If you go to the store in your area, you might find the store selling over-the-counter, or, OTC drugs. A lot of people do not know what OTC drugs are, but they are really important. Medicare Advantage offers these drug cards that can support people who can’t afford OTC drugs. Most people know OTC drugs as non-prescription medications, which are medications that you can buy without needing a prescription from your doctor. OTC drugs are very safe to use and helpful, but you should follow the label’s directions or the directions of a healthcare expert. You will find that there are different Medicare Advantage plans available, which is why you might not find this benefit in every plan.

What to Know About Medicare Advantage OTC Drug Cards

Medicare Advantage Plans offer prepaid Medicare Advantage OTC cards, but you need to make sure that the plan you are a part of offers these cards specifically. It’s also important to keep in mind that the eligible items can differ based on the plan and provider you choose. Typically, some of the eligible OTC items include the following:

• Antibiotic creams/ointments
• Denture-related products
• Digestive medications
• Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
• Band-Aids
• Cold and cough medications
• First-aid materials
• Other health and wellness products
• Pain relievers
• Flu medication
• Orthopedic support
• Sleep aids
• Vitamins
• Wart removal products

Since these OTC cards are available from your Medicare Advantage plan, that means it is the responsibility of your Medicare Advantage plan provider to handle your card. One of the main advantages of the OTC card is that a lot of stores and pharmacies allow these cards as a type of payment.

The Amount on Your Medicare Advantage OTC Drug Card

How much you receive per month on your OTC drug card differs based on the plan you choose. You should make sure to look for the best plan and the best way to do that is to compare different plans/providers. There are tools online now that can help you find the right plan for your current and future needs.

Locations to Use Your Medicare Advantage OTC Drug Card

As we mentioned before, the specific details of your Medicare Advantage OTC drug card depend on your plan and provider. You should verify with your provider where you can use the OTC cards. Generally, you will find the locations below can allow you to use your card:

• Walgreens
• Walmart
• Family Dollar
• Publix
• CVS
• Kroger
• Dollar General
• Rite Aid
• Target

Getting a Medicare Advantage OTC Drug Card: How Can You Do It?

Since the OTC drug card is included in some Medicare Advantage plans, how to get a card is based on your plan. For instance, if you have a plan that includes an OTC drug card, then you will receive your card right after you join the plan. Typically, you will receive your plan information that offers specific details of the benefits, materials, policy cards, and more.

When you receive your Medicare Advantage OTC drug card, your insurance provider will tell you about its benefits, how you can use it, and so on. Sometimes, you will find that the provider’s website offers information on what you can buy and where you can buy them. If you want more information, then you should contact your Medicare Advantage insurance-plan provider. They will answer any and all questions you might have!

Is it Possible to Receive an OTC Drug Card Without Having Medicare Advantage?

Unfortunately, there is no coverage of OTC health products with an Original Medicare plan. Individuals are in charge of paying for OTC items, such as the ones mentioned above. If you are a person that uses OTC items more than most people, then you should definitely think about getting a Medicare Advantage plan that offers OTC cards.

Commonly Asked Questions

When you are in the process of understanding Medicare Advantage OTC drug cards, you will probably have some questions. Do not worry, other people might have the same questions when learning about OTC cards, too!

How Can I Check The Balance on My OTC Drug Card?

You can check your balance through the plan’s website. Additionally, your card will have a phone number on the back that you can reach out to. You need to remember that balances you do not use will usually transfer into the next month’s balance. However, that does not apply to all plans and all cards.

Is it Possible to Use OTC Drug Cards With Online Stores?

It is possible, but it depends on the OTC card. However, it is likely that participating online stores will accept your OTC card online. Of course, this will make it so much easier to purchase OTC products, since you do not need to leave your home!

What is Medicare?

In this article, we mentioned the Original Medicare before. We want to mention it again and help you understand more about it. Original Medicare is Parts A and B. this medical insurance program can support individuals that are at least the age of 65 or people that have an eligible disability or medical condition. Medicare Part A manages hospital insurance. This includes stays in hospitals, stays in nursing facilities, and so on. However, Medicare Part B deals with medical insurance. Part B offers coverage for specific healthcare provider services, medical supplies, outpatient care, and more.

Additionally, there are other Medicare plans, which are Medicare Part C and Part D. People also refer to Medicare Part C as Medicare Advantage Plan, just like the plans that offer OTC drug cards. Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs. This can even include coverage that covers many recommended vaccines and shots.

The Final Verdict

Medicare Advantage providers, which are private insurance companies, provide OTC drug cards. OTC cards are used to provide coverage for OTC items, which include:

• Antibiotic creams/ointments
• Denture-related products
• Digestive medications
• Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
• Band-Aids
• Cold and cough medications
• First-aid materials
• Other health and wellness products
• Pain relievers
• Flu medication
• Orthopedic support
• Sleep aids
• Vitamins
• Wart removal products

However, it differs based on the plan and healthcare provider. You need to look through the specific details. You can figure out which is the best plan to suit your needs through free online tools that help you compare between plans. This will help you find the best option for you and your needs!