Medicare Blog

medicare otc card what is covered

by Corbin Dickinson Sr. Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Some Medicare plans can be more flexible about what items they allow for purchase with the OTC card. Some plans allow medical supplies like shower rails, home diagnostic tests and kits, braces, and supports (for wrist, ankle, knee, elbow, etc.), first aid items, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and more.

Over-the-counter drug cards can be used to buy various health and wellness products, as well as medications, vitamins, durable medical equipment, and more. Your Medicare Advantage insurance plan provider is in charge of reloading your Medicare OTC card each month depending on your plan's benefits.

Full Answer

How do you activate your OTC Medicare card?

  • Baking Staples (includes dry thickeners and flour and cornmeal, including nut and seed flours) (excludes sugar & salt; sugar & salt substitutes allowed)
  • Bottled Water (carbonated/uncarbonated/unflavored with no added sugar)
  • Dried & Canned Beans
  • Dried Pasta
  • Electrolyte-rich Sports Drinks (with no added sugar)
  • Fresh & Frozen Fruit (with no added sugar)

More items...

Does Medicaid offer OTC cards?

Coverage of Over-the-Counter Drugs in Medicaid Abigail Coursolle & Elizabeth McCaman Drug coverage is an important facet of the Medicaid program. Although it is an optional benefit, all states cover outpatient prescription drugs in their Medicaid programs.1 States have significantly more leeway, however, in whether they cover over-the-counter ...

What is the best OTC medication?

The best OTC anti-inflammatories

  • Uses. A doctor may prescribe OTC anti-inflammatories to treat muscle aches. ...
  • Aspirin. Aspirin helps treat inflammation and related pain. ...
  • Ibuprofen. Ibuprofen also comes in different sizes and dosages. ...
  • Naproxen. There are two forms of naproxen: naproxen and naproxen sodium. ...
  • Risks and side effects. ...
  • When to see a doctor. ...
  • Summary. ...

When will my OTC card reload?

You can check the balance on your OTC card at any time by:

  • calling 1‑888‑682‑2400. You will be asked to enter your OTC card number.
  • or by visiting www.otcmember.com. Once on the site, you will be asked to enter your OTC card number.
  • or by calling Member Services

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What items are covered with the OTC card?

Over-the-Counter. (OTC) Covered Items. ... Abdominal Supports & Rib Belts. Acid Controllers. ... Anti-Diarrheals. Anti-Diarrheal Tabs, Liquids & Caps.Antifungal Treatments. Antifungal Powders, Creams, Liquids & Sprays. ... Anti-Gas. Mixed/Miscellaneous Anti-Gas.Anti-Itch Treatments. ... Antiparasitic Treatments. ... Braces.More items...

What can you buy with over-the-counter benefits?

Over-the-Counter drug benefits The supplemental benefit of Over-the-Counter medications and supplies can help you save money on over 100 items like pain relievers, cold medications, dental care and first aid supplies.

What can I buy at Walmart with my OTC card?

What can you purchase with an OTC Card at Walmart?Denture-related products.Digestive medications.First-aid materials.Orthopedic support.Pain relievers.Sleep aids.Wart removal products.Cold and cough medications.More items...•

Can I use my OTC card for food?

OTC Food Benefit Card It can be used to purchase eligible food items such as fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, bread, eggs.

How often does my OTC card reload?

At the beginning of each calendar quarter, your OTC card is loaded with the quarterly OTC amount for your plan. Your balance does not carry over—try to spend the full amount before the end of each quarter. Don't throw out your card—it will be reloaded at the start of the next calendar quarter.

How do I get money on my OTC card?

Simply complete eligible healthy activities like an annual wellness visit, certain screenings or participating in a qualifying health program. Rewards you earn will be automatically added to your OTC plus Card, with no forms to fill out.

Can I withdraw cash from my OTC card?

Benefits to OTC Withdrawals / Cash Advances: The benefit to an OTC cash withdrawal is that you can withdraw a larger amount, up to $705 per transaction with the same withdrawal fee.

Does Amazon take OTC cards?

A: In order to purchase OTC medicines with an FSA or HSA card, you need a prescription — and this feature is not yet supported by Amazon. That said, you can use other payment methods to purchase these items on Amazon and then request reimbursement from your plan administrator.

Can I use my OTC card at Dollar General?

You can use your card at these participating retailers: Walmart, CVS Pharmacy, Convey Benefits OTC, Family Dollar, Walgreens, and Dollar General. For a full list of retailers where you can use your OTC card, visit OTCNetwork.com.

Does CVS accept OTC card?

You can also go to any OTCHS-enabled participating CVS Pharmacy® store to use your benefit, where available. How do I use the OTC benefit? 1) In select CVS retail locations: You can pick up your OTC items at any OTC Health Solutions® (OTCHS) enabled store.

Can I use my OTC card at Walgreens?

You can use your OTC card for covered items at participating local retailers, including: CVS. Walgreens. Duane Reade.

How do I use my OTC network card at Walmart?

In-Store: Using your OTC card as your preferred payment option at Walmart stores is pretty simple. Just present your OTC card during checkout and the cashier will process your payment. Note that not all OTC card programs are not accepted in stores purchases and can only be used to purchase items online.

How many trips to the OTC do you make per year?

Medicare Advantage. According to the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, the average American makes 26 trips per year to buy over-the-counter (OTC) products. As you age, this number may increase. This means you may be spending more on these products each year. Every penny counts and understanding the products, drugs, ...

Does Medicare cover over the counter medications?

Original Medicare ( Part A and Part B) does not cover over-the-counter products and medications. Some stand-alone Part D plans may cover the costs, but generally, a Medicare Advantage plan is your best option if this type of drug coverage is important to you. Your Medicare Advantage plan provider should give clear instructions on how ...

What percent of Medicare beneficiaries are OTC?

In 2019, more than 51 percent of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries were enrolled in a plan with OTC benefits. 1. This is due in part to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) giving Medicare Advantage plan carriers more flexibility in the benefits that Medicare Advantage plans can offer. This opened the door for Medicare Advantage ...

What drugs does Medicare not cover?

Which drugs are not covered by Medicare? Medicare Part A and Part B typically do not cover the following over-the-counter drugs: Vitamins and minerals (except prenatal vitamins and fluoride preparations, in certain situations) Drugs used only for the relief of a cold or cold symptoms.

What are the benefits of Medicare Advantage?

Some of the other newly expanded Medicare Advantage benefits include (but aren’t limited to) things like: 1 Non-emergency transportation services (such as trips to the doctor’s office) 2 Caregiver support 3 Home remodeling for aging in place (such as adding bathroom grab bars) 4 Some home-based palliative care 5 Home meal delivery

Does Medicare Advantage cover OTC?

As it turns out, some Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans may provide allowances for OTC drugs and other products. Medicare Advantage plan availability and benefits may vary, depending on where you live and the plan you have. A licensed insurance agent can help you compare Medicare Advantage plans in your area that may provide coverage ...

Does Medicare cover prescriptions?

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) doesn’t typically cover prescription medication. If it does, it’s in only limited circumstances. So do Medicare beneficiaries have any options for coverage of over-the-counter (OTC) medications? As it turns out, some Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans may provide allowances for OTC drugs ...

Does Medicare cover hair growth?

Drugs used for cosmetic purposes or hair growth. Prescription drugs that fall into the above categories may be covered by Medicare if they are being prescribed to treat other conditions and are ordered by your doctor. Speak with your health care provider for Medicare coverage information.

Does Medicare Advantage offer home delivery?

Some Medicare Advantage plans may also offer home delivery of over-the-counter drugs. The exact OTC allowances and other benefits of Medicare Advantage plans may vary. Some Medicare Advantage plans feature $0 premiums, though these types of plans may not be available where you live.

A Guide To Medicare Advantage OTC Benefits Card

The average American makes around 26 trips every year to buy over-the-counter medications, according to a study by the Consumer Healthcare Products Association. And as individuals age, this number increases which means you may be spending more money on OTC products than you realize.

What are OTC Products and Medications?

The counter, medicines are products that don’t require a doctor’s prescription for consumers to purchase. They are medicines for common ailments and pains like backaches, colds, small infections, and allergies amongst other ailments.

Does Original Medicare Cover OTC Drugs?

Original Medicare, which covers Part A and Part B, does not cover over-the-counter drugs. You can get an additional Part D plan to cover the costs, but you would have to pay additional premiums on this add-on. OTC Medicare Advantage plans are your best option if you think OTC coverage is important to you.

What Can be Bought With OTC Cards?

Before you decide if you need an OTC Medicare card, find the OTC catalog on your plan. Eligible products vary from plan to plan and provider to provider, but the most common medications covered would include:

Where Can MA OTC Cards Be Used?

Most retail stores and pharmacies these days accept OTC cards. Again, the exact stores vary between different providers, but these are the stores that are included in almost all plans:

How to Save Costs On Prescription Drugs?

While a Medicare Advantage OTC drug card can be a great benefit, you can also cut down on your prescription costs. See if you’re eligible for ‘extra help’, which is a medicare savings program for prescription medication. If your current coverage covers this plan, have a licensed agent help you apply for a free prescription drug savings card.

Which over-the-counter (OTC) items does ConnectiCare cover?

Our plan covers CMS-approved over-the-counter (OTC) health-related items. Certain brands are included. Eligible health categories include:

How to get your eligible items once you activate your OTC card

At participating retail locations, including CVS, Family Dollar, Rite Aid, Walgreens, Walmart, and many others. Check participating locations at otcnetwork.com or call Connect Concierge and we will find a location near you.

Here are ways to order your items for your mail order only OTC benefit

Visit connecticare.com/mailOTC to select your covered items and complete the checkout process.

How to get reimbursed

We ask that you use your benefit in one of the ways listed above. If you are unable, you can request a refund using the below form. Simply mail your completed paper claim form to us with a copy of the receipt (s) for the covered item (s) you bought. We will send you a refund check in the mail.

About the over-the-counter (OTC) benefit

All BCBSRI Medicare Advantage members get a debit card loaded with $25-$200/quarter to buy a wide range of health-related items such as cold remedies and personal care items.

Three easy ways to use the OTC benefit

Once you receive your OTC debit card, you can redeem your benefit any of the following ways:

Can I use my OTC card to buy online?

In-Store – To use your OTC card in the store, just buy qualifying goods and pay with the card. In-store purchases are not permitted in certain programs. Orders for these programs may be made online.

Is it possible to withdraw funds from an OTC card?

Cash withdrawals made over the counter (OTC). Many financial organizations accept cash withdrawals from your Akimbo Card account. These are cash withdrawals made “over-the-counter,” or OTC.

What can I get with my Healthfirst Over-the-Counter (OTC) card?

At any participating pharmacy, you may buy authorized OTC nonprescription medicines and health-related products (such as aspirin, cold/flu treatment, and bandages). You may buy some food products in addition to nonprescription, health-related things if you’re a CompleteCare member.

What is a Medicare Advantage Over-the-Counter (OTC) card?

What Is OTC Card Coverage Under Medicare Advantage? Certain Medicare Advantage plans provide members with a one-of-a-kind method of purchasing over-the-counter items: a pre-paid card! Most OTC and prescription medicines may be purchased with these cards.

What is the procedure for obtaining an OTC card?

Your OTC card must first be activated. Please contact OTC Card Services at 1-888-682-2400 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or visit the OTC Network website for further information (by clicking on this link, you will leave the Fidelis Care website). You must supply the following information: the OTC card number displayed on the front of the card.

What is the function of an OTC network card?

You may use your OTC Card to make qualifying purchases at participating stores after it’s been activated. In-store transactions do not need a PIN or signature; it functions similarly to a pre-paid card. Simply swipe your card for payment at the checkout lines.

Is Ensure covered by Medicare?

When it comes to Medicare coverage for Ensure, keep in mind that in the overwhelming majority of instances, Ensure is considered a supplement. As a result, it is not usually covered by Medicare, much like other supplements.

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