Over-the-counter benefit

Save money on common medications with CVS.

Our Sharp Direct Advantage CalPERS Plan features a supplemental over-the-counter (OTC) benefit. You can place an order online or over the phone, or you can obtain OTC items directly from select CVS Pharmacy^® stores at no added cost. This benefit can help with the cost of necessary health care items that are not covered as a medical or pharmacy expense under your plan. And it can help you save money on a wide selection of products like pain relievers, cold medications, first aid supplies, dental care and more.

Order online

Download our catalog

2023 OTC Catalog (PDF)

Using your OTC benefit

Here are some tips to help you understand how to use your OTC benefit.

For Sharp Direct Advantage CalPERS members, the OTC benefit is up to $100 per quarter.
Benefit dollars do not carry over from one quarter to the next, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead and check the catalog each month for items you may need.
You cannot combine your CVS ExtraCare^® card when placing your OTC order.

There is a quantity limit of 9 of a single item per order, per quarter with the exception of products that have specials limits. Items with special limits are marked on the catalog and on the dedicated online website.
Online and phone orders cannot exceed your allowable benefit for the quarter.
Shipping is free! There are no shipping or handling fees. Orders typically take 7 to 14 business days to arrive, so please plan ahead to ensure you have enough supplies.

Three easy ways to order

Order your OTC items online, over the phone or in select CVS Pharmacy stores.

Online

The fastest, easiest way to access your benefit 24/7 is online. To place an order, you’ll need to log in using your Sharp Health Plan member ID number and ZIP code.

Order online

Step-by-step instructions for first-time online users

Create an account

Go to cvs.com/otchs/sharp online.
Click the “Create account” button and follow the instructions.
- You will need your Sharp Direct Advantage member ID number, date of birth, ZIP code and a current email address. As a friendly reminder, your member ID number is listed on the front of your Sharp Direct Advantage member ID card.
  Note: You must use a unique email address for your account.
- You will also need to create a password.
Save your account password for future online orders. You will need your member ID or email address and your password to sign in.

Order your OTC items online

After you sign in to your account, your benefit amount and balance will be listed at the top of the page.
Shop the available products and add items to your basket. Your order total will automatically deduct from your remaining balance at the top of the page.
When you are ready to place your order, click on “Checkout.”
At the checkout page, confirm your shipping address and make sure your order is correct.
Place your order. That’s it!

Your order will arrive in 7–14 days. You’ll receive an email with tracking information to confirm your order is placed, when your order has shipped and another email to confirm when your order has been delivered. If an item in our order is out of stock, you will receive an email notification.

In-store

Shop for eligible OTC products — listed in the item catalog with a blue label (pictured below) — at a participating CVS Pharmacy store near you. Once you have selected your approved items, go to any checkout register and show your Sharp Direct Advantage member ID card. Read more important details about in-store shopping.

Blue label

find a participating store

Phone

After you browse through the item catalog, call OTC Health Solutions at 1‑888‑628‑2770 (TTY: 711) and place an order over the phone. They are available to assist you Monday through Friday, 9 am to 8 pm Pacific Time.

Current wait times

We are currently experiencing extreme demand, which is impacting call center wait times, and availability of select preparedness related product categories, like hand sanitizer, wipes and cold & flu products. Our teams are making every effort to prioritize your needs with our suppliers. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience during these unprecedented circumstances.

Shopping at a store? Read this first

Before you head to the store, please keep the following important details in mind.

Not all CVS Pharmacy stores participate in this benefit. Find a participating store online or call OTC Health Solutions at 1-888-628-2770 (TTY: 711) for assistance.
Not all eligible products will be carried in all participating CVS Pharmacy stores. Products with blue labels may be located in the dedicated OTCHS section or throughout the aisles in the store.
In-store pricing may vary. Prices listed in the item catalog are what will be deducted from your benefit.
Catalog prices cannot be combined with promotional offers or ExtraBucks Rewards.

Sharp Direct Advantage is offered by Sharp Health Plan. Sharp Health Plan is an HMO with a Medicare contract. Enrollment with Sharp Health Plan depends on contract renewal. Read the full disclaimer.

Page last updated: 7/28/2022