If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you likely have an Over-the-Counter perk sitting in your wallet right now. Most plans load a fresh allowance onto your benefits card at the start of every quarter to help you buy everyday health and wellness products. But for the vast majority of plans, these dollars operate on a “use it or lose it” policy.
With June 30th rapidly approaching, the second quarter of the year is coming to a close. Any leftover funds you have right now will disappear at midnight on June 30th. Instead of letting that free money melt away, it is time to stock up. Since we are heading straight into the heat of summer, here are some highly practical, seasonally appropriate items you can buy right now at your local pharmacy using your OTC card.
Your Summer OTC Shopping List
Skip the cold medicine this time and focus on protecting yourself from the summer sun, bugs, and outdoor activities:
- Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen (SPF 30+): Protecting your skin is critical for healthy aging. Most standard OTC catalogs cover broad-spectrum sunscreens. Grab a bottle for the house and a travel size for your bag.
- Insect Repellent & Anti-Itch Creams: Whether you are gardening, golfing, or sitting on the porch, Indiana bugs are officially out. Use your card to grab bug spray, as well as hydrocortisone or Caladryl cream just in case a pesky mosquito still finds you.
- First Aid Essentials for Grandkids (and You!): Summer means more time outdoors, which occasionally means minor scrapes and cuts. Use your leftover balance to stock up on fresh bandages, gauze, medical tape, and antibiotic ointments like Neosporin.
- Dehydration Helpers: Staying hydrated in the summer heat is vital. While standard bottled water isn’t covered, many plans allow you to use your OTC benefits for oral rehydration solutions or electrolyte powders.
- Motion Sickness Relief: Planning a summer road trip, a flight to see family, or a lake cruise? Don’t forget that motion sickness patches or tablets are widely covered by OTC allowances.
How to Shop Before the June 30th Deadline
You generally have three easy ways to use your funds before the deadline hits:
- In-Store: Head to participating retailers like Walmart, CVS, or Walgreens. If you shop at CVS, look for the blue “OTC Eligible” tags on the shelves to easily spot what is covered. At checkout, just swipe your benefits card like a credit card.
- Online or Mobile App: Most carriers use NationsBenefits or a similar portal. You can log into your plan’s benefits app, browse their summer inventory, and order items directly to your doorstep with free shipping.
- By Phone: You can find the OTC ordering number on the back of your insurance card, call them up, and order items straight out of the paper catalog they mailed you at the start of the year.
Keep It Simple: Check Your Balance Today
Don’t leave free money on the table. Take two minutes this week to log into your health plan’s portal or call the number on the back of your card to check your remaining balance.
Our mission at KSS Insurance is to help you keep your health coverage simply secure. If you aren’t sure whether your plan includes this benefit, or if you want to make sure you are maximizing all the hidden perks of your current policy, reach out to your KSS insurance agent. We are always here to help you navigate the details!