Quick summary: HAP is moving its over‑the‑counter (OTC) benefit into a Flex+ Rewards prepaid card and a 2026 OTC catalogue. From January 2026 members will use the new card or the online catalogue to buy eligible OTC items — allergy meds, pain relief, first aid, vitamins and more. This guide covers eligibility, how to get the 2026 OTC catalog, step-by-step ordering and activation, common mistakes, and some Irish alternatives if you’re living in Ireland.

Quick reference

- What it is: HAP’s 2026 OTC catalog and Flex+ Rewards prepaid card for OTC purchases and healthy living rewards.
- Key dates: Prepaid Mastercard stopped 31 December 2025; new Flex+ Rewards card in use from January 2026.
- What you can buy: Allergy, cold & flu meds; pain relievers; wound care; vitamins & supplements; personal care items.
- How to shop: Activate card, use at participating retailers (in‑store or online) or order from the HAP 2026 OTC catalog when it arrives.
- Eligibility: Members with HAP plans that include a Flex/OTC benefit; allowance amounts depend on plan (monthly or quarterly allotments).

Introduction

The 2026 OTC catalog from HAP lists the over-the-counter items you can buy with your Flex+ Rewards funds, both in print and online. From January 2026 HAP has consolidated flex benefits and healthy living rewards onto a single prepaid card — the Flex+ Rewards Visa®. The change means members will use that card at shops or order from the catalog rather than rely on the older prepaid Mastercard that was retired at the end of 2025.

Prerequisites

To use the HAP 2026 OTC catalog, you’ll need a few things ready first:

  • Active HAP plan that includes OTC/flex benefits and/or Healthy Living Rewards.
  • Your new HAP Flex+ Rewards card in the post — HAP began mailing these in December 2025 for use from January 2026.
  • Access to the HAP Member Portal to activate the card, check balances and find the online catalog.
  • Photo ID and the HAP member number when registering with customer services or activating the card.

Step‑by‑step: get and use the HAP 2026 OTC catalog

Here are the steps to order from the HAP 2026 OTC catalog or use your Flex+ Rewards card in stores.

1. Expect the mail
HAP started mailing the new Flex+ Rewards card in December 2025. The printed 2026 OTC catalog should arrive after your card. If you haven’t received either within two weeks of each other, contact HAP member services.

2. Activate the card
Activate the Flex+ Rewards Visa® via the HAP Member Portal or by calling the activation number on the sticker. Activation links your card to your HAP benefit and enables purchases.

Keep the activation confirmation — it’s useful if there’s a balance or transaction question later.

Mastheads

3. Check your allowance
Log in to the Member Portal and view your balance and the schedule for deposits.

HAP adds flex money either monthly or quarterly depending on your plan. The portal also shows which rewards you’ve earned under Healthy Living Rewards and when they’ll post.

4. Read the catalog rules
The 2026 OTC catalog lists eligible items and any per‑item limits. Some plans limit quantities or set maximum per‑order amounts. If an item appears in the catalog but your card is declined at checkout, check the portal to confirm your remaining balance and the item code in the catalog.

5. Shop in store or online
Use the Flex+ Rewards card at participating retailers — major chains typically accept it in store and online. Alternatively, order directly through the HAP OTC catalog’s mail or online ordering option if available. When ordering online, follow the catalog’s item codes and shipping rules.

6. Keep receipts
Save receipts for all purchases until the transaction shows correctly in the Member Portal. Receipts help resolve disputes, returns and catalog order issues.

7. Use Healthy Living Rewards too
Healthy Living Rewards are now added to the same card. You can earn rewards for completing an annual wellness visit, screenings, managing blood pressure or other plan‑specified activities. Check the Evidence of Coverage for the exact reward schedule on your plan.

Costs, fees and eligibility

Most HAP OTC benefits don’t cost you anything extra beyond what’s loaded on your card — you just use those funds to buy eligible items. Key points:

  • Eligibility: Only members with HAP plans that include OTC/flex benefits get the catalog and card. Check your plan documents (Evidence of Coverage) or call member services to confirm.
  • Allowance timing: Funds are added monthly or quarterly depending on plan terms — the Member Portal shows calendar deposits.
  • Fees: There may be standard card‑use terms (for example, replacement card fees or foreign transaction fees) — review the Flex+ Rewards card terms after activation.
  • Returns: Retailer return policies apply. If you return an item bought with Flex+ funds, the refund may post back to your card as a credit.

What’s in the 2026 OTC catalog (typical items)

HAP’s 2026 OTC catalog tends to include the same categories members expect. Examples include:

  • Allergy, cold and flu medications
  • Pain relievers and fever reducers
  • First aid — plasters, antiseptic, wound dressings
  • Personal care — soap, toothpaste, incontinence supplies (where eligible)
  • Vitamins and dietary supplements (plan dependent)
  • Selected medical supplies like thermometers, blood‑pressure cuffs (if listed)

Alternatives and comparisons (if you live in Ireland)

HAP’s OTC card is a US‑based benefit. If you’re in Ireland and searching for similar help with medicine or health costs, check these Irish options:

  • Drugs Payment Scheme (DPS) — a monthly cap on medicines for households. Details and how to apply are on HSE and Citizens Information sites: https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/1/schemes/drugs-payment-scheme/ and https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/health/drugs_and_medicines/drugs_payment_scheme.html
  • Medical Card and GP Visit Card schemes — for people who qualify based on income and age. Apply via Gov.ie: https://www.gov.ie/en/service/apply-for-a-medical-card/
  • Long‑term Illness Scheme — covers specific medicines for those with certain chronic conditions. See HSE guidance for covered conditions and process.

Basically, these Irish schemes differ from an OTC card — they usually cover prescription medicines, not general OTC goods — but they do reduce out‑of‑pocket costs for many families.

Tips

  • Activate the card straight away. Don’t leave it in the drawer — funds may be time‑limited or subject to plan rules.
  • Use the Member Portal often. It shows balances, deposit schedules and recent transactions, so you won’t be surprised at checkout.
  • Match catalog item codes when ordering online or by phone. That avoids declines due to product mismatch.
  • Watch for seasonal promotions. Catalogs sometimes add cold/flu bundles in autumn and winter.
  • If you move abroad or change plans, notify HAP. The Flex+ card and catalog access are tied to your active HAP coverage.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming any store will accept the card. Not every small independent retailer or overseas shop will process the Flex+ Rewards Visa®. Check acceptance before attempting a purchase.
  • Buying non‑eligible items. The card covers specific OTC categories — luxury or non‑medical goods may be declined.
  • Neglecting receipts. If a transaction fails to post, a receipt is the fastest way to sort it out with member services.
  • Not checking Evidence of Coverage. Allowance amounts, qualifying activities for Healthy Living Rewards and limits vary by plan — the Evidence of Coverage explains your exact benefits.
  • Trying to use the old prepaid Mastercard. That card stopped working after 31 December 2025. Make sure you use the new Flex+ Rewards card going forward.

When to call HAP

Ring HAP member services if:

  • Your card hasn’t arrived two weeks after the expected mailing.
  • An eligible catalog order is declined.
  • Funds don’t show in the portal after the scheduled deposit date.
  • You need replacement card fees or foreign transaction details.

Member services can confirm eligibility, resend catalogs, and walk through disputes. If you’re outside the US — for example, in Ireland — ask about coverage changes and whether the card can be used at EU retailers; foreign fees may apply.

Related Articles

HAP’s 2026 OTC catalog and the Flex+ Rewards prepaid card centralise OTC purchases and Healthy Living Rewards onto a single payment method. Get the card, activate it on the Member Portal, check your allowance schedule and use the catalog codes or swipe at participating retailers. If you live in Ireland, similar protections for medicine costs exist through the HSE and social schemes — check the HSE and Citizens Information pages for how those work.

This article was created with AI assistance.