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Go to 2025 Over-the-counter Page

Blue Shield of California offers an over-the-counter (OTC) items benefit which covers OTC health and wellness products, including first-aid supplies, pain relievers, cough and cold medicines, and more. 
 

Are you eligible for the OTC items benefit?

You are eligible if you have one of the following Blue Shield of California plans:

County Blue Shield Inspire (HMO) Blue Shield 65 Plus (HMO) Blue Shield 65 Plus Choice Plan (HMO) Blue Shield Advantage (HMO) Blue Shield Advantage Optimum Plan (HMO) Blue Shield Advantage Optimum Plan 1 (HMO) Blue Shield TotalDual Plan (HMO D-SNP) Medicare Supplement Plan G Extra*
Alameda            
Fresno              
Kern            
Los Angeles        
Madera              
Merced            
Orange          
Riverside            
Sacramento              
San Bernardino            
San Diego        
San Joaquin          
San Luis Obispo              
San Mateo            
Santa Barbara              
Santa Clara            
Stanislaus            
Ventura              

If your plan is not listed above, check your Evidence of Coverage (EOC)/Member Handbook to see if your plan has the OTC items benefit.
*Please note – Medicare Supplement Plan G Extra is offered statewide in California. The table above represents only a subset of those counties.

Quarterly benefit allowance

To find out how much your OTC items benefit covers each quarter1, check your plan's Summary of Benefits or Evidence of Coverage. You can place two orders per quarter depending on your plan. Unused allowance does not roll over into the next quarter or month. Some limitations may apply. Refer to the OTC Items Catalog for more information.

How to place an order

You can place an order online or by phone. Orders typically arrive within two weeks by mail. Refer to the OTC Items Catalog for more information. 

Download your 2026 OTC Items Catalog

Blue Shield OTC Items Catalog (English) (PDF, 2.2 MB) 

Blue Shield OTC Items Catalog (Spanish) (PDF, 4.6 MB)

Blue Shield OTC Items Catalog (Chinese) (PDF, 3.6 MB)

Blue Shield OTC Items Catalog (Korean) (PDF, 3.7 MB)

Blue Shield OTC Items Catalog (Vietnamese) (PDF, 4.2 MB)

To see if your plan has the OTC items benefit and to place online orders, log in or register. To request a printed copy of the catalog, call the Customer Service number on your Blue Shield member ID card.

Questions about your OTC items benefit?

If you have any questions, please call OTC Health Solutions at (888) 628-2770 (TTY:711), Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. Pacific time. Translation services are available at this number.

 

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1 Quarterly allowance: January – March; April – June; July – September; October – December.
Available in select group plans; refer to your Evidence of Coverage to determine if you have this benefit.

Blue Shield of California is an HMO, HMO D-SNP, and a PDP plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the California State Medicaid Program. Enrollment in Blue Shield of California depends on contract renewal.

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Page Last Updated 10/01/2025