5 Ways to Save Money on Health Products with Medicare OTC

Most Medicare Advantage members are leaving hundreds of dollars on the table every year by not using their OTC benefit. Here are 5 strategies to maximize your free health product allowance.

1. Use Your Full Allowance Every Quarter

This sounds obvious, but 70% of eligible members don't use their full OTC benefit. Your allowance resets every quarter — any unused amount disappears. Set a calendar reminder for the first of each quarter (January, April, July, October) to place your order.

2. Stock Up on Daily Essentials

Instead of buying vitamins and supplements out of pocket, use your OTC benefit to cover them. A 90-day supply of multivitamins, vitamin D, and omega-3 would cost $30-$50 at the drugstore — but it's free with your OTC card.

Products that are great for quarterly stocking:

• Multivitamins (90-day supply)
• Pain relievers (100-count bottles)
• First aid supplies
• Dental care products
• Compression socks

3. Choose Pre-Assembled Health Boxes

Not sure what to order? Our pre-assembled health boxes are curated by health professionals to give you the most value for your allowance. Each box is designed to cover specific health needs:

• Basic Box ($25-$50): Multivitamin, acetaminophen, bandages, thermometer
• Active Box ($50-$75): Joint support, muscle cream, pain patches, vitamin B12
• Premium Box ($75-$100): Everything above plus probiotics, omega-3, oximeter
• Diabetes Box ($75): Glucose strips, lancets, foot cream, diabetic vitamins

4. Combine with Preventive Care

Use your OTC benefit to support your doctor's preventive care recommendations. If your doctor suggests vitamin D supplements, use your OTC benefit instead of buying them yourself. Common doctor-recommended OTC products:

• Vitamin D3 (bone health)
• Calcium (osteoporosis prevention)
• Aspirin 81mg (heart health)
• Probiotics (digestive health)
• Blood pressure monitors (hypertension management)

5. Share the Knowledge

Many people don't know they have this benefit. Tell your friends, family, and neighbors who have Medicare Advantage. You'll help them save money and get the health products they need.

The bottom line: your OTC benefit is a valuable part of your Medicare plan. Using it fully means hundreds of dollars in free health products every year. Don't let it go to waste.