I hear about these OTC cards all the time. How much are they worth and how do I get one?
Answered by 1 licensed agent
Those OTC, or over-the-counter, cards you hear advertised are not a standard Medicare benefit.
They are extra benefits offered by some Medicare Advantage plans. They may help pay for approved non-prescription health items such as pain relievers, cold medicine, vitamins, first-aid supplies and other everyday health products. Medicare Advantage plans are allowed to offer benefits beyond what Original Medicare covers.
There is no one dollar amount that everyone receives. One plan may provide a monthly or quarterly allowance while another may offer something completely different. The amount, covered products, participating stores and whether unused money carries over all depend on the specific plan.
You generally get the benefit by enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers it. Depending on the plan, you may receive a debit-style card, order from a catalog, shop online, or use the benefit at participating retailers.
Be careful with advertisements showing a large dollar amount. Some cards combine several different benefits, so the number being advertised may not all be available for OTC purchases. CMS — the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal agency that oversees Medicare — has specifically addressed how Medicare Advantage plans use debit cards for supplemental benefits.
Most importantly, don't choose a Medicare Advantage plan because of the OTC card. Compare your doctors, prescriptions, hospital costs, copays and maximum out-of-pocket amount first.
A generous OTC allowance is nice to have, but it should never outweigh how the plan actually covers your healthcare.
They are extra benefits offered by some Medicare Advantage plans. They may help pay for approved non-prescription health items such as pain relievers, cold medicine, vitamins, first-aid supplies and other everyday health products. Medicare Advantage plans are allowed to offer benefits beyond what Original Medicare covers.
There is no one dollar amount that everyone receives. One plan may provide a monthly or quarterly allowance while another may offer something completely different. The amount, covered products, participating stores and whether unused money carries over all depend on the specific plan.
You generally get the benefit by enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers it. Depending on the plan, you may receive a debit-style card, order from a catalog, shop online, or use the benefit at participating retailers.
Be careful with advertisements showing a large dollar amount. Some cards combine several different benefits, so the number being advertised may not all be available for OTC purchases. CMS — the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the federal agency that oversees Medicare — has specifically addressed how Medicare Advantage plans use debit cards for supplemental benefits.
Most importantly, don't choose a Medicare Advantage plan because of the OTC card. Compare your doctors, prescriptions, hospital costs, copays and maximum out-of-pocket amount first.
A generous OTC allowance is nice to have, but it should never outweigh how the plan actually covers your healthcare.
Answered by Jeremy Harkins on September 17, 2026
Broker Licensed in TN, AR, CA & 5 other states
Tags: Advice for Seniors Eligibility The Medicare System
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