Sun Protection Products Covered by Medicare OTC Benefit
Protect Your Skin With Your OTC Benefit
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, and adults over 65 are at highest risk due to cumulative sun exposure. Your OTC benefit covers sunscreen and sun protection products — use them!
Sunscreen Options
- SPF 30 lotion: Minimum recommended protection. Blocks 97% of UVB rays ($6-12)
- SPF 50 lotion: Enhanced protection for fair skin or extended outdoor time
- Spray sunscreen: Easier to apply for those with limited mobility
- Lip balm with SPF: Lips are often forgotten — SPF lip balm prevents lip cancer ($3-5)
Application Guidelines
- Apply 15-30 minutes before going outside
- Reapply every 2 hours, more often if sweating
- Don't skip cloudy days — 80% of UV rays penetrate clouds
- Cover often-missed areas: ears, back of neck, tops of feet, scalp (for thinning hair)
Related Products
- After-sun aloe vera gel: Soothes sunburn and rehydrates skin ($5-8)
- Wide-brim hats: Some OTC catalogs include sun-protective clothing
- UV-blocking sunglasses: Protect your eyes from cataracts and macular degeneration
Medicare Skin Check: Medicare Part B covers an annual skin cancer screening. Combine this with daily sunscreen use from your OTC benefit for complete skin protection.
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