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.*
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.
Compare products and brands as prices may vary from store to store. For a wider selection of products, use your card in person at participating retailers like CVS Pharmacy, Dollar General, Price Rite, Rite Aid, Shaw’s, Stop & Shop, Walgreens, and Walmart.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. Buy the eligible items you need, when you need them.
What you choose is up to you!
7. Don’t lose out.
Unused monthly, quarterly, and annual benefits do not roll over to the next benefit period.
Do you qualify for our grocery benefit?
If you’re living with a qualifying chronic condition and are enrolled in BlueCHiP for Medicare Access (HMO-POS) or BlueRI for Duals (HMO D-SNP), you may also be able to use your Flexible Benefit Card to buy groceries.3 Not sure if you qualify? Call (401) 277-2958.
*This benefit is included with all plans except BlueCHiP for Medicare Essential (HMO-POS).
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, 2026. Other retail locations are available in our network.
3You may be eligible for a grocery benefit, which is part of Special Supplemental Benefits (SSBCI), if you are enrolled in BlueCHiP for Medicare Access (HMO-POS) or BlueRI for Duals (HMO D-SNP) and live with one or more qualifying chronic condition(s), as defined by CMS, including but not limited to chronic heart failure, chronic lung diseases, dementia, diabetes mellitus, and frailty & fall risk. Access members must also receive a Low-Income Subsidy (also called Extra Help). Receiving this benefit is not solely determined by your condition(s); all relevant eligibility criteria must be satisfied before benefit is available for use. Please see your Evidence of Coverage for full details.