Watch those blue tags! An easy guide to Medicare Advantage spending at CVS stores
The products your OTC (over-the-counter) card can buy are simple to spot — with the help of plan catalogs and blue tags.
About 80 percent of Medicare Advantage plans will pay for some over-the-counter (OTC) health products.1 So do your household budget a favor. Get to know the OTC benefit, which gets you things like mouthwash, toothpaste, cough drops, vitamins and supplements — at no out-of-pocket cost to you.
At CVS® stores, it’s easy to walk in and find what you need. The following guide gives you one quick way to spot the items your plan is likely to cover. It also explains how to buy them at the checkout with your OTC benefit.
In this article:
What is an OTC benefit card?
Your OTC benefit may take different shapes. But it often arrives as a card that holds your approved balance. You should receive the card in the mail along with paperwork welcoming you to Medicaid or Medicare Advantage. You may need to activate the card before use.
How do I use the card in CVS stores?
It’s easy to use your OTC card at CVS.
1.Go to a CVS location. All stores can process your OTC benefit, with the exception of CVS locations in Target stores and Schnucks supermarkets.
2.Understand what your health plan covers. Get to know which products are eligible for your OTC benefit. Sometimes this information is available online and on your phone.
3.Watch for blue tags. These signs may indicate that a product is part of OTC Health Solutions — a CVS Health supplemental benefit program. Even if you’re not a member, these tags signal items that are widely covered for other plans.
4.Check out. When you reach the cashier, let them know you’re using your benefit before they start scanning. Then use your OTC card if you have one.
What do the blue tags mean?
The blue tags identify products that are widely eligible for OTC Health Solutions as well as other OTC plans. Sometimes these items are grouped in a designated section of the store. Other times, they’re placed throughout the store. If you’re having trouble finding a particular item, ask a store associate for help.
Just because something has a blue tag doesn’t mean it’s covered under your plan. So it’s important to know the types of products your plan covers before you shop. Check with your plan provider for this information.
Can I use my ExtraCare card for discounts on these products?
Depending on which OTC supplemental benefit you have, you may be able to use ExtraBucks Rewards® or promotional offers on your order. Item prices are listed in your plan catalog. Retail prices at the store may differ.
*This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.
