The Wellcare Spendables Card is a valuable benefit offered by Wellcare’s Medicare Advantage plans, helping members cover health-related expenses. In 2025, this preloaded debit card provides flexibility to pay for eligible items like over-the-counter products, healthy foods, and even utilities.
This article explains how the card works, what it covers, and how to maximize its benefits. Written in simple language, it’s designed to help you navigate this Medicare perk with ease.
What Is the Wellcare Spendables Card?
The Wellcare Spendables Card is a preloaded Visa debit card included with select Wellcare Medicare Advantage plans. It provides funds to cover health-related expenses, such as over-the-counter (OTC) medications, healthy groceries, or utility bills.
The card replaced Wellcare’s Flex Card program in 2024, offering a more streamlined benefit. It’s designed to support members’ overall health and reduce out-of-pocket costs.
The card is available to members in 32 states across Wellcare’s Medicare Advantage footprint. Funds are typically loaded monthly or quarterly, depending on your plan. Not all plans offer the same benefits, so checking your plan details is key.
Who Qualifies for the Wellcare Spendables Card?
The Wellcare Spendables Card is available to members enrolled in select Wellcare Medicare Advantage plans, including Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs). D-SNP members, eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, often receive broader benefits.
To qualify, you must be enrolled in a plan that includes the Spendables benefit. Eligibility for certain benefits, like utility or rent assistance, may require specific chronic conditions, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disorders.
Non-D-SNP plans may also include the card, but benefits are often limited to OTC items or dental, vision, and hearing services. Check your plan’s Evidence of Coverage (EOC) to confirm eligibility. The card must be activated before use, either online, by phone, or via the Healthy Benefits+ app.
What Can You Buy with the Wellcare Spendables Card?
The Wellcare Spendables Card covers a variety of health-related expenses, depending on your plan. Common uses include:
- Over-the-Counter (OTC) Items: Pain relievers, bandages, cold remedies, vitamins, and toothpaste.
- Healthy Foods: Fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, seafood, and nutritional drinks.
- Utilities and Rent: Some D-SNP plans allow payments for electric, gas, water, or rent.
- Gasoline: Pay-at-the-pump at select gas stations for eligible plans.
- Home Improvement and Safety: New in 2025, some plans cover items like grab bars or safety equipment.
You can shop at over 66,000 participating retailers, including Walmart, CVS, and Kroger. Online shopping is also available through the Healthy Benefits+ portal or Uber Eats for delivery.
How to Use the Wellcare Spendables Card
Using the Wellcare Spendables Card is straightforward but requires activation. You can activate it through the Wellcare member portal, by calling 1-855-256-4620 (TTY 711), or via the Healthy Benefits+ app.
Once activated, the card works like a debit card at participating retailers. For in-store purchases, scan items using the Healthy Benefits+ app to confirm eligibility.
Online, you can shop through the Wellcare portal or partnered sites like Walmart. If your purchase exceeds the card’s balance, you’ll need to pay the difference with cash, check, or another card. The card cannot be used for automated or recurring payments.
Allowance Amounts and Funding Schedule
The amount loaded on the Wellcare Spendables Card varies by plan, ranging from $144 to $2,880 annually. Funds are typically added monthly or quarterly, depending on your plan’s structure.
For D-SNP plans, allowances may be higher and cover more categories, like rent or utilities. Non-D-SNP plans often have lower allowances focused on OTC or health services.
Many plans allow unused funds to roll over to the next benefit period, so you don’t lose them. To check your balance, log in to the Wellcare member portal or use the Healthy Benefits+ app. Always review your plan materials for specific funding details.
Where to Use the Wellcare Spendables Card
The Wellcare Spendables Card is accepted at over 66,000 retailers nationwide, including major chains like Walmart, Walgreens, and Kroger. For gasoline, the card works only at pay-at-the-pump stations, not inside gas stations.
Use the Store Finder tool in the Wellcare member portal or Healthy Benefits+ app to locate participating stores. Enter your zip code to find retailers near you.
For utilities or rent, payments can be made through the member portal or directly on the provider’s website, if they accept Visa. Online shopping for OTC items and groceries is available through the Healthy Benefits+ portal or partnered delivery services like Uber Eats. Always confirm eligible items before purchasing.
Table: Wellcare Spendables Card Benefits by Plan Type
| Plan Type | Covered Benefits | Annual Allowance Range | Funding Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| D-SNP | OTC, healthy foods, utilities, rent, gas, home safety | $500–$2,880 | Monthly/Quarterly |
| Non-D-SNP | OTC, dental, vision, hearing services | $144–$1,000 | Monthly/Quarterly |
| Select Plans | Home improvement and safety items (new 2025) | Varies by plan | Quarterly |
Limitations and Restrictions
The Wellcare Spendables Card has specific rules to follow. It can only be used for plan-approved items, and benefits vary by plan.
For example, utility or rent assistance is often exclusive to D-SNP members with chronic conditions. The card doesn’t support automated or recurring payments, and gas purchases are limited to pay-at-the-pump.
If your order exceeds the card’s balance, you’ll need to cover the difference. Non-covered items, like cosmetics or non-healthy foods, cannot be purchased with the card. Always check your plan’s EOC for a full list of restrictions.
How to Check Your Balance and Eligible Items
To check your Wellcare Spendables Card balance, log in to the Wellcare member portal and select “Wellcare Spendables.” The Healthy Benefits+ app also displays your balance and transaction history.
For in-store shopping, scan item barcodes with the app to confirm eligibility. Online, the Wellcare portal lists covered OTC and grocery items.
If you’re unsure about eligible items, call member services at 1-855-256-4620 (TTY 711). Plan materials mailed to you also detail covered categories suic. Keeping track of your balance helps avoid surprises at checkout.
New Features for 2025
In 2025, Wellcare introduced home improvement and safety items as a new benefit for select plans. These include grab bars, non-slip mats, or other equipment to enhance home safety. This addition aims to support members with chronic conditions or mobility challenges. The Twill by Dario platform, also new for 2025, offers 24/7 online behavioral health support, complementing the Spendables Card.
These updates reflect Wellcare’s focus on whole-health benefits. Check your plan to see if these new features are included. Not all plans offer every benefit, so review your EOC for details.
Challenges with the Wellcare Spendables Card
Some members report challenges with the Wellcare Spendables Card, such as confusion over eligible items. For example, feminine products or certain paper goods may not always be covered, depending on the retailer.
Gas purchases can be tricky, as the card may not work at smaller stations or if used indoors. Replacement cards sometimes face activation issues, leading to declined transactions.
Customer service wait times can also be long, with some members waiting over 30 minutes for assistance. Checking plan materials and using the Healthy Benefits+ app can help avoid these issues. Persistence and clear communication with member services are key.
Tips for Maximizing Your Benefits
To get the most out of your Wellcare Spendables Card, consider these tips:
- Activate Early: Activate your card as soon as you receive it to avoid delays.
- Check Eligibility: Use the Healthy Benefits+ app to confirm covered items before shopping.
- Track Your Balance: Regularly check your balance through the member portal or app.
- Shop Strategically: Prioritize high-cost items like OTC medications or healthy groceries to maximize value.
- Contact Support: Call member services for clarification on benefits or issues with the card.
These steps help ensure you use your allowance effectively without overspending.
What to Do If You Face Issues
If your Wellcare Spendables Card is declined or you’re unsure about eligible items, contact member services at 1-855-744-8550 (TTY 711). Have your member ID ready to speed up the process.
Check your plan’s EOC or member portal for a list of covered items. If you lose your card, request a replacement immediately to avoid disruptions.
For online shopping issues, ensure you’re using approved platforms like Healthy Benefits+ or partnered retailers. Keep records of all transactions and communications for reference. Quick action can resolve most problems efficiently.
Summary
The Wellcare Spendables Card is a flexible benefit for Medicare Advantage members, covering OTC items, healthy foods, utilities, and more in 2025. Available in 32 states, the card’s benefits vary by plan, with D-SNP members often receiving broader coverage.
Funds range from $144 to $2,880 annually, and many plans allow rollovers. By activating the card, checking eligibility, and using tools like the Healthy Benefits+ app, members can maximize their benefits and support their health.
FAQ
What is the Wellcare Spendables Card?
The Wellcare Spendables Card is a preloaded Visa debit card for select Medicare Advantage plan members. It covers health-related expenses like OTC items, healthy foods, and utilities. Benefits and amounts vary by plan.
How do I activate my Wellcare Spendables Card?
Activate your card through the Wellcare member portal, by calling 1-855-256-4620 (TTY 711), or via the Healthy Benefits+ app. Activation is required before use. Check your plan materials for instructions.
Where can I use the Wellcare Spendables Card?
The card is accepted at over 66,000 retailers, including Walmart, CVS, and Kroger. Use it for OTC items, groceries, or utilities at approved providers. Check the Store Finder for locations.
What can I buy with the Wellcare Spendables Card?
Depending on your plan, you can buy OTC items, healthy groceries, utilities, rent, gas, or home safety items. Eligible items vary, so check your plan’s EOC. Use the Healthy Benefits+ app to confirm.
What if my Wellcare Spendables Card is declined?
Contact member services at 1-855-744-8550 (TTY 711) to resolve issues. Ensure the item is eligible and your balance is sufficient. Request a replacement card if lost or damaged.