Independent Retailer FAQ
What are the benefits of accepting the OTC Network card?
When members use their OTC Network cards at your location, you receive full payment for their qualified purchases. Each member is credited a specified dollar amount, which is loaded to their card each month and can be spent on thousands of over-the-counter health-related products.
We have over four million cardholders across our Medicare Advantage programs, each receiving $25-$120 per month, and Medicaid receiving an earned reward amount, through their plan. By accepting the OTC Network card, you are providing an important service to your customers as a local destination for these purchases. You can also help boost your sales and promote repeat visits to your location by joining the network.
How does it work?
InComm provides you with a standalone USB scanner and card reader for processing OTC Network payments. After a customer’s items have been rung up at the register, they will swipe their OTC Network card on our device. All eligible purchases will be deducted from their total based on available OTC Network credits, and we will reimburse you for those items. The customer will pay their remaining balance through your system.
Retailers are reimbursed 14 days after their first transaction; thereafter, you will receive daily invoices and payment.
What is the cost?
There is no cost for the OTC card reader. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) will purchase the InComm Payments OTC Network Card Processing System equipment – normally $250 – so there will be no cost for independent pharmacies in North Carolina. The following additional fees will still apply:
- 2.5% transactional processing fee, applicable to all eligible OTC items purchased at each retail store location during the prior billing period
- $1.00 adjudication fee per purchase transaction (per basket, not per individual item)
Can the card be used online or by phone for catalog purchases?
No. The OTC Network card can only be used for in-store purchases. This helps ensure more traffic to your store.
What products are covered?
Thousands of name brand and generic products are covered, including many items with an MSRP between $15–$65. Examples of eligible items include over-the-counter health products such as bandages, pain medicines, diabetes supplies, and cold and flu treatments, as well as hearing aid batteries, smoking cessation products, dental products and incontinence supplies.
Our top five product categories are:
- Cold and allergy
- Eye and ear Care
- Digestive health
- Home diagnostic and patient aids for daily living
- Smoking deterrents
What do I need to get started?
Complete our online application form. Once your application is submitted, someone from our team will contact you. You’ll need the following information to complete the application:
- Federal Tax Identification Number/EIN
- Tax/business registration information including your SIC Code and Dun & Bradstreet (D-U-N-S®) number
- Your pharmacy’s National Provider Identifier (NPI Number)
Why do I need to provide my National Provider Identifier (NPI Number)?
InComm requires these numbers to complete background checks and inquire about state exclusions. We are legally required to perform this action on a regular basis to ensure every merchant in our network remains in good standing.
How does InComm qualify me for approval?
InComm runs background and credit checks on each applicant. The applicant must meet basic credit requirements and pass a criminal history and background check.
What kinds of network capabilities do I need?
The equipment is a standalone device and does not integrate with a customer’s existing POS system. At this time, we do not support DSL.
Questions about covered items?
Email InComm at IndyOperations@incomm.com.
