Medicare OTC Benefit in California — 2026 Guide

OTC Benefits in California

California leads in plan diversity with over 500 MA plans available. Many plans include expanded OTC benefits for healthy foods and wellness products beyond traditional health items.

If you're a Medicare Advantage member in California, your plan likely includes an Over-the-Counter (OTC) benefit that gives you a quarterly allowance to purchase health and wellness products at no extra cost.

Top Medicare Advantage Plans in California

The most popular MA plans offering OTC benefits in CA include:

• UnitedHealthcare — OTC benefit included in most plans
• Anthem Blue Cross — OTC benefit included in most plans
• SCAN Health Plan — OTC benefit included in most plans
• Kaiser Permanente — OTC benefit included in most plans

Allowance amounts vary by plan and tier, typically ranging from $40-200+ per quarter. Check your specific plan's Summary of Benefits for your exact amount.

Where to Use Your OTC Card in California

Major retailers that accept OTC benefit cards in CA:

• CVS Pharmacy — widely available across California
• Walgreens — strong presence in urban and suburban areas
• Walmart — great selection and competitive prices
• Dollar General — especially convenient in rural California
• Online catalogs — OTC Health Solutions, NationsOTC, plan-specific portals

Most Popular OTC Products in California

Based on purchasing patterns from CA Medicare Advantage members:

1. Daily multivitamins and vitamin D supplements
2. Pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
3. Blood pressure monitors
4. First aid supplies and bandages
5. Allergy medications
6. Dental care products
7. Digestive health supplements
8. Sunscreen and skin care

Q2 2026 Deadline

Your Q2 2026 OTC allowance covers April 1 through June 30. Unused balances do NOT roll over to Q3. Plan your purchases early to make sure you use your full benefit before the quarter ends.

Need Help With Your OTC Benefit in California?

MY OTC helps Medicare Advantage members in CA understand and maximize their OTC benefits. Whether you need help finding eligible products, checking your balance, or understanding your plan's coverage, we're here to help.