Many Wellcare members have access to a Spendables card, offering a convenient way to pay for eligible healthcare expenses. Knowing how to check your balance and utilize the card effectively is crucial for maximizing these benefits. This guide provides comprehensive answers to common questions about your Wellcare Spendables card, ensuring you can easily manage your healthcare spending.
Utilizing Your Wellcare Spendables Card for Over-the-Counter (OTC) Products
Yes, your Wellcare Spendables card is designed to purchase a variety of over-the-counter (OTC) products at participating retailers. These commonly include items for everyday health and wellness, such as:
- Allergy and sinus relief medications
- Cold and flu remedies
- Incontinence supplies
- And a broader range of other health-related products
To confirm the specific OTC items covered and participating locations, simply log in to your secure Wellcare member portal and navigate to the “Wellcare Spendables” section. This will provide detailed information tailored to your plan.
Key Tips for OTC Purchases:
- Eligible Items Only: Remember, your Wellcare Spendables card is restricted to approved OTC items.
- Balance Management: If your purchase exceeds your available Spendables balance, you’ll need to cover the difference using another payment method like cash, check, or a personal credit or debit card. For example, if your total is $50 and your card balance is $30, you’ll need to pay the remaining $20 out-of-pocket.
Purchasing Healthy Foods with Your Wellcare Spendables Card
Depending on your specific Wellcare plan, you may have the benefit of using your Spendables card to purchase healthy and nutritious foods. This valuable benefit encourages healthy eating habits and makes nutritious options more accessible.
You can use your card at participating grocery stores and retailers in your network. To find nearby locations, use the Store Finder tool within your member portal under “Wellcare Spendables” or through the HealthyBenefits+ mobile app. The app can pinpoint your location for even easier navigation. Always verify that the food items you select are eligible under your plan’s healthy food benefit.
To determine if your Wellcare plan includes the Healthy Food benefit with Spendables, access your member portal or review your plan documents.
Applying Your Wellcare Spendables Card to Rent Payments
Certain Wellcare plans extend the flexibility of the Spendables card to assist with housing costs. If your plan includes this benefit, you can utilize your card to contribute towards expenses like:
- Apartment rent
- House rent payments
- Payments to property rental agencies
- Mortgage payments to your home lender
To confirm if your plan covers rent assistance, refer to your plan materials or log in to your secure member portal. Payments can often be made directly through the member portal or on the provider’s website, offering convenient payment solutions.
Paying Utility Bills with Your Wellcare Spendables Card
For eligible Wellcare plans, your Spendables card can also be used to manage essential utility expenses. This can encompass a range of services, including:
- Electricity, gas, water, and sanitation/trash services
- Landline and mobile phone services
- Internet or cable television services (excluding streaming subscriptions)
- Select petroleum-based expenses, such as home heating oil
It’s important to note that the Spendables card cannot be used for automated or recurring payments. To check if your plan includes utility bill coverage, consult your plan documents or your secure member portal.
Using Your Wellcare Spendables Card for Fuel at Gas Stations
Some Wellcare plans offer a fuel benefit through the Spendables card, enabling you to pay for gasoline at the pump at participating gas stations. This benefit is typically available at larger chain gas stations; smaller, locally owned stations may not be included.
Use the Store Finder within your member portal to locate participating gas stations near you. Crucially, your Wellcare Spendables card is designed for pay-at-the-pump transactions only. It cannot be used inside the gas station to pay at the cashier. If you attempt to pay inside, the transaction will be declined. The card’s usage is limited to your available fuel allowance and must be used directly at the pump.
Broad Retailer Acceptance of the Wellcare Spendables Card
The Wellcare Spendables card enjoys wide acceptance at a variety of major retailers across the nation, making it easy to use your benefits where you already shop. Participating stores include well-known names like:
- Walmart Stores
- Kroger
- CVS Pharmacy
- Walgreens
- Dollar General
- Albertsons Companies
- Publix
- Piggly Wiggly Midwest
To find the most convenient participating locations, utilize the Store Finder tool in your member portal under the Wellcare Spendables section. Simply enter your zip code to begin your search and discover nearby options.
In-Store Shopping with Your Wellcare Spendables Card
Yes, you can confidently use your Wellcare Spendables card for in-store purchases at participating retailers. While a broad range of items are covered, not all products are eligible. To identify covered items, log in to your member portal and access the Wellcare Spendables section for detailed information.
During checkout, if your total purchase amount exceeds your card balance, you can easily cover the remaining amount with cash, check, or a personal credit or debit card. This flexible payment option ensures you can still utilize your Spendables benefits even if your purchase is slightly over your balance.
Online Shopping with Your Wellcare Spendables Card
Similarly, your Wellcare Spendables card is also accepted for online purchases through participating retailers’ websites. As with in-store shopping, not all products online are eligible. Always verify covered items by checking the Wellcare Spendables section in your member portal.
The payment process online is straightforward. If your order total exceeds your Spendables balance, you will be prompted to pay the remaining balance using another accepted payment method at checkout.
Handling Orders with Non-Eligible Products
It’s common to have shopping carts with a mix of eligible and non-eligible items. Fortunately, you do not need to separate your purchases at checkout. Simply present your Wellcare Spendables card, and the system will automatically apply your balance to the eligible items. You will then need to pay for the non-covered items and any remaining balance using an alternative payment method. This streamlined process makes using your benefits hassle-free.
Restrictions on Cash Access with Your Wellcare Spendables Card
It is important to understand that your Wellcare Spendables card is not designed for cash access. It cannot be used at ATMs to withdraw cash, nor can you receive cash back at store registers. The card is strictly intended for your healthcare and related needs as defined by your plan benefits and is non-transferable and cannot be sold to others.
Troubleshooting a Non-Working Wellcare Spendables Card
If you encounter issues using your Spendables card, there are a few initial troubleshooting steps you can take:
- Card Activation: First, ensure your card has been properly activated. Activation instructions are typically provided with your card upon receipt.
- Eligible Item Verification: Double-check that the item you are trying to purchase is indeed eligible under your plan’s benefits (OTC, Healthy Food, etc.). Refer to your member portal for a list of covered categories.
If you continue to experience problems after these checks, it is best to contact Wellcare Member Services for assistance. They can provide further guidance and resolve any card-related issues.
Reporting a Lost or Stolen Wellcare Spendables Card
If you suspect your Spendables card has been lost or stolen, or if you notice unauthorized transactions, immediate action is crucial. Please call Member Services at 1-855-744-8550 (TTY 711). The Member Services team is available to assist you during the following hours:
- October 1 to March 31: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week
- April 1 to September 30: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday
Promptly reporting a lost or stolen card helps protect your benefits and prevent potential misuse.
Further Assistance with Your Wellcare Spendables Card
For any additional questions or concerns regarding your Wellcare Spendables card, please contact Member Services directly using the phone number printed on your Member ID card. TTY users can dial 711. Member Services is available to support you during the following hours:
- April 1 – September 30: Monday through Friday, 8 am to 8 pm
- October 1 – March 31: Every day, 8 am to 8 pm
Wellcare Customer Service is dedicated to ensuring you have a smooth and beneficial experience with your Spendables card. Don’t hesitate to reach out for personalized support and answers to your specific questions.
