Medicare Advantage over the counter drug cards helps cover the cost of OTC drugs. Below, we’ll take you through all the things you need to know about over the counter coverage.
What is the Medicare Advantage Over the Counter Drug Card?
A Medicare Advantage over the counter drug card is a prepaid card for products. You can use your card to buy most health products, as well as medications.
Your insurance carrier is in charge of reloading your card each month. Most major retail stores accept these cards, so you shouldn’t face difficulty in using it.
But many wonder how easy it is actually to get a Medicare Advantage over the counter drug card. Note that the Medicare card is different from the Medicare Advantage card and the OTC card is also different.
How Can I Get a Medicare Advantage Over the Counter Drug Card?
Want to know how to get an OTC drug card? Coverage comes with many Medicare Advantage policies, that’s why many call these “all in one” plans.
So, you’ll need to enroll in a policy to get benefits. Getting a Medicare Advantage over the counter drug card may be easier than you think. When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage health plan, your carrier can give instructions. They likely have a website that shows eligible products that you can buy.
You’ll also be able to find details of your over the counter benefits, and directions on how to buy OTC drugs.
Will Medicare Advantage Policies Help Pay for My Over The Counter Drugs?
OTC drug cards can provide you with an allowance for some products. In the last year, 51% of beneficiaries with Advantage plans enrolled in a plan with over the counter benefits.
Medicare Advantage policies will often partner with large retail pharmacies. By doing this, it enables people to use over the counter benefits with their drug card.
Some plans even include home delivery of your over the counter drugs. Your drug card balance and benefits will vary depending on your specific plan.
For specific information, you can contact your insurer.
Which OTC Medications Can I Get with A Medicare Advantage Plan?
Thankfully, getting your much-needed over-the-counter medications has never been easier. Always check your OTC drug card catalog to see what has coverage.
Products can vary depending on your provider and plan.
But most policies do include the following:
- Cold and cough medications
- Flu medication
- Antibiotic ointment
- Bandaids
- Denture-related products
- Digestive medications
- First-aid materials
- Orthopedic support
- Pain relievers
- Sleep aids
- Wart removal products
Again, this isn’t a complete list of available medications. For a guide to drugs and products that you can get, contact your plan.
At Which Stores Can I Use My Medicare Advantage Over the Counter Card?
Different pharmacies and stores can provide you with the over-the-counter products you need. Most major pharmacies and stores accept OTC drug cards, but of course, will vary.
Most plans include the following major chains:
- CVS
- Family Dollar
- Rite Aid
- Kroger
- Publix
- Walgreens
- Target
- Walmart
- Dollar General
Can I Get an OTC Drug Card Without Medicare Advantage Coverage?
Unfortunately, Medicare doesn’t cover the cost of your over the counter health products. Which means you’ll have to pay for things such as cold and flu medicine.
But if you decide that you need help covering over the counter medications, you can buy a Medicare Advantage plan. While not every Advantage plan offers this cool benefit, many do.
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I have searched thru all the info sent to me after I signed up for the Community Blue PPO Medicare Advantage plan. I read where I am eligible for $75 per qrt. for OTC products. But no where does it state how the plan works, when I receive my card or even if I receive a card to pay for items. I’ve had the coverage now since Aug. 1. If I’m entitled to these benefits, why am I left to find out the details myself?
Hi Mike! Unfortunately, we cannot help you with this. You’ll have to reach out to your carrier directly. They have their own guidelines for each plan they offer.
I have only used the card 3 times and have a zero balance. when is the card renewed. Fifty dollars was to be replaced 4 times a year and looking the balance on line says the card ends 6/30 /2021
Hi Gloria! You would need to reach out to your Medicare Advantage provider directly since this is per carrier and not standarized.
My plan starts July 1st. When will I receive my OTC card?
Hi Lois! You would need to contact your Medicare Advantage carrier directly to find out.
My mom has Highmark Freedom Blue Medicare Advantage plan. How do I find out if they offer the OTC card?
Hi Cindy! Your mom should’ve received a summary of benefits, you would find information on an OTC card in there if it’s included in the benefits.
Lindsay,
I have the BCBS Advantage plan with no monthly premium, and I did receive an otc card with $75 quarterly benefit. Cannot complain whatsoever.
Hi Kenny! That’s great! It is a nice benefit to have for sure.
We have BCBS Medicare Advantage Plan with a zero Premium and we both get the OTC card.
How much OTC will my wife and i get this year?
Hi Billy! The OTC amount varies between carriers and plans. You would need to look at your Summary of Benefits and/or contact the carrier directly to find out how much is included with your plan.
I have a medicare advantage plan, I was told it would automatically renew as long as I wanted to keep the same plan, is this correct? Also I just read about Medicare Advantage over the counter bendefits card… I am assuming to have this benefit, it is only a part of certain plans, generally how much does your Medicare Advantage Premium go up to have a plan that includes the otcb card? Do you pick a certain amount? I just received a Humana Debit card/master card which must be spent by 12/31/2, will this happen again in 2021?
Hi Rita! Yes, your Medicare Advantage plan will automatically renew. Each carrier decides if and how much they will give their enrollees on these cards. I have not seen many of these offered to zero-dollar premium plans, but that does not mean none of them offer it. Usually, the premium is at least $15 a month to offer OTC debit cards. I hope this helps!
My new plan starts August 1st and I will be receiving $100 quarterly for OTC items. My premium is $0. It’s the AARP plan. I’m excited to be getting that benefit, just wish I hadn’t already restocked my first aid kit!