7 Tips for Shopping (and Saving!) with Your Flexible Benefit Card
Your Flexible Benefit Card helps keep money in your pocket by providing you with funds to use on over-the-counter (OTC) everyday health items as well as dental and hearing services and copays.
Be sure to activate your card before trying to use it.
You may also find it helpful to:
1. Download the Benefits Pro app1 and scan items while shopping.
This way, you’ll know if your items are covered before getting to the register.
2. Use the app to order from NationsBenefits and have your items delivered for $0.
You can also call 1-866-304-2138 (TTY: 711) or visit bcbsri.nationsbenefits.com to place an order. Online and phone orders can only be made through NationsBenefits (no other retailers) and will be delivered within 2-5 business days.
3. Shop around.
Get the most out of your OTC benefit by comparing products, prices, and brands as items may vary from store to store. Purchases made through NationsBenefits (online or by phone) may be different than what you find in stores. Use your card at CVS Pharmacy, Rite Aid, Shaw’s, Walgreens, and Walmart for a wider selection of products.2
4. Know your balance.
If you have money on your card, but not enough to cover your entire purchase, ask the cashier if they can split your payment. Tell them exactly how much to charge to your card, then use cash or a different card to pay for what’s left. You cannot exceed your monthly/quarterly benefit amount.
5. Always select credit (not debit).
Use it like a credit card—no PIN required!
6. Boost your dental and hearing coverage.
On many plans, hearing aids start at $0, but you can use your card to help cover the cost of an upgraded option. Or, use it to pay any balances or copays on additional dental and hearing services.
7. Get the items you need, when you need them.
Unused monthly, quarterly, and annual benefits do not roll over to the next benefit period.
Qualify for Extra Help?
If you qualify for Extra Help and are enrolled in our BlueCHiP for Medicare Value (HMO-POS) ACCESS program or BlueRI for Duals (HMO D-SNP) plan, you can also use the money on your card to buy groceries. And when you order through our partner Millonzi Fine Catering, you can use SNAP to purchase additional items and have everything delivered for $0!
1Download the app from the App Store or Google Play. Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Google Play is a trademark of Google Inc.
2Retailers current as of January 1, 2024.