How to Make Use of Your Over-the-Counter (OTC) Benefits With Medicare Advantage Plans

If you have a Medicare plan, one of the biggest challenges can be keeping track of the benefits that you are entitled to. One benefit of most Medicare Advantage plans is an over-the-counter (OTC) benefit, which gives you allocated funds to buy OTC healthcare and wellness products.

Here’s some essential information about Medicare Advantage Over-the-Counter (MAOTC) benefits: How to figure out if you’re eligible, what products they can be used on and where you can spend that benefit. Don’t let eligible MAOTC benefits go to waste!

Do You Have a Part C Medicare Advantage Plan?

Are you or someone you love 65 years of age or older? Did you sign up for Medicare? If you answered “yes” to both of those questions, and you signed up for Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, you may be able to receive a Medicare benefits card that offers an OTC benefit. If you’re considering switching to a Medicare Advantage plan to access OTC benefits, it’s important to compare plan options carefully, as coverage and benefits vary by provider and location.

If you do have an OTC benefit, you should receive either a physical card that you can use in stores (such as a Healthy Benefits+ Card, an Aetna Medicare Extra Benefits Card, or something similar), a digital barcode that you can scan at retailers, or both a physical card and a digital barcode. Some plans will also send you a catalog to outline what products are eligible for purchase with an MAOTC card at preferred retailers, like the CVS OTCHS Catalog.

If you’re unsure if you have a Medicare Advantage OTC benefit, contact your plan provider to confirm if your plan has this benefit.

How Can I Tell If I Have OTC Benefits?

Looking for a quick way to tell if you have OTC extra benefits? Check your card for one of the following symbols:

Again, it’s important to check with your plan provider to ensure you have an OTC benefit. If you have one of those symbols, or something similar, on your card, you most likely do—it’s just always a good idea to get confirmation before you start trying to use your card.

What OTC Products Can I Purchase With an OTC Benefit?

The specific products you can purchase with an MAOTC card vary, depending on your plan. Most plans publish the categories and products that fall under their OTC benefit—here are some of the most commonly-covered categories**:

Nearly all Haleon brands may be eligible under MAOTC benefits, including TUMS, Centrum, Sensodyne, Voltaren, Nexium, Advil, Benefiber, Biotene, and Preparation H.

Check with your provider to verify if your preferred Haleon products or other brands are eligible under your MAOTC benefit. Also, keep a lookout for new benefit documentation from your plan that might indicate any new product coverage. This information is typically released in December or January, and it can often be found in your plan’s online documentation or by calling your provider.

Where Can I Use My Medicare Advantage OTC Card?

Most major retailers will accept your MAOTC card. To find out if your nearby retailers are included in your OTC network card stores, check your plan documentation or contact your plan directly. To use a Medicare Advantage OTC benefit in an approved retailer, simply show them your card when you’re checking out. If you’re looking for specific Haleon products to purchase, check Haleon’s “Where to Buy” page to find a store near you.

If you’d rather shop for your OTC products online, Walmart allows you to link your benefits card to your Walmart.com for easy use. Contact your plan provider to help with using your card online.

Make sure you’re taking advantage of all your Medicare benefits! An OTC benefit is a great way to stock up on Haleon products for part of your daily routine or to have them on hand when symptoms arise. Contact your provider today to learn more about eligibility for MAOTC plans and benefits.