Does a Medicare Drug Plan Cover Over-the-Counter Drugs?
What Original Medicare doesn't cover. Prescription drug coverage is essential, and it can be obtained through a Medicare Part D plan or by enrolling in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan that includes Part D coverage (MAPD). However, we understand that some medications and health-related things you require may not require a prescription.
There's some wonderful news! The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has allowed MA plans to include extra benefits such as over-the-counter (OTC) medicine allowances in recent years. This enables you to purchase certain health and wellness products, such as allergy medications, cold and flu remedies, first aid supplies, vitamins, and more.
This is significant because OTC medicines are not covered by Original Medicare or Medicare Part D.
This includes the following:
Treatments for sexual dysfunction
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Minerals and vitamins
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Medication for weight growth or loss
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Drugs used to promote hair growth or for other cosmetics reasons
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Antibiotics, which are used to treat the symptoms of a cold or a cough.
The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) estimates that the average consumer in the United States makes 26 trips to buy OTC products each year. This figure is likely to rise as you become older, so every bit counts. An OTC allowance is a set amount of money that you can't spend more than once a month or once a quarter. When it comes to MA plans with an OTC allowance, there is usually a catalog of approved products to pick from.
The good news is, many pharmacies offer a mail-order service, allowing you to have many of your products including prescriptions delivered to your home at no cost!
Products can be ordered through the mail, over the phone, or online. It's worth noting that the amounts of OTC allowances and other MA plan benefits differ.
Remember to contact Medicare Services staff if you have any particular queries about your coverage.
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