Original Medicare and Medicare Part D will only cover some prescription drugs. For over-the-counter drug coverage, look for a Medicare Advantage plan with an over-the-counter allowance.
Drug Coverage Under Medicare
To answer this question, we first look at what Medicare covers. Medicare Part A and Part B make up Original Medicare. Part A covers inpatient care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility, along with home health care, nursing home care, and hospice care. Part B covers medically necessary and preventative care. This includes outpatient care such as doctor and emergency room visits, limited outpatient prescription drugs, durable medical equipment, ambulance services, clinical research, and mental health care.
Original Medicare covers only limited outpatient prescription drugs. You need a separate Medicare Part D plan to get coverage for prescription drugs.
Medicare Part D
Medicare Part D plans cover prescription drugs. These plans are offered by private health insurance companies, so the specific drugs they cover will vary. You can expect at least two drugs to be covered in each of the most commonly prescribed classes of drugs.
Medicare Part D plans offer no help for over-the-counter drugs. You might be able to find coverage for over-the-counter drugs through a Medicare Advantage plan.
Medicare Advantage Plans
You can sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan if you have Original Medicare and live within the plan’s service area. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private health insurance companies and give you the same Part A and Part B coverage as Original Medicare. In addition, they can offer benefits such as dental, vision, or hearing coverage, prescription drug coverage, transportation assistance, home care assistance, and over-the-counter drug allowances.
Over-the-Counter Cards
Medicare Advantage plans that offer an over-the-counter drug allowance typically issue plan members an over-the-counter card that acts as a debit card to purchase those medications. You can often use it for incontinence supplies, dietary aids, cold remedies, and oral care items. This allowance provides a set amount to spend each month or each quarter. Plan members may be directed to use the card only at designated pharmacies in the plan’s network.
At Magellan Healthcare, our team knows that you need access to more than the bare minimum aids for healthy living. Let our agents find you the Medicare coverage you need to care for all of your health needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
