Skip to main content

Shopping at the pharmacy with chronic conditions

Some people with chronic conditions need extra support. And some products recommended by a person’s health care provider may be covered by their over-the-counter (OTC) supplemental benefits.

Updated: February 13, 2026 | 5 minutes to read

Written by: Anita Slomski

A CVS pharmacist speaks to a person about the bottle of supplements they’ve chosen.

In 2021, a report showed that nearly 80 percent of Medicare Advantage plans offer an over-the-counter (OTC) benefit. That’s money someone can use to redeem eligible items at CVS Pharmacy® stores.

Cold medicine and toothpaste are just a few things that may be covered by the OTC benefit. But people may also be able to use these funds to redeem items a health care provider recommends to help manage their chronic health conditions. Here’s what people should know. 

In this article:

What’s a chronic health condition?

Chronic diseases are conditions that last at least one year and require ongoing medical treatment and/or limit activities of daily living. The main types of chronic illnesses include hypertension (also known as high blood pressure), high cholesterol, arthritis and diabetes.

Many preventable chronic diseases — such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease or high blood pressure — may be caused by risk factors such as smoking, poor nutrition, lack of physical activity or excessive alcohol use.

Common chronic health conditions

In 2025, research showed that 93 percent of people age 65 or older had at least one chronic health condition. In this same population, nearly 80 percent of people manage two or more chronic diseases. Here are some of the most common chronic conditions for older adults over the age 65 and how OTC-eligible products may help manage their symptoms.

Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is very common among older adults. Research suggests about 61 percent of older adults have this condition. High blood pressure occurs when the force of someone’s blood pushing against the walls of their blood vessels is too high. Hypertension can lead to serious medical incidents such as a heart attack or a stroke.

With high blood pressure, regular monitoring may be key in helping someone lower their blood pressure. But a blood pressure reading done at a health care provider’s office is just one part of the story. For some people, just being in a medical setting can temporarily raise their blood pressure due to nervousness. This is called white coat syndrome. Using their own monitor to check their pressure at home may help alleviate a person’s anxiety. Home blood pressure monitoring can also help give their health care provider a look at what’s going on and see if treatment is working.

Blood pressure monitors can often be redeemed with the OTC benefit.

High cholesterol

High cholesterol happens when the body has extra fats (also known as lipids). This can cause a person’s arteries to get clogged and lead to heart disease. About 55 percent of older adults have high cholesterol. A few ways to help manage high cholesterol may include eating a heart-healthy diet, limiting saturated fats and eating more soluble fiber, which helps prevent the digestive tract from absorbing cholesterol.

Most Americans don’t get enough fiber in their diets. Soluble fiber has been shown to help lower cholesterol because it prevents the digestive tract from absorbing cholesterol. In addition to adhering to a healthy diet, people should talk to a health care provider about whether they might need prescription medication for high cholesterol.

Talk to a health care provider before starting fiber supplements. Some supplements may be redeemed with an OTC benefit card.

Arthritis

About 51 percent of all older adults live with arthritis, a group of diseases affecting the joints that can cause pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced range of motion. A health care provider can diagnose what type of arthritis someone has.

Topical pain relievers containing an NSAID such as diclofenac may also be used to help manage arthritis pain. It can take up to 7 days to work, though, and shouldn’t be used for more than 21 days unless directed by a health care provider. Supplements that include glucosamine and chondroitin are also known to possibly help treat osteoarthritis pain, though research is mixed on results.

Some types of OTC pain relief support products might help with occasional mild to moderate arthritis pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen sodium may help with temporary relief of minor aches and pains due to arthritis. NSAIDs may also help with inflammation and swelling in joints.

For patients who cannot take NSAIDs (such as those with kidney disease or high blood pressure), acetaminophen can be another option.

Always make sure to speak with a health care provider before using any oral or topical products for pain relief support.

If arthritis hinders a person’s mobility, they should talk with their health care provider to see if they might benefit from crutches or a cane. These items are often eligible to be redeemed with an OTC benefit card.

Diabetes

About 24 percent of older adults ages 65 and older are estimated to have diabetes, a disease that impacts how much insulin the body makes or how the insulin is used. In older adults, the most common form of diabetes is type 2. Diabetes is serious. For older adults, there tends to be a higher risk of developing complications of diabetes, like hypoglycemia, heart disease and more.

OTC diabetic products available for redemption include blood glucose monitors, test strips, lancets and glucose tablets. People who have diabetes may have related issues that can be supported by eligible OTC products:

  • Diabetes can lead to gum disease, which impacts the soft tissue in the mouth and around the teeth. Some self-care items, like soft-bristle toothbrushes, fluoride toothpaste, dental floss and mouthwash, are eligible under many OTC benefit plans.
  • Poor circulation, which is more common when someone has diabetes, can also cause itchy, dry skin as well as serious skin conditions such as infections. Limiting time in the shower, using mild soaps, and moisturizing after showering may help.
  • Diabetes may also cause leg swelling. Someone dealing with this may find comfort in wearing compression stockings to help improve blood flow, but no one should try compression stockings without first speaking to their health care provider.

These products are typically eligible for redemption through the OTC benefit card. 

CVS® makes it easy to redeem OTC benefits

You may be eligible to get select over-the-counter (OTC) products at no additional cost.*

Learn more about OTC benefits

This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult your health care provider if you have any questions about medications, vitamins or supplements you may be considering or changes to your wellness or health care routines.

  • *FOR OVER-THE-COUNTER BENEFITS AT NO ADDITIONAL COST: Over-the-counter (OTC) allowance benefits are included in select Medicare Advantage and Medicaid plans. The allowance may only be applied to select OTC products. Allowance amount may vary by plan. Customer may be responsible for the cost of any items not covered by their plan or the cost that exceeds their allowance amount. Check with your health plan provider for more details.

You may also like

Explore more topics

Browse all topics