Get More from Your OTC Card at Birmingham Apothecary

You’ve probably heard the phrase “use it or lose it.” When it comes to your Over-the-Counter (OTC) card, that couldn’t be more true. Every month or quarter, Medicare Advantage plans deposit real dollars into your OTC balance. That money is there to help you stay healthy, but if you don’t spend it in time, it disappears.

And not just disappear like “oh well, next time.” We’re talking money that could have covered your vitamins, your pain relief gel, your allergy meds, your cold medicine, even your toothpaste. Gone. Just because no one told you how or where to use it.

That’s not right. And you deserve better.

It’s more than a perk. It’s part of your care.

We once had a patient in his seventies who thought the OTC card was just a discount program. He was paying cash every month for vitamins, antacids, and joint cream, never realizing all of it was eligible to be covered. When he finally asked about it, he’d already let hundreds of dollars expire. His exact words? “I wish someone had explained this to me years ago.”

And he’s not alone. This happens all the time.

Let’s break it down, so you don’t lose another penny.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you may have an OTC card. It’s preloaded with a dollar amount each benefit cycle. Some plans offer $25 a month, some give $50 or more per quarter. That money is yours to spend on eligible items. No prescriptions needed. No copay. No hassle, if you know how to use it.

Start by looking at the essentials. Pain relievers. Cough drops. Thermometers. Digestive health. Dental care products. First-aid supplies. Skincare for dry or irritated skin. Mobility aids. These aren’t extras. These are everyday basics.

And yet, the most common reason people miss out is because they don’t know what qualifies. Or they wait until the last day of the cycle, and can’t find what they need in stock. Or worse, they assume it’s not worth figuring out.

But when you’re living on a fixed income, every dollar matters. And this isn’t charity. It’s part of what you already pay into. You earned it.

Here’s what we tell people who are new to OTC cards:

• Call the number on the back of your card and check your balance.

• Review the list of eligible items. Most plans have a PDF or online catalog.

• Make a list of items you already use or will likely need soon.

• Shop early in your benefit cycle so you’re not rushed at the deadline.

• If transportation is a challenge, look into whether your pharmacy offers delivery.

  
  

One woman we spoke with used to let her OTC balance expire every single quarter. She thought it was too confusing. After a single phone call where we walked her through it, she started using her benefit to stock up on low-sodium heartburn meds, arthritis gel, and fiber supplements. She now sets a calendar reminder every quarter to reorder.

It’s not about spending. It’s about planning.

Using your OTC benefit isn’t about filling your cart just to use the balance. It’s about planning ahead. What do you go through every month? What do you always forget to buy until it runs out? What costs you out of pocket when you could be covered?

We’re not here to tell you to buy more. We’re here to remind you that you have access to resources that make healthcare more manageable. And that deserves your attention.

Because it’s not just about saving money. It’s about staying prepared. Having what you need at home when you need it. Avoiding last-minute pharmacy runs. Reducing stress. Protecting your health in quiet but powerful ways.

So if you haven’t touched your OTC balance in months, check it today. If you’ve never used it before, take five minutes and learn what it covers. If you’re a caregiver, check if your loved one qualifies. You’d be surprised how many benefits go unused simply because no one explained them.

You’ve got the tool. Now use it.

Your health deserves that much.