A Medicare Over-the-Counter (OTC) card is a benefit included in many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans. It offers eligible enrollees a prepaid card to purchase health and wellness items like pain relievers, vitamins, first aid supplies, and more. However, not everyone on Medicare qualifies. If you’re not sure what your Medicare plan includes — or want help comparing your options — schedule a free consultation with Lehigh Partners. We’ll walk you through your benefits and make sure you’re getting the coverage, extras, and savings you deserve.
Many Medicare Advantage plans include OTC cards to help cover everyday health items.
Who Is Eligible for a Medicare OTC Card?
To qualify for a Medicare OTC card, you must:
- Be eligible for Medicare Part A and Part B
- Enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes OTC benefits
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) and standalone Part D drug plans do not include OTC benefits. The OTC card is available only through Medicare Advantage plans that offer it.
Who Qualifies for Medicare?
- Most people qualify at age 65
- Some qualify earlier due to disabilities or conditions like ALS or ESRD
Once enrolled in Medicare, you can choose a Medicare Advantage plan during:
- Initial Enrollment Period (around your 65th birthday)
- Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7)
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (Jan 1 – Mar 31)
What Can You Buy With a Medicare OTC Card?
Items eligible for purchase include:
- Cold, allergy, and flu remedies
- Pain relief medications
- First aid items
- Vitamins and supplements
- Dental care supplies
- Digestive aids
- Personal hygiene and wellness products
Some enhanced plans (like D-SNPs) may also allow spending on:
- Healthy groceries
- Utilities (gas, electric, internet)
- Fitness items or trackers
What’s the Difference Between an OTC Card and a Flex Card?
If you’re shopping for Medicare plans, you’ve probably heard of both OTC cards and Flex cards — and it’s easy to confuse the two. Here's how they differ:
OTC Card (Over-the-Counter Card)
What it is:
A prepaid card you can use to buy everyday health items like pain relievers, cold meds, vitamins, bandages, and more.
Who gets it:
Available with many Medicare Advantage plans. Not all plans offer it, so you’ll want to check your benefits.
What it covers:
- Over-the-counter medications
- First aid supplies
- Dental care items
- Vitamins & supplements
- Personal care products
(Items vary by plan)
Where you can use it:
CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, online catalogs, and other approved retailers.
Key thing to know:
Only covers eligible health-related products — not cash or groceries unless your plan says so.
Flex Card
What it is:
A debit-style card some Medicare Advantage plans offer to help pay for out-of-pocket costs like dental, vision, hearing, groceries, or utilities.
Who gets it:
Typically offered through specific plans (often Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans or certain low-income programs). It’s not a standard Medicare benefit.
What it covers:
- Dental, vision, or hearing copays
- Healthy food
- Utility bills (electric, water, internet, etc.)
- Fitness equipment or transportation (in some cases)
Where you can use it:
Varies — some plans allow you to pay providers directly or use it at participating stores.
Key thing to know:
It’s not available on every plan, and the amount varies widely — some plans offer a few hundred dollars, others more. You can’t spend it on just anything.
Bottom Line:
- OTC card = for buying approved health items
- Flex card = for broader out-of-pocket expenses (if your plan offers it)
Not sure which you qualify for? Contact us and we’ll help you figure it out.
How Does the OTC Card Work?
- Works like a prepaid debit card
- Funds are reloaded monthly or quarterly
- Must be used at approved retailers (CVS, Walmart, Walgreens, etc.) or online portals
- Some plans allow unused funds to roll over; others do not
Do All Medicare Advantage Plans Offer an OTC Card?
No. While around 88% of individual Medicare Advantage plans in 2024 included OTC benefits (source: KFF), not all do. You must check your plan's Evidence of Coverage (EOC) or contact the plan directly to confirm.
How Do You Know If Your Plan Has an OTC Card?
- Check your plan's Evidence of Coverage (EOC)
- Call the customer service number on your plan card
- Log into your plan’s online member portal
How Do You Activate Your OTC Card?
When you receive the card in the mail:
- Follow the included instructions to activate it online or by phone
- Have your member ID or OTC card number ready
Once activated, you can shop at participating stores or online using the plan’s approved vendor link (like Convey, NationsOTC, etc.).
Restrictions and Limitations
- OTC cards cannot be used for cash, prescriptions, alcohol, or non-health items
- Some plans limit how much of each item you can buy
- Approved item lists vary by plan and are subject to change
Summary
To get a Medicare OTC card, you need to:
- Be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes OTC benefits
- Understand your plan’s specific allowance, eligible items, and participating retailers
OTC cards are a convenient and valuable way to save on health-related expenses—but only if you choose the right plan. If you're unsure whether your plan includes this benefit, talk to a licensed Medicare advisor to review your options.
Need help finding a plan that includes an OTC card? Contact Us today for personalized guidance.
Faq about OTC cards
To get an OTC card, you need to be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes it as a benefit. Most people qualify for Medicare when they turn 65, but if you have a disability, you might qualify earlier. You also need to have worked and paid into Medicare for about 10 years — that’s usually 40 quarters.
Your OTC card usually covers everyday health items like pain relievers, cold meds, bandages, vitamins, and even some personal care products. But every plan’s list is a little different, so it’s always smart to check with your plan to see exactly what’s included.
If you have Original Medicare (Parts A and B), it won’t cover over-the-counter items. But some Medicare Advantage plans (that’s Part C) do include OTC benefits—so it depends on the plan you choose.
We'll show you which Medicare plan may give you an OTC card — even if you’re overwhelmed by all the options.
No pressure. No confusing jargon. Just a quick, honest look at what makes the most sense for you.
