New to Medicare Advantage? Your OTC Benefit Checklist
Welcome to Medicare Advantage OTC Benefits
Congratulations on your new Medicare Advantage plan! Your OTC benefit is one of the most valuable perks — but many new members miss out because they don't know how to use it.
Your First-Month Checklist
- Find your OTC card — it should arrive with your welcome kit. It looks like a debit card
- Check your quarterly allowance — call the number on your card or log into your plan's portal
- Download your plan's OTC catalog — every plan has a list of approved products
- Make your first purchase — visit an approved retailer or order online/by phone
- Set a quarterly reminder — don't let your allowance expire unused
Best First Purchases
- Blood pressure monitor — highest-value single item ($40-50)
- Vitamins — daily multivitamin, Vitamin D, calcium
- Pain relief — acetaminophen, ibuprofen, topical creams
- First aid supplies — bandages, antibiotic ointment, thermometer
Common New Member Mistakes
- Forgetting to use the benefit (most common!)
- Trying to use it at non-approved retailers
- Buying non-approved items (cosmetics, food, cleaning supplies)
- Not checking the quarterly reset date