How to Use Your OTC Benefit at Walgreens: Step-by-Step Guide
Walgreens OTC Benefit Guide
Walgreens has over 8,600 US locations and participates with most Medicare Advantage OTC benefit programs. Their Balance Rewards program and wide product selection make Walgreens a top choice for OTC shopping.
Getting Started
- Check eligibility: Call your Medicare Advantage plan to confirm Walgreens accepts your OTC card
- Activate your card: Some plans require card activation before first use. Call the number on the card back
- Download the app: The Walgreens app can help identify eligible OTC products in-store
Shopping Tips
- Look for the OTC tag: Many Walgreens locations have special shelf tags marking OTC-benefit-eligible products
- Walgreens brand: Store-brand products offer 25-40% savings over name brands with equivalent formulations
- Pharmacy staff: Ask the pharmacist if you're unsure about product eligibility — they can check in the system
Popular Eligible Products
- Pain relief: Tylenol, Advil, Aleve, and Walgreens-brand equivalents
- Vitamins: Full range from Vitamin D to multivitamins to omega-3
- First aid: Band-aids, Neosporin, gauze, medical tape, thermometers
- Digestive health: Antacids, fiber supplements, probiotics, anti-diarrheal
- Eye care: Reading glasses, eye drops, lens cleaners
Savings Tip: Walgreens frequently runs Buy One Get One (BOGO) deals on vitamins and supplements. Combine these deals with your OTC benefit to maximize your allowance.
Check Your OTC Benefit
Find out how much you can get with your Medicare Advantage plan.
Check My Benefit