Navigating healthcare allowances can feel frustrating, especially when you're trying to figure out what's covered, how to place an order, and where your card actually works. If you're a member of the UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust, you receive an annual over-the-counter allowance designed to help pay for everyday health and wellness products. You don't have to guess how to use it or pay out of pocket if you understand the rules.
Every eligible member gets a set dollar amount each year to spend on approved items like pain relievers, allergy medications, first aid supplies, and dental care products. The allowance resets every January 1st, and you have to use the full balance before December 31st because unused funds don't roll over. To get the most out of this program, you need to know the specific ways you can shop, how to check your balance, and which items qualify under the official catalog.
Understanding the UAW Trust OTC Allowance
The over-the-counter benefit provides active Trust members and eligible dependents with a dedicated annual allowance. It's important not to confuse this with your Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). While the HRA covers a broad range of medical, dental, and vision expenses that you can file claims for, the OTC benefit is strictly restricted to pre-approved health and wellness products listed in the CVS OTC Health Solutions Catalog.
Your annual allowance becomes available on January 1st if you're an existing member, or at the beginning of the month you become eligible if you're new to the Trust. Because funds expire on December 31st, it's smart to plan your purchases throughout the year rather than waiting until the final weeks when popular items might go out of stock.
Approved Product Categories
You can't buy just anything with your OTC card. The Trust restricts purchases to specific health categories designed for self-care and symptom relief. Knowing what qualifies saves you from unexpected register declines.
- Pain Relievers and Fever Reducers: Aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen sodium tablets or caplets.
- Cold, Cough, and Allergy Relief: Antihistamines, decongestants, cough drops, nasal sprays, and chest rubs.
- Digestive Health: Antacids, laxatives, anti-diarrheal medications, and fiber supplements.
- First Aid and Medical Supplies: Bandages, gauze pads, antiseptic wipes, medical tape, and digital thermometers.
- Oral Hygiene: Toothpaste, mouthwash, denture adhesives, and dental floss.
- Personal Care and Home Diagnostics: Blood pressure monitors, adult care wipes, and COVID-19 antigen test kits.
Items like cosmetics, general groceries, and household cleaning supplies are strictly excluded. If you try to buy a mixed cart at a retail store, the register will separate the eligible items and require a different payment method for the rest.
Three Ways to Use Your OTC Benefits
You don't have to jump through hoops to access your funds. The Trust, in partnership with CVS OTC Health Solutions, provides three straightforward methods for placing orders and picking up items.
1. In-Store Shopping
You can shop directly at participating retail locations where you see the OTC Network logo, including more than 7,000 CVS Pharmacy stores (note that Target and certain partner locations inside other stores are often excluded).
When you get to the register, scan your approved items, swipe your OTC flex card, and the total deducts automatically from your balance. You can also use self-checkout lanes at participating retailers if you prefer a quick checkout.
2. Online Ordering
If you prefer shopping from home, you can browse thousands of eligible products online through the UAW Trust OTC Benefit Portal.
If it's your first time ordering online, you'll need to create a profile by following the registration prompts with your card details. Once logged in, you can search for products, add them to your cart, and ship them directly to your home address at no extra shipping cost.
3. Phone Orders
You can also place an order by calling the dedicated customer service line at 1-844-487-2770. Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM EST.
Before you call, it's best to look through your printed product catalog and write down the item SKU numbers and descriptions. This makes the phone ordering process fast and ensures you get the exact brands and quantities you want.
How to Check Your Balance and Manage Your Card
Running out of funds mid-purchase is a hassle. You can check your remaining balance at any time by logging into your account on the official Trust portal or by calling customer service at 1-844-487-2770. When you call, the automated phone system lets you press 1 to hear your current balance or press 2 to review your last five transactions.
If your card gets lost, damaged, or stolen, don't wait. Call customer service immediately to report the issue and request a replacement card. Your eligibility is tied directly to your Trust record, so keeping your contact information up to date ensures your replacement arrives without delay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit paper receipts for cash reimbursement?
No. The OTC benefit works exclusively through your pre-loaded flex card, online ordering portal, or phone ordering system. You cannot buy items out of pocket at an unapproved local store and submit receipts for cash repayment.
Do my unused benefits roll over to the next year?
No. Your annual allowance expires on December 31st. Any unspent dollars disappear, so make sure you plan your orders early enough to use your full allocation before the year ends.
Can I share my OTC card with a family member?
Your card is assigned to your specific member account. While dependents covered under your plan may have access to benefits, sharing card numbers outside of authorized household use can trigger security blocks or transaction denials at checkout.
What should I do if my card is declined at the store?
First, check your balance online or via phone to ensure you have sufficient funds remaining. Second, confirm that every item in your cart belongs to an approved OTC category. If an ineligible item is scanned, the entire transaction may fail until the unapproved product is removed.
