When you go to your local store, you probably see OTC drugs there. A lot of people are unaware of this, but it is crucial to be aware of. People who cannot  afford OTC drugs (also known as nonprescription medication) can benefit a lot from Medicare Advantage plans that offer over-the-counter (OTC) drug cards. OTC drugs are safe and useful to take, but you need to follow the label’s directions or a healthcare professional’s instructions. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer this benefit while others don’t.

What are Medicare Advantage OTC Drug Cards?

Medicare Advantage plans offer prepaid Medicare Advantage OTC cards. OTC cards are available to cover qualifying OTC products from locations that take part in the plan. You need to remember that the eligible products depend on your plan and provider. Some things that you can generally buy include:

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

Your Medicare Advantage plan provider is responsible for your card’s management since Medicare Advantage plans offer these cards. This includes loading funds onto the card each month.  How they manage the card depends on the terms of your plan. One of the benefits of these OTC cards is that many popular stores and pharmacies accept them as payment.

What is the Amount You Can Receive from Your Medicare Advantage OTC Drug Card?

How much you receive each month on your Medicare Advantage OTC drug card depends on the plan you choose. Make sure to compare all of your options to find the right plan for you. There are many online tools that can help you compare between plans!

What are the Locations Available For Using Your Medicare Advantage OTC Drug Card?

The specific details of your Medicare Advantage drug card depend on your healthcare provider. This is why you should verify the eligible locations for you to use your card. Usually, you can probably use your OTC card at stores like:

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

How Can You Get a Medicare Advantage OTC Drug Card?

How you get a card depends on your plan, since your plan offers the card. Generally, you will get your card when you receive information about your plan like policy cards, materials, and so on. Your plan’s provider will offer information about the card when you receive it. They will tell you how to use it, what the benefits are, and so on. You can also find information on what to buy and where to buy through the provider’s website. If you want to know more, then you should contact your Medicare Advantage insurance plan provider!

Without Medicare Advantage Coverage, Can You Receive an OTC Drug Card?

Unfortunately, OTC health products are not covered by an Original Medicare plan. This means that individuals are in charge of buying OTC products, just like the ones we mentioned above when they don’t have coverage. If you need OTC products more than most people, then you should think about getting a Medicare Advantage plan that offers these cards.

Frequently Asked Questions

You might have some questions while you learn about Medicare Advantage OTC drug cards. There are some common questions that you may have.

How Can I Find Out The Balance of My Medicare Advantage OTC Drug Card?

If you want to find out how much your balance is, you can look through the website of your plan. Also, your OTC card comes with a number at the back that you can reach out to. You should remember that balances not used generally transfer to the next month’s balance. However, that might not apply to all plans.

Are Online Stores Accepting Medicare Advantage OTC Drug Cards As Payment?

It depends! Most of the time, online stores accept these cards! This makes it easier for you to buy OTC products, instead of heading to the nearest store that accepts these cards.

The Basics of Medicare

Earlier in the article, we mentioned Original Medicare, now let’s dive into it! Original Medicare is made up of Parts A and B, and supports those who are at least the age of 65 or have an eligible condition. Part A deals with insurance for hospitals. This includes staying at the hospital, nursing facilities, and so on. However, Part B means medical insurance, which includes services from doctors, medical supplies, outpatient care, and so on. Additionally, Part C is a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers OTC drug cards. There is also Medicare Part D, which covers prescription drugs. Part D also covers vaccinations and shots that are recommended.

Knowing The Difference Between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage

You should know the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Original Medicare involves Medicare Parts A and B, where they charge you for the services you receive. To get these services, at the start of every year, you will need to pay a deductible. Usually, you will pay about 20% of the eligible services or co-insurance. If you are interested in having more coverage, then you should consider receiving Medicare Part D. Original Medicare manages most healthcare services and supplies but there might still be healthcare expenses you need help with. This is where Medigap comes in handy, which offers coverage for the services that are not included in Original Medicare.

Medicare Advantage is a plan that is approved by Medicare which private insurance companies provide. This plan serves as an alternative to an Original Medicare plan to cover drugs and healthcare. You will find that Medicare Advantage plans combine Parts A, B, and (normally) D. Furthermore, Medicare Advantage plans come in annual contracts that follow the rules of Medicare!

Overall

Medicare Advantage providers are private insurance companies that offer OTC drug cards as part of the healthcare plan. These OTC cards help people with the coverage of OTC products like:

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

You should keep in mind that the details of your card depend on your plan and provider. This is why you should look through every detail of your plan. While you are comparing different options, you can use free online tools until you find the right plan for your current situation.