Aetna Medicare Advantage OTC Benefit Guide 2026: What You Get and How to Use It

Your Aetna OTC Benefit Explained

Aetna Medicare Advantage plans include an Over-the-Counter benefit that gives you a quarterly allowance to purchase health and wellness products at no cost to you. The benefit amount varies by plan, but all Aetna Medicare Advantage members with OTC benefits can use them for a wide range of FDA-approved health products.

Benefit Amounts

• Quarterly allowances: Aetna OTC benefits typically range from $25 to $200 per quarter depending on your specific plan. Check your plan's Evidence of Coverage document for your exact amount
• Use it or lose it: Your quarterly allowance does NOT roll over to the next quarter. If you don't use your Q1 benefit by March 31, it's gone. Set calendar reminders to use your benefit each quarter
• No out-of-pocket cost: Products purchased with your OTC benefit cost you nothing. The benefit is part of your plan and is funded by Aetna, not deducted from other benefits

How to Order

• Online catalog: Aetna provides an online OTC catalog at their member portal. Browse products, add to cart, and checkout using your OTC benefit balance. Orders ship free to your home
• By phone: Call the number on the back of your Aetna member ID card to place an order by phone. A representative will help you select products and process your order
• In-store: Many Aetna plans allow in-store purchases at participating retailers like CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart. Swipe your Aetna member card at checkout and eligible products are automatically deducted

Popular Eligible Products

• Vitamins and supplements: Multivitamins, vitamin D, calcium, fish oil, probiotics, and other dietary supplements
• Pain relief: Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, topical pain relievers like Biofreeze and IcyHot, heating pads
• First aid: Bandages, antiseptic, antibiotic ointment, gauze, medical tape, thermometers
• Personal care: Toothpaste, toothbrushes, denture care, sunscreen, moisturizers, hand sanitizer

Tips to Maximize Your Benefit

• Plan quarterly: Make a list at the beginning of each quarter. Prioritize items you'll actually use over the next 3 months
• Stock up on essentials: Use your OTC benefit for products you buy regularly anyway — vitamins, pain relievers, bandages. This saves your personal budget for other expenses
• Check expiration dates: Don't buy more of a perishable product than you can use in 3 months. Vitamins and medications have shelf lives