Many Medicare Advantage plans offer over-the-counter (OTC) benefits to help members stay healthy. The Medicare OTC Products Catalog is a key resource that lists approved health and wellness items you can buy using these benefits. It simplifies access to essentials like vitamins and bandages.
These catalogs, provided by insurers like Aetna or Humana, come with a preloaded card or allowance for eligible purchases. You can shop at stores like CVS or online, making healthcare more affordable. About 88% of Medicare Advantage plans included OTC benefits in 2024, per KFF data.
This article explains the Medicare OTC Products Catalog in clear, simple terms, covering eligibility, covered items, and how to use it. You’ll learn tips to maximize savings and avoid mistakes. By the end, you’ll know how to make the most of this valuable benefit.
Understanding Medicare OTC Benefits
Medicare OTC benefits are part of many Medicare Advantage plans, not Original Medicare. They provide a monthly or quarterly allowance to buy non-prescription health products. Insurers like Aetna, Humana, and UnitedHealthcare offer these benefits.
The Medicare OTC Products Catalog lists approved items, such as pain relievers, first aid supplies, and vitamins. Each plan’s catalog and allowance vary, typically ranging from $25 to $200 per period. Check your plan’s Evidence of Coverage (EOC) for details.
You receive a preloaded card or account to shop at participating retailers or online. Funds usually don’t roll over, so use them before they expire. This benefit helps you manage health costs affordably.
Who Qualifies for OTC Benefits?
You qualify for OTC benefits if enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes this perk. This typically means being 65 or older or having certain disabilities, per Medicare rules. Dual-eligible members (Medicare and Medicaid) may get enhanced allowances.
No separate application is needed—eligibility is automatic with a qualifying plan. About 21 million Americans used Medicare Advantage plans in 2024, per CMS. Check your EOC or contact your insurer to confirm OTC benefit inclusion.
Some plans, like Aetna’s D-SNPs, offer higher allowances for chronic conditions. Call your plan’s customer service, like Aetna at 1-866-241-0262, to verify eligibility. This ensures you access your full benefits.
What Is the Medicare OTC Products Catalog?
The Medicare OTC Products Catalog is a list of approved non-prescription health and wellness items you can buy using your Medicare Advantage plan’s OTC benefit. It includes products like vitamins, pain relievers, first aid supplies, and sometimes health devices. The catalog is provided by your insurer, either in print or online.
You use a preloaded OTC card or account to shop at participating retailers like CVS or online portals. Allowances, ranging from $25 to $200 monthly or quarterly, vary by plan. Check your EOC or catalog for specific items and limits.
How to Access the Catalog
Insurers mail the Medicare OTC Products Catalog to eligible members or provide it online. For example, Aetna offers access via CVS.com/Aetna, while Humana uses CenterWell Pharmacy’s portal. Register with your member ID to view the catalog digitally.
You can also call your plan’s OTC service number, like Aetna’s 1-844-428-8147, to request a printed catalog. Some plans, like Priority Health, offer apps to browse items. Online portals often list participating retailers and track your balance.
Check your catalog regularly, as items may change due to availability. If an item is out of stock, a similar product may be substituted. This ensures you always know what’s covered.
Covered Items in the Catalog
The Medicare OTC Products Catalog typically includes health and wellness products. Each plan’s catalog varies, but most cover similar categories. Always check your specific catalog for approved items.
Common covered items include:
- Pain relievers (e.g., ibuprofen, aspirin)
- Vitamins and dietary supplements
- First aid supplies (e.g., bandages, antiseptic wipes)
- Cold and allergy medications
Some plans cover devices like blood pressure monitors or compression socks. Non-health items like food or cosmetics are usually not covered. Verify eligibility with your catalog or plan’s customer service.
Where to Use OTC Benefits
You can use your OTC card at participating retailers like CVS, Walgreens, or Walmart. Online options include CVS.com/Aetna, CenterWell Pharmacy, or plan-specific portals like summacareotc.com. Free shipping is often available for online orders.
In stores, look for blue labels or ask staff to identify eligible items. CVS locations inside other stores, like Target, may not accept OTC cards. Check your plan’s website for a list of participating locations.
For phone orders, call your plan’s OTC service number, such as Humana’s 800-457-4708. Have your member ID and catalog ready to place orders. This offers flexibility for convenient shopping.
Medicare OTC Allowance by Plan
| Plan Provider | Allowance Range | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Aetna | $25–$200 | Monthly/Quarterly |
| Humana | $20–$150 | Monthly/Quarterly |
| UnitedHealthcare | $25–$135 | Monthly/Quarterly |
The table shows typical OTC allowances for select Medicare Advantage plans. Amounts and frequency vary by plan and location. Check your EOC for exact details.
How to Use Your OTC Card
Activate your OTC card by calling the number in your welcome packet, usually within 30 days. In stores, swipe the card and select “credit” to avoid PIN issues. For online orders, use your member ID on portals like CVS.com/Aetna.
Shop only for items listed in your Medicare OTC Products Catalog to avoid denied purchases. Check your balance before shopping, as unused funds typically expire monthly or quarterly. Use your plan’s app or portal to track spending.
For mail orders, call your plan’s OTC number or use the online portal. Orders usually arrive within 7–10 days with free shipping. Contact your insurer if you face issues at checkout.
Tips to Maximize Your Benefits
Use your full OTC allowance before it expires, as most plans don’t allow rollovers. Set reminders for the end of each benefit period, typically monthly or quarterly. This prevents wasting free funds.
Check your catalog to prioritize needed items, like vitamins or first aid supplies. Shopping online often includes free shipping, saving you money. Use plan apps, like Priority Health’s OTC app, to scan eligible items.
If unsure about eligible products or retailers, call your plan’s OTC service line. For example, Humana’s Member Services is at 800-457-4708. Staying organized helps you get the most value from your benefits.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake is letting OTC funds expire, with 70% of benefits unused annually, per industry data. Use your allowance each period to avoid losing money. Set calendar reminders to shop regularly.
Buying non-eligible items can lead to out-of-pocket costs. Always check the Medicare OTC Products Catalog or use in-store labels to confirm eligibility. This prevents checkout issues and wasted funds.
Not activating your OTC card is another error. Follow your welcome packet’s instructions to activate it promptly. Failing to do so can delay your ability to shop.
Medicare OTC Benefits vs. Other Plans
Medicare Advantage OTC benefits are unique, as Original Medicare doesn’t cover OTC products. Plans like Aetna and Humana integrate with CVS for seamless pharmacy access. Other insurers, like UnitedHealthcare, may include food or utility credits.
Aetna’s OTC catalog is robust, with over 260 items, while Humana’s CenterWell Pharmacy offers similar variety. Some plans limit orders to twice per quarter, so check restrictions. Compare your plan’s EOC to understand its unique offerings.
Choose a plan with a catalog and retailers that suit your needs. Online portals and apps enhance convenience compared to traditional shopping. This makes Medicare Advantage a valuable option for wellness.
Why OTC Benefits Matter
The Medicare OTC Products Catalog helps make health products affordable. With healthcare costs rising 5% annually, per KFF, OTC benefits reduce financial strain for seniors. They support daily wellness without extra costs.
Access to items like pain relievers and vitamins promotes proactive health management. Free shipping and nationwide retailers like CVS make shopping easy. These benefits improve quality of life for millions.
Many members miss out on OTC benefits due to lack of awareness. Understanding the catalog empowers you to save money and stay healthy. It’s a practical tool for managing health needs.
Summary
The Medicare OTC Products Catalog lists approved health and wellness items, like vitamins and first aid supplies, covered by many Medicare Advantage plans. Members receive a preloaded card with $25–$200 monthly or quarterly to shop at retailers like CVS or online. Benefits vary by plan, and funds typically don’t roll over.
Eligibility requires enrollment in a qualifying Medicare Advantage plan, with no separate application needed. Maximize savings by using your allowance before it expires and checking the catalog for eligible items. Avoid mistakes like buying non-covered products or forgetting to activate your card.
By leveraging the Medicare OTC Products Catalog, you can affordably manage health needs. Contact your plan’s customer service, like Aetna at 1-844-428-8147, for details. This benefit supports wellness and cost savings.
FAQ
What is the Medicare OTC Products Catalog?
It’s a list of approved non-prescription health items, like vitamins and bandages, covered by Medicare Advantage plans. You use a preloaded card to shop at retailers or online. Check your EOC for specifics.
Who qualifies for Medicare OTC benefits?
You qualify if enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan with OTC benefits, typically for those 65 or older or with disabilities. No separate application is needed. Contact your plan to confirm eligibility.
What items are covered in the OTC catalog?
Covered items include pain relievers, vitamins, first aid supplies, and some health devices. Non-health items like food are usually not covered. Check your plan’s catalog for the full list.
How do I use my OTC card?
Activate your card, then shop at retailers like CVS or online via plan portals. Swipe as “credit” in stores and check your balance to stay within limits. Orders ship free in 7–10 days.
How can I maximize OTC benefits?
Use your allowance before it expires, shop for eligible items, and use plan apps to track spending. Order online for free shipping and verify retailers with your plan. Set reminders to avoid missing funds.