CarePlus CareEssentials Allowance: What is it and how does it work?
The CarePlus CareEssentials Allowance helps members on certain plans pay for over-the-counter items like pain relievers, first aid supplies and vitamins.1 For CarePlus members who meet certain criteria, like having qualifying chronic health conditions, requiring intensive care coordination, and being at an increased risk of hospitalization, this allowance may also be used to help pay for eligible food, utilities, phone service, even rent or mortgage payments.
Who qualifies for the allowance?
The CareEssentials Allowance is offered to eligible members enrolled in the following CarePlus Medicare Advantage plans:
Most Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs) Most Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) - Some Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plans (MAPDs)
Already have a CarePlus Medicare Advantage plan? If you are diagnosed with 1 or more chronic conditions after you’ve enrolled in a plan, you may qualify to switch to a plan that includes the CareEssentials Allowance. Visit
Note: You can also check your plan’s
How much is the CareEssentials Allowance?
CareEssentials Allowance amounts vary by plan and location. Monthly allowances begin at $25/month. The allowance is stored on a member’s
Using your allowance for OTC products
All members of a plan that includes the CareEssentials Allowance may use it to purchase eligible OTC products.2
You can shop online only at:
CarePlus.NationsBenefits.com ,CenterwellPharmacy.com , andWalmart.com .
You may use our
OTC products order catalog for mail-order from CenterWell Pharmacy®.
Visit a participating store such as: Walmart®, Publix®, CVS®, Sedano’s®, Presidente®, Walgreens®, CenterWell Pharmacy®, Winn-Dixie® and more. To see participating stores, visit
CarePlus.NationsBenefits.com . Purchases made with the card at non-participating retailers will result in a denied transaction.
Swipe your card for payment when at a participating location. If asked, select the option for credit. Your card does not require a PIN.
- Cold, flu and allergy medicine
- Tooth and dental care items
- Stomach and digestion products
- First aid items and medical supplies
- Foot care supplies
- Bladder control supplies
- Pain relief medicine
- Skin care items
- Sleep aids
- Products to help you stop smoking
- Vitamins and supplements
Visit
Note: Prescription drugs are not covered by this card.
Check if you qualify for more items or services with the CarePlus CareEssentials Allowance
If you are diagnosed with a qualifying chronic condition, your CareEssentials Allowance becomes available to use toward additional eligible items and services like groceries, rent and utilities*.
If you have been diagnosed with chronic conditions, complete a health risk assessment at
*Note: This qualification does not change the amount of your allowance. You will have access to more approved items to purchase. Any unused amounts expire at the end of the year.
Some rent or utility companies may not accept this form of payment.
Members who qualify may use their allowance for the following products, expenses and services.
Merchant participation is subject to change and does not guarantee acceptance of the spending account card.
Here are some of the approved types of products available at participating stores.
- Bakery items
- Beverages
- Dairy
- Frozen foods
- Grab and go
- Meat
- Seafood
- Pantry items
- Produce
- Body soap
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Cleanser
- Dental care
- Vitamins
- Digestive products
- Pain relief medicine
- First aid items
- Ear and eye care items
- Paper towels
- Toilet paper
- Paper cups
- Bathroom supplies
- Kitchen cleaner
- Dishwasher detergent
- Grab bars
- Raised toilet seats
- Bedroom safety aids
- Low vision aids
- Reaching aids
- Pet food
- Pet toys
- Litter
- Flea Shampoo
You may use your CareEssentials Allowance toward bills such as mortgage, electric, heating and air conditioning, sanitation, water, sewer, internet, and phone services.
- Rent
- Mortgage
- Electric
- Home heating
- Water
- Sewer
- Internet
- Phone services
- Online: On your service provider’s website if they accept Mastercard®
- In-store: At your local Walmart® Customer Service desk or money center
- Extermination services
- Pay directly to the provider: You can swipe your card or pay online directly to your service provider if they accept Mastercard®.
- Public transportation
- Ridesharing services
- Taxi
You can pay directly to the provider by swiping your card or paying online directly to your service provider if they accept Mastercard®.
-
MyCarePlus
Log in to your secure member portal to see your plan’s benefit information, including any CareEssentials Allowance your plan may include.
-
CarePlus Spending Account Card
Learn all about the spending card where CareEssentials Allowance funds are pre-loaded, including how to check your card balance.
Chronic Condition Care Assistance
Members diagnosed with qualifying Chronic conditions may be able to use your balance for more items and services like groceries, home supplies, paper goods, non-medical transportation and monthly living expenses (rent and utilities*) from participating retailers and service providers.3
Usage restrictions apply. See cardholder terms for details.
Products may not be available at every location. While shopping at participating retailers, you may pay sales tax on items just as you would normally. Applicable sales tax will be added to the total at checkout according to your state tax regulations. Any fees associated with transactions may be deducted from the available balance.
CarePlus is not responsible for any fees or loss of service associated with late payments. Service fees may apply. Bill payment is not available for all utility and rental companies. Please check to confirm if your service provider is available.
Do not throw away your card. Please store it in a safe place, like your wallet. CarePlus is not responsible for funds lost due to lost or stolen cards. Benefits listed here are part of a Medicare Advantage plan.
Visit
This card is redeemable for specific goods and services at select merchants. This card may not be used for money orders, prescription drugs, alcohol, tobacco and vaping products, firearms, lottery or gaming tickets, and most food delivery services.
Use of your card: Your card is not a credit card , but if prompted, must be entered as “credit” to checkout. No cash (except as required by law) or ATM Access.
All product names, logos, brands and trademarks are property of their respective owners, and any use does not imply endorsement.
No amounts on the CarePlus Spending Account card can be combined or converted to cash. Limitations and restrictions may apply. Funds do not rollover from one plan year to the next. Benefits can change or end if your plan enrollment changes, terminates or a new plan year begins.
The CarePlus Spending Account Card is issued by The Bancorp Bank N.A., pursuant to license by Mastercard International Incorporated and card can be used for eligible expenses wherever Mastercard is accepted. Mastercard and the circles design is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Valid only in the U.S. No cash access. This is not a gift card or gift certificate. You have received this card as a gratuity without the payment of any monetary value or consideration.
- Care Essentials Allowance is a special supplemental benefit for members with specific chronic conditions who require intensive care coordination and are at a high risk for hospitalization or other adverse health outcomes. Qualifying conditions may include diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disorders, chronic and disabling mental health conditions, chronic lung disorders, or chronic heart failure, among others. Some plans require at least two conditions. See the plan's Evidence of Coverage for details. If you use this program for rent or utilities, Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires it to be reported as income. Contact your local HUD office with questions.
- This spending allowance is a special supplemental benefit for members with specific chronic conditions who require intensive care coordination and are at a high risk for hospitalization or other adverse health outcomes. Qualifying conditions may include diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disorders, chronic and disabling mental health conditions, chronic lung disorders, or chronic heart failure, among others. Some plans require at least two conditions. See the plan's Evidence of Coverage for details. If you use this program for rent or utilities, Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires it to be reported as income. Contact your local HUD office with questions.
- Chronic Condition Care Assistance is a special supplemental benefit for members with specific chronic conditions who require intensive care coordination and are at a high risk for hospitalization or other adverse health outcomes. Qualifying conditions may include diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disorders, chronic and disabling mental health conditions, chronic lung disorders, or chronic heart failure, among others. Some plans require at least two conditions. See the plan's Evidence of Coverage for details. If you use this program for rent or utilities, Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires it to be reported as income. Contact your local HUD office with questions.
