Flexible Allowance

SCAN members have the added freedom to pay for products and services with a Flexible Allowance benefit.

Start online
Flexible Allowance
Flexible Allowance

FLEXIBLE SPENDING FOR MORE CONVENIENCE

Some SCAN plans with the Over-the-Counter (OTC) benefit also include a Flexible Allowance to spend on expenses beyond OTC.

How it works

Your allowance amount is preloaded to your OTC card and lets you pay for more than just OTC items, which is why we call it a Flex Card. Depending on your plan, your Flex Card can be used for payments for the following categories:

  • Groceries
  • Fitness activities
  • Utility bills
  • Dental, Vision and Hearing expenses
Your Flex Card balance can be viewed at any time at cvs.com/benefits or by calling CVS OTC Health Solutions at 1-844-428-8135 (TTY: 711). For in-store and online purchases, use your card just like any other pre-paid credit card. Not all plans will include a Flexible Allowance benefit. Check your Evidence of Coverage to see if your plan includes this benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about the Flexible Spending Benefit

Q. How do I know what I can use my Flexible Allowance on?

Information about how you can use your allowance is available in more detail in the FAQ answers below. Check the Evidence of Coverage for your plan to find your allowance amount.

Q. What fitness activities can I spend my Flexible Allowance on?

Your allowance can be used for fitness memberships, personal training, classes and more. Check your Evidence of Coverage for more details about what is included and your allowance amount.

Q. How will I receive my card?

For members signing up for plans in 2024 for the 2025 benefit year, your card will come in the mail along with other plan materials the first week of January 2025.

Q. Which plans include a Flexible Allowance for utilities?

This benefit is offered through the VillageHealth plan.

Q. How do I activate my Flex card?

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

Q. How do I use my Flex Card to pay for utilities?

You can use your Flex Card just like you would like any other credit card. Follow the directions from your utility company to pay your bill how you would with a credit card.

If you need more assistance, contact OTC Health Solutions at 1-844-428-8135 (TTY: 711). For more information, check your Evidence of Coverage.

Q. Which plans include the Grocery Allowance?

This benefit is offered through the following plans:

  • SCAN Connections
  • SCAN Connections at Home
  • SCAN Strive
  • SCAN Allied

Q. What Groceries can I spend my Flexible Allowance on?

Members who qualify for the Grocery allowance can buy a wide range of eligible groceries with your allowance:

  • 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, chips or non-food items.

Eligibility for grocery benefit is not based solely on chronic conditions. All applicable eligibility requirements must be met before the benefit is provided. Qualifying chronic condition(s) required to be eligible for the SSBCI benefit include cardiovascular disorders, chronic heart failure, diabetes, cancer, chronic lung disorders. Other chronic conditions may apply. Medical records will be used to establish qualifications for the benefit.

Q. Where can I use my Flex Card to buy groceries?

 

There are over 70,000 locations nationally. Choose from major retailers like:
  • 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:
  • 99 Ranch
  • Good Fortune Super Market
  • GW Supermarket
  • H Mart
  • See more locations here

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

Q. Which plans include a Flexible Allowance for Dental, Vision and Hearing expenses?

This benefit is offered through some Embrace, MyChoice and Classic plans.

Q. What Dental, Vision and Hearing expenses can I use my allowance on?

Your allowance can be used for out-of-pocket costs, such as:
  • Dental expenses at the dentist, orthodontist or dental laboratory
  • Vision products like glasses and other goods or services at an optometrist, ophthalmologist and optician
  • Hearing aids, related supplies and equipment repairs

Q. Where can I use my Flex Card to pay for Dental, Vision and Hearing expenses?

You can use your Flex Card at any provider or office that accepts Visa, including:
  • Dentists, orthodontists or dental laboratories
  • Optometrists, ophthalmologists and opticians
  • Suppliers and retailers for hearing aids, related equipment and repairs
If you would like more information about where to use your Flex Card, visit cvs.com/benefits or call OTC Health Solutions at 1-844-428-8135 (TTY: 711).

Q. Which plans include a Flexible Allowance for fitness expenses?

This benefit is offered through the SCAN Allied plan.