beneficiaries
To qualify for an OTC Card, individuals must be enrolled in Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid program. Medi-Cal provides health coverage to low-income individuals, families, and certain groups of people, such as pregnant women, children, and people with disabilities.
Medi-Cal beneficiaries who meet the following criteria are eligible for an OTC Card:
- Income: Must have a household income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level.
- Age: Must be under 19 years old, 65 years or older, or pregnant.
- Disability: Must be disabled or have a chronic health condition that requires ongoing medical care.
If you are unsure whether you qualify for Medi-Cal, you can apply online or contact your local county social services office for more information.
Once you have been approved for Medi-Cal, you can apply for an OTC Card. The OTC Card application is available online or at your local county social services office. You will need to provide proof of your Medi-Cal eligibility and income.
If you are approved for an OTC Card, you will receive a monthly allowance that can be used to purchase over-the-counter medications and health-related supplies without a prescription. The OTC Card can be used at participating pharmacies and retail stores.
Low-income individuals
Individuals who are not enrolled in Medi-Cal but have a low income may also qualify for an OTC Card.
- Income: Must have a household income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level.
- Age: Must be under 19 years old, 65 years or older, or pregnant.
- Disability: Must be disabled or have a chronic health condition that requires ongoing medical care.
- Residency: Must be a resident of California.
To apply for an OTC Card as a low-income individual, you will need to provide proof of your income, age, disability (if applicable), and California residency. You can apply online or at your local county social services office.
Families in need
Families in need may also qualify for an OTC Card, regardless of their Medi-Cal enrollment status. To qualify, families must meet the following criteria:
- Income: Must have a household income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level.
- Family size: Must have at least one child under the age of 19 living in the household.
- Disability: At least one member of the family must be disabled or have a chronic health condition that requires ongoing medical care.
Families in need who meet these criteria can apply for an OTC Card online or at their local county social services office. They will need to provide proof of their income, family size, disability (if applicable), and California residency.
Once approved, families will receive a monthly allowance that can be used to purchase over-the-counter medications and health-related supplies without a prescription. The OTC Card can be used at participating pharmacies and retail stores.
The OTC Card program can help families in need save money on essential healthcare products and improve their access to quality healthcare.
Pregnant women
Pregnant women, regardless of their income or Medi-Cal enrollment status, are eligible for an OTC Card. This is because pregnancy can increase the need for certain over-the-counter medications and health-related supplies, such as prenatal vitamins, pain relievers, and nausea medication.
Pregnant women who want to apply for an OTC Card can do so online or at their local county social services office. They will need to provide proof of their pregnancy, such as a doctor's note or a positive pregnancy test.
Once approved, pregnant women will receive a monthly allowance that can be used to purchase over-the-counter medications and health-related supplies without a prescription. The OTC Card can be used at participating pharmacies and retail stores.
The OTC Card program can help pregnant women save money on essential healthcare products and improve their access to quality healthcare.
Pregnant women who are experiencing financial hardship may also qualify for Medi-Cal. Medi-Cal provides comprehensive health coverage for pregnant women, including prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum care.
Children under 19
Children under the age of 19 are eligible for an OTC Card, regardless of their income or Medi-Cal enrollment status.
- Age: Must be under the age of 19.
- Residency: Must be a resident of California.
- Disability: Must be disabled or have a chronic health condition that requires ongoing medical care.
- Income: No income requirement.
Children who meet these criteria can apply for an OTC Card online or at their local county social services office. A parent or guardian can apply on behalf of a child who is unable to do so themselves.
Once approved, children will receive a monthly allowance that can be used to purchase over-the-counter medications and health-related supplies without a prescription. The OTC Card can be used at participating pharmacies and retail stores.
The OTC Card program can help children save money on essential healthcare products and improve their access to quality healthcare.
Seniors 65 and older
Seniors aged 65 and older are eligible for an OTC Card, regardless of their income or Medi-Cal enrollment status.
Seniors who want to apply for an OTC Card can do so online or at their local county social services office. They will need to provide proof of their age, such as a driver's license or a birth certificate.
Once approved, seniors will receive a monthly allowance that can be used to purchase over-the-counter medications and health-related supplies without a prescription. The OTC Card can be used at participating pharmacies and retail stores.
The OTC Card program can help seniors save money on essential healthcare products and improve their access to quality healthcare.
Seniors who are experiencing financial hardship may also qualify for Medi-Cal. Medi-Cal provides comprehensive health coverage for seniors, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs.
FAQ
The following are some frequently asked questions about who qualifies for an OTC Card:
Question 1: Who is eligible for an OTC Card?
Answer 1: OTC Cards are available to Medi-Cal beneficiaries, low-income individuals, families in need, pregnant women, children under 19, and seniors 65 and older.
Question 2: What is the income requirement for an OTC Card?
Answer 2: There is no income requirement for children under 19, pregnant women, or seniors 65 and older. For other groups, the income limit is 250% of the federal poverty level.
Question 3: Do I need to be enrolled in Medi-Cal to get an OTC Card?
Answer 3: No, you do not need to be enrolled in Medi-Cal to get an OTC Card. However, Medi-Cal beneficiaries are automatically eligible for an OTC Card.
Question 4: How do I apply for an OTC Card?
Answer 4: You can apply for an OTC Card online or at your local county social services office.
Question 5: What can I buy with an OTC Card?
Answer 5: You can use your OTC Card to purchase over-the-counter medications and health-related supplies without a prescription. This includes items such as pain relievers, allergy medication, cold and flu remedies, and bandages.
Question 6: Where can I use my OTC Card?
Answer 6: You can use your OTC Card at participating pharmacies and retail stores.
Question 7: How much money will I get on my OTC Card each month?
Answer 7: The amount of money you get on your OTC Card each month depends on your age and eligibility category. For more information, please visit the official website of the California Department of Health Care Services.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ: If you have any other questions about OTC Cards, please contact your local county social services office.
Tips for using your OTC Card:
Tips
Here are a few tips for using your OTC Card:
Tip 1: Keep your OTC Card in a safe place.
Your OTC Card is like a debit card, so it's important to keep it safe and secure. Keep it in a wallet or purse that you carry with you at all times.
Tip 2: Check the expiration date on your OTC Card.
OTC Cards expire after one year. Be sure to check the expiration date on your card and apply for a new card before it expires.
Tip 3: Use your OTC Card at participating pharmacies and retail stores.
You can find a list of participating pharmacies and retail stores on the official website of the California Department of Health Care Services.
Tip 4: Save your receipts.
Keep your receipts from purchases made with your OTC Card. This will help you track your spending and ensure that you are using your card correctly.
Tip 5: Ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.
If you have questions about which over-the-counter medications or health-related supplies you can purchase with your OTC Card, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help.
Closing Paragraph for Tips: By following these tips, you can make the most of your OTC Card and save money on essential healthcare products.
Conclusion:
Conclusion
The OTC Card program provides eligible individuals and families with access to essential over-the-counter medications and health-related supplies without a prescription. This program can help people save money on healthcare costs and improve their access to quality healthcare.
To be eligible for an OTC Card, individuals must meet certain criteria, such as being enrolled in Medi-Cal, having a low income, being a pregnant woman, being a child under 19, or being a senior aged 65 or older. Individuals can apply for an OTC Card online or at their local county social services office.
Once approved, individuals will receive a monthly allowance that can be used to purchase over-the-counter medications and health-related supplies at participating pharmacies and retail stores.
The OTC Card program is a valuable resource for individuals and families who need help paying for healthcare costs. If you think you may be eligible for an OTC Card, we encourage you to apply.
Closing Message: Everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, regardless of their income or insurance status. The OTC Card program is one way that California is working to make healthcare more affordable and accessible for all.