I hear about these OTC cards all the time. How much are they worth and how do I get one?

Question

Jon Cavanaugh · Accepted Answer

You’ve probably seen a lot of advertisements for “Medicare OTC cards,” but there isn’t one standard Medicare card or dollar amount that everyone receives.
An OTC allowance is an extra benefit offered by some Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare.gov confirms that some Medicare Advantage plans cover over-the-counter items that Original Medicare doesn’t cover.
How much is it worth?
There is no universal amount. The allowance depends on the specific Medicare Advantage plan available where you live. Some plans provide an allowance monthly, while others provide it quarterly. The amount, the products you can purchase, where you can use the benefit, and whether unused funds carry over are all determined by the individual plan.
Depending on the plan, covered items might include things such as pain relievers, first-aid supplies, vitamins, cold medicines, dental-care products, and other approved health-related items.
How do you get one?
You generally get the benefit by enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes an OTC allowance. It is not a separate benefit that you apply for through Social Security or Medicare.
Some Special Needs Plans may also provide additional supplemental benefits to people who meet certain eligibility requirements.
One caution: I would never recommend choosing a Medicare Advantage plan just because it advertises a large OTC allowance. Your doctors, hospitals, prescriptions, copays, maximum out-of-pocket amount, pharmacy network, and other benefits are much more important.

The OTC benefit can be helpful, but it should be looked at as one piece of the plan... not the reason you choose it. I can help you compare the plans available in your area and see which ones include an OTC benefit while still making sure your doctors, prescriptions, and overall costs fit your needs.

Jeremy Harkins · Answer

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.

Shawn Lee · Answer

OTC cards are a benefit included with some Medicare Advantage plans. The amount varies a lot by plan. Some give a smaller quarterly allowance, while others offer more each month. You don’t apply for the card separately; you would need to be enrolled in a plan that includes the benefit. I can check what plans and amounts are available in your area.

Answered by Shawn Lee on October 5, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL, CA, GA & MD, NV, PA & VA

Answered by Shawn Lee Medicare Insurance Agent

Shawn Yeatts · Answer

You have to have a Medicare advantage plan in order to qualify for the over the counter
cards.  Most advantage plans offer them and the dollar amount can varie.

Dwight Wright · Answer

The value of the OTC cards differ from one carrier to another. The values also differ based on the type of plan (HMO, PPO, Chronic Illness(C-SNP), Medicare-Medicaid eligibility(D-SNP)). Assessing your needs would allow me to be able to review your options.

Answered by Dwight Wright on October 5, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AZ & 15 other states

Answered by Dwight Wright Medicare Insurance Agent

I hear about these OTC cards all the time. How much are they worth and how do I get one?

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I hear about these OTC cards all the time. How much are they worth and how do I get one?

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