OTC Benefit Quarterly Planning Calendar: Never Waste a Dollar

Plan Your Benefit Quarter by Quarter

The #1 mistake Medicare Advantage members make is letting their OTC allowance expire unused. Benefits reset each quarter — unused amounts do NOT roll over. Here's your complete planning calendar to ensure you use every dollar.

Q1: January - March

• Priority: Stock up on vitamins and daily supplements for the year's first 90 days
• Seasonal needs: Winter health — cold remedies, cough medicine, chest rub, lip balm
• Action item: Order within the first 2 weeks of January while catalogs are fresh
• Deadline: March 31 — any unused Q1 allowance disappears

Q2: April - June

• Priority: Allergy season products — antihistamines, nasal spray, eye drops
• Seasonal needs: Sunscreen (SPF 30+), insect repellent, hydration products
• Action item: Order sunscreen and allergy meds by mid-April
• Deadline: June 30

Q3: July - September

• Priority: Summer health — sunburn relief, hydration, heat-related products
• Seasonal needs: First aid supplies for outdoor activities, anti-itch cream
• Action item: Start planning for Q4 flu season. Make a list
• Deadline: September 30

Q4: October - December

• Priority: Flu and cold season preparation — immune boosters, thermometer, cough medicine
• Seasonal needs: Heating pads, dry skin cream, hand sanitizer
• Action item: Order by early October. December shipping delays are common
• Deadline: December 31 — most critical quarter since you can't roll over to next year