No out-of-pocket costs for supplements? Check your Medicare Advantage plan.

Eating healthy is a smart step toward a long and healthy life. A well-balanced diet is the most important part of nutrition.

At this life stage, your health care provider might recommend a nutritional supplement in addition to your diet. The good news: Your Medicare Advantage plan may cover it as part of your over-the-counter (OTC) benefit. That’s just one reason to learn everything you need to know about this very helpful part of your coverage.

If supplements come at no additional cost to you from your local drugstore, there’s no reason not to follow the doctor’s orders. Learn more about dietary supplements and how the Medicare Advantage OTC Card can help you stock up.

In this article:

What is a dietary supplement?

Dietary supplements are a lot more than just vitamins or minerals on the pharmacy shelf. They include probiotics, supplemental proteins, fiber, amino acids, fish oil and more. Formulations include pills, powders, gummies, liquids and some types of energy bars.

You don’t need a prescription for most nutritional supplements. But you should consult your medical provider to help decide if they are right for you. Some of these products can have side effects and others can be dangerous if taken the wrong way. Supplements can also interact with prescription medications and cause unintended side effects.

Which supplements are available to older adults?

Older adults may benefit from these nutrients (remember to always consult with your health care provider to determine what may be best for you):

• Calcium. This mineral is important for properly functioning nerves, muscles, hormones and blood vessels. It can also help build and maintain strong bones. An aging body doesn’t absorb calcium from foods as well, and risks of low calcium include osteoporosis and fractures.

• Vitamin D. Calcium needs this vitamin in order to be absorbed. It can also help the immune system fight off infections. Vitamin D is made naturally when direct sunlight hits the skin (though not through a window!). But aging skin, cloudy days and more time indoors can make it harder for older adults to get vitamin D.

• Vitamin B6. The brain, immune system and red blood cells rely on B6. Older adults, particularly with kidney or autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, may be at higher risk for a vitamin B deficiency. About 10% of Americans may be deficient in vitamin B6.

• Vitamin B12. Healthy red blood cells and nerves are supported by this vitamin. It can also help prevent a type of anemia that can leave you feeling tired and weak. Certain medications and body changes can make it harder for some older adults to absorb the vitamin from its food source — animal proteins. Strict vegetarians and vegans may also need to take a supplement or consume fortified foods.
  

How can I use my OTC card for supplements?

If you’re looking to use an OTC card with CVS^®, the process is easy. Learn more about how to use the OTC benefit at CVS.

In stores, you’ll want to look for the blue tags on the shelf, which indicate commonly eligible items. Besides supplements, you can shop for pain relievers, sunscreen, skin care items and hundreds of other products. Take your basket to the register and present your card.

Not all products are covered by every plan. So after you talk to your provider about which supplements to take, it might be smart to consult your Medicare Advantage or Medicaid plan. They can help you understand how dietary supplements might be covered. Then head to a local CVS store, where we can help you stock up on what you may need.