Over the Counter Benefit

FlexEssentials Flexible Spending Benefit

The VillageHealth FlexEssentials benefit gives you money to spend on a wide range of health-related products and services.

Here’s what you can buy with your FlexEssentials benefit:

  • Over-the counter (OTC) items, such as allergy medication, cough and cold relief, first-aid and much more
  • Groceries* to support your healthy diet
  • Utility bills*

How the VillageHealth FlexEssentials Benefit Works

You’ll receive a FlexEssentials card when you first join VillageHealth. It arrives pre-loaded with your allowance amount—and will automatically renew every month.

Note: Your allowance does not carry over from month to month.Your monthly allowance expires at the end of each month, even if you haven't used it all. That’s because we want you to spend it throughout the year on the items you need to stay healthy and independent.

Use your FlexEssentials card to shop how and where it’s easiest for you:

  • At stores near you
  • Through the OTCHS app
  • Online
  • By phone using your catalog

You may prefer the convenience of ordering online or by phone and getting items delivered. Whereas in-store shopping gives you the greatest selection. Plus you can take advantage of in-store sales and special offers, helping your FlexEssentials allowance stretch further.

Contact Information

To activate your FlexEssentials card and start ordering, call 1-844-428-8135 (TTY:711) Monday to Friday, from 8 A.M. to 8 P.M. (PT). Or click the button below to visit the CVS OTC Health Solutions (OTCHS) website. You’ll need to create an account, then you’re all set!

Questions about this benefit? See the FAQs below for more information. VillageHealth is also here to help. Call 1-877-916-1234 or click here and we'll call you.


Frequently Asked Questions about the OTC Benefit



Your FlexEssentials card will arrive in the mail shortly after your VillageHealth membership begins. Depending on the date you join, your card may not arrive as soon as your membership takes effect.

Rest assured you can download the OTCHS app and find your card there, along with shopping locations, your balance amount, and all the information you need to start using this benefit from day one!

No, you won’t—so hang on to your card. It will be reloaded automatically on January 1 with your new allowance amount. Remember, your card is always available in the OTCHS app.

Go to cvs.com/benefits, your CVS mobile app, or call CVS OTC Health Solutions at 1-844-428-8135 (TTY: 711)

Find your amount listed in your plan materials, including the Evidence of Coverage:

To check your balance at any time, find it in the mobile app or call CVS OTC Health Solutions at 1-844-428-8135 (TTY: 711).

Choose from hundreds of commonly used health and wellness items, including:

  • Cough syrup
  • Chewable antacid
  • First aid supplies
  • Ibuprofen
  • Sunscreen
  • Vitamins, minerals
  • And more

What types of groceries can I buy with my FlexEssentials card?

You can buy a wide range of healthy foods*, including:

  • Beans and legumes
  • Dairy
  • Fresh, frozen or canned fruits and vegetables
  • Grains, such as bread and pasta
  • Meat and seafood
  • Nutrition shakes and bars
  • Pantry staples like flour and spices
  • Soups
  • Water

Note: The allowance can’t be used to purchase tobacco, alcohol, candy, soda or chips.

There are over 70,000 locations across the country! Choose from major retailers like:

  • Costco
  • CVS Pharmacy
  • Walmart
  • Vons
  • Safeway
  • Albertsons
  • Family Dollar
  • Kroger
  • And more!

In addition to these major retailers, you can also shop at many popular, local markets in your community, including:

  • Good Fortune Super Market
  • GW Supermarket
  • H Mart

Visit cvs.com/benefits or call OTC Health Solutions at 1-844-428-8135 (TTY: 711) to find locations near you.

Use your FlexEssentials card for these utilities*:

  • Electric bills
  • Gas bills
  • Water bills
  • Sanitary services
  • Internet services (only when billed separately and not bundled with cable or phone services)

Note: Some utility companies may charge an extra fee for credit card payments. Please check with your service provider for details. Any applicable fees will be added to your total payment.

Use your FlexEssentials like you would any other credit card. Follow the directions from your utility company to pay your bill using a credit card.

If you need more help, contact OTC Health Solutions at 1-844-428-8135 (TTY: 711).

Get the most out of your benefit with the mobile app. Simply download the OTC Health Solutions (OTCHS) app to get started. It’s available on the App Store® for Apple® devices or on the Google Play™ store for Android® devices.

With the app, you can:

  • Scan and view the items offered
  • Place an online order for home delivery
  • Review past orders
  • See account information
  • Scan to pay at participating retailers

You can use the "Scan to Pay" feature for eligible items at participating retailers:

  • Open your app and tap “Scan to Pay”
  • Show the barcode on your screen to the cashier at checkout

Note: Retailer availability may vary based on your plan.

  • To order certain vitamins, we recommend you talk to your doctor before you place an order. These are called “dual-purpose items,” and are marked with a (‡).
  • Products and services purchased through the FlexEssentials benefit are for personal use and can only be ordered for VillageHealth members.
  • Items marked with an asterisk (*) are SSBCI eligible only. If you’re unsure whether you qualify for SSBCI, please contact Member Services at the number on the back of your ID card.

* This is a special supplemental benefit for chronically ill members. That means, to get this benefit, you must have an eligible chronic condition such as end-stage renal disease or post-renal organ transplant. Not all members with chronic conditions may qualify. For more information, please call Member Services.