WellCare Card Benefits & Enrollment Guide

According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), more than 30 million Americans are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans as of 2025 — a number that continues to rise due to added value, including extra benefits like OTC (Over-the-Counter) cards.

One popular option among seniors and low-income individuals is the WellCare card, which offers various benefits such as grocery discounts, OTC items, transportation services, and more — all tailored to promote better health at lower out-of-pocket costs.

What Is the WellCare Card?

The WellCare card is a prepaid debit card offered to members of WellCare Medicare Advantage and Medicaid plans, depending on the state and plan type. It allows eligible members to purchase specific health-related items and services.

It’s part of WellCare’s broader mission to improve member health by addressing social determinants of health — such as access to food, transportation, wellness products, and routine healthcare.

Key Benefits of the WellCare Card (2025)

There are 7 primary benefits available to eligible WellCare cardholders. Each one is tied to health support and preventive care:

1. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Items

You can use your WellCare card to buy vitamins, first-aid supplies, pain relievers, dental hygiene products, and more. In 2025, members receive between $25 to $125 per month, depending on the plan.

Examples of eligible OTC items:

• Tylenol (pain relief)
• Colgate toothpaste
• Band-Aids
• Adult incontinence products
• Cold & flu medications

2. Grocery Allowance

Some plans offer a Healthy Foods Card, which can be used for nutritious groceries, like:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Dairy products
• Lean proteins

This benefit may be $50 to $100 per month and is designed for members with chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease.

3. Transportation Services

If you have difficulty getting to appointments, your WellCare card may cover rides to and from medical facilities. Members can access 30 to 60 trips per year, based on need and location.

4. Prescription Drug Support

The card may subsidize part of your co-pays for certain Tier 1 and Tier 2 medications, particularly if you’re enrolled in Medicare Part D through WellCare.

5. Dental, Vision, and Hearing Allowances

Depending on your plan, the card may fund:

• Routine dental cleanings and dentures
• Eyeglasses and vision tests
• Hearing aids and hearing exams

Most members can access up to $2,500/year for combined dental, vision, and hearing benefits.

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6. Wellness and Fitness Programs

Some plans include access to SilverSneakers®, gym memberships, and chiropractic care. The card may also cover fees for mental health apps, yoga classes, or smoking cessation programs.

7. Telehealth and Virtual Care Credit

With virtual care on the rise, the WellCare card might be used for co-pays related to telehealth visits, online consultations, or remote therapy.

Who Is Eligible for the WellCare Card?

Eligibility is based on:

• Enrollment in a WellCare Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Medicaid plan
• Residence in a participating state
• Having certain chronic conditions (for grocery benefits)
• Meeting income and health need qualifications (for dual-eligible plans)

In Florida, the “WellCare Assist Plan (HMO D-SNP)” offers OTC and food card benefits for those who qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare.

How to Enroll in a WellCare Plan with Card Benefits

To access the card, you must first enroll in an eligible WellCare plan. Here’s how:

1. Visit the Official WellCare Website

Go to www.wellcare.com and select your state to explore available plans.

2. Compare Plans and Benefits

Look for plans labeled with terms like:

• “OTC+Card”
• “D-SNP (Dual Special Needs Plan)”
• “Healthy Foods Benefit”

3. Call a Licensed Agent or Enroll Online

Speak with a licensed WellCare agent at 1-866-219-0692 (TTY: 711) or enroll through the Medicare Plan Finder tool at www.medicare.gov.

4. Receive Your Welcome Kit & Card

Once enrolled, you’ll receive:

• A WellCare member ID card
• A pre-loaded benefit card (either a separate card or combined)
• Instructions for activating and using your card

How to Use Your WellCare Card?

Using your card is as easy as swiping a debit card — but only approved items or services will go through.

Steps to Use:

1. Activate your card via MyBenefits portal or phone.
2. Check your available balance each month.
3. Shop at approved retailers like:
   • CVS
   • Walgreens
   • Walmart
   • Kroger
   • Dollar General
4. Present the card at checkout or use online where applicable.

Tip: Check eligible item lists via www.wellcare.com/member/otc

What Can You NOT Buy with the Card?

While it covers a lot, certain items are excluded:

• Alcohol and tobacco
• Lottery tickets
• Beauty/cosmetic items
• Fast food or soda
• Household cleaning supplies (unless OTC-approved)

WellCare Card vs Humana & UnitedHealthcare

Feature	WellCare	Humana	UnitedHealthcare
OTC Monthly Allowance	$25–$125	$10–$100	$40–$100
Grocery Support	Yes (on select plans)	Yes (on dual plans)	Yes (Healthy Food Card)
Dental/Vision/Hearing Bundle	Up to $2,500/year	Up to $2,000/year	Up to $3,000/year
Telehealth Support	Yes	Yes	Yes
Retail Partners	CVS, Walmart, Kroger	Walmart, Kroger	Walmart, Walgreens

Final Thought

The WellCare card is a smart, practical benefit for eligible members, offering real savings on everyday health needs like groceries, OTC products, dental care, and transportation. It’s not just a perk — it’s a support tool that helps make healthier living more affordable and accessible. If you’re on a WellCare plan, using your card wisely can significantly improve your well-being and reduce out-of-pocket costs.

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