A Medicare Advantage plan may provide a credit to help with everyday needs — here are 3 ways to use it
With prices going up, paying for everyday needs may seem harder these days. Especially for those on a fixed income. One thing that can help: Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer a credit to help people stretch their money further.
The credit may help members pay for over-the-counter (OTC) health care items. It may also help with utility bills, like gas or electric, or even groceries. Here’s how eligible Medicare Advantage members can use the credit.
Buy OTC health care products
You can use this credit at a store or online. And there is a wide variety of health care products that may be covered. These include:
- Allergy medicine
- Cold, cough and flu medicine, including cough drops
- Medications for digestion issues, like heartburn
- Laxatives
- Pain relievers, like ibuprofen and acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Skin treatments for conditions like eczema
Other types of health care products may be covered too. Some examples include:
- Bandages and first-aid supplies
- Bladder control pads
- Blood pressure cuffs
- Cotton balls
- Face masks
- Hand sanitizer
- Heating pads
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Medical bracelets
- Night-lights
- Pill organizers
- Rubbing alcohol
- Stepstool with a handrail
- Sunscreen
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Help pay for utility bills
For many people, utility bills can be more expensive than drugstore medications. Some Medicare Advantage plans allow members to use the credit to pay for electricity, water or even internet bills.
Use the credit for groceries
Lowering food bills is also important. Some Medicare Advantage plans allow members to use the credit to buy healthy foods like fruits and vegetables. You may even be able to use it to buy seafood, dairy products and water.
