I learned the other day that some Medicare and Medicaid plans have a benefit where you can receive an allowance to purchase OTC medicines and devices to help you stay healthy. From what I’ve found, Medi-Cal (THat’s what Medicaid in CA is called) is not included in this, sadly.

To see if your plan has an allowance called an OTC health solution or OTCHS, check with your Medicare or Medicaid plan. For those with Medicare, it is often covered under Part D.

CVS is one pharmacy where you can use your allowance. They accept the following plans:

• OTC Health Solutions

• S3
• OTC Network
• Nations Benefits
• And many more

Walgreens also offers a service similar to CVS. In fact, Walgreens has a complete section on its website where you can shop for items covered by this program.

Over-the-counter medicines like pain relievers, eye drops, gas relievers, first aid supplies, vitamins, and oral care, just to name a few.

If your plan offers this feature, have you taken advantage of it before? What types of items do you purchase?