ORIGINAL MEDICARE
Medicare Advantage over the counter drug cards helps cover the cost of OTC drugs. But is this coverage only for Part C members?
How can you get an OTC drug card? Can you use an over the counter drug card at an online store?
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.
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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