Medicare Advantage benefits can be a great way to save money on medical supplies, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, and health products. Yet sadly, many benefits go unused every year simply because they’re hard to track or difficult to use.
The good news is that OTC apps can help.
OTC apps are quickly becoming one of the easiest ways for seniors to manage their OTC benefits, check balances, shop for approved items, and ensure every dollar of their allowance is used before it expires.
In this guide, we walk you through exactly how OTC apps work, which features matter most, and how to choose the best OTC app for your Medicare plan in 2026.
Key Takeaways
OTC apps help Medicare Advantage plan holders keep track of their benefit balance and purchase approved products.
Using an OTC app helps prevent benefits from going unused.
OTC apps are similar in what they do, but they vary slightly in usability and which plans they support.
What are OTC apps?
OTC apps are mobile or web-based tools that Medicare Advantage members can use to manage their OTC benefits. OTC benefits, allowances, eligible products, and app availability vary by plan, carrier, and location and may change annually.
If you’ve ever spent time flipping through printed catalogs to find what you need, stood in a store trying to guess what’s covered, or worried about declined purchases, using an OTC app can change that for you.
An OTC app let you:
See your available OTC allowance
Shop only for plan-approved items
Place orders online that are delivered to your home
Track your spending and remaining balance
Why you should use an OTC app
Every year, millions of Medicare Advantage members lose unused OTC benefits simply because they forget to order or don’t know what’s eligible.
OTC apps help solve that problem for you by:
Making benefits easy to access
Removing confusion about what’s covered
Providing reminders before benefits expire
Helping members use every dollar they’re entitled to
Using a Medicare OTC app lets you use 100% of your benefit balance to purchase necessary items, while keeping your personal money in your pocket.
What are OTC apps and how do they work?
OTC apps can be downloaded onto any smartphone. When you create a login, you’ll enter your Medicare Advantage member ID, which will connect the app directly to your Medicare Advantage plan’s OTC benefits. When you use the app, it shows your current allowance and helps you purchase products based on your plan's coverage.
Who can use OTC apps?
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan with OTC benefits, then you can use an OTC app. In rare cases, a plan doesn’t support app-based ordering. But typically, most major Medicare Advantage plans are now supported by at least one OTC app.
What OTC apps allow you to do
Most OTC benefit apps let you:
Check your OTC balance and allowance
Browse eligible OTC products
Place orders online (some also support in-store use)
Track orders
Receive reminders before benefits expire
Types of OTC apps and providers
There are several OTC apps available. While most OTC apps perform the same basic functions, not all work the same way. They generally fall into three categories. We’ve outlined them for you below.
Insurance carrier OTC apps
These apps are provided directly by Medicare Advantage insurers and are tied to your member account.
Pros:
Fully integrated with your plan
Automatically shows your benefits and balance
Cons:
Limited to one insurance carrier
May have fewer products or delivery options
Retail and third-party OTC apps
Retail and third-party apps work with multiple insurance plans and focus on simplifying the shopping experience.
Pros:
Works with multiple Medicare Advantage plans
Often easier to use
Broader product access and delivery options
Cons:
Not every plan is supported
OTC apps vs. OTC cards: What’s the difference?
OTC apps don’t replace your OTC card—they complement it. The OTC app is the tool you use to track your balance, browse eligible items, and place orders. Your OTC card is what you use for payment. You can use your OTC card for in-app purchases or for approved in-store purchases.
List of OTC apps for Medicare Advantage plans
Below are some of the most commonly used OTC apps available to Medicare Advantage members.
My OTC app by Chapter
My OTC by Chapter is designed to remove the barriers to using OTC benefits, including confusion around what’s covered and where you can use OTC benefits.
Key features:
Easy-to-use, senior-friendly design
Shows only items approved by your specific plan
Works with major Medicare Advantage plan carriers
100% online ordering with free home delivery
View your allowance and adjust your cart
The reminder feature helps prevent unused benefits from expiring
My OTC by Chapter is an excellent option for members who want simplicity without being tied to one insurance carrier.
OTC Network app
The OTC Network app supports many Medicare Advantage plans.
Highlights:
Tracking your balance
Using the scanning feature to scan barcodes for in-store purchases
Online shopping available
OTC Health Solutions app
The OTC Health Solutions app by CVS is a great tool for seniors with a SCAN Health Plan or other plans that partner with CVS. The app is used to:
Check your balance and track spending
Order online for home delivery or use for in-store purchases
Find CVS stores near you that support services
Centerwell Pharmacy app
The Centerwell Pharmacy App (previously known as the Humana Pharmacy app) is available to Humana Medicare Advantage members.
The app includes:
Online ordering for OTC products with free shipping
Check your benefit balance
Utilize the “buy again” option for quick ordering
UnitedHealthcare Member app (OTC included for some plans)
UnitedHealthcare members may access OTC benefits through the member app, depending on the plan’s design.
With the UnitedHealthcare Member app, you can:
Pay for OTC items and healthy food
Use the in-app scanner to check if products are covered by your plan while shopping
Find local stores where you can shop for approved items
What to consider when choosing an OTC app
With several options available, you’ll want to make several considerations when deciding which Medicare OTC app is right for you.
Does it work with your Medicare Advantage plan?
Does it show only eligible items?
Is home delivery available?
Does it offer online shopping?
Is the app easy to navigate?
Does it offer reminders for expiring benefits?
The best OTC app isn’t necessarily the most popular. The best one is the one that makes it easiest for you to use your benefits.
Bottom line
OTC apps help make it easier to manage your OTC benefits available through your Medicare Advantage plan. Using an OTC app lets you track your current balance and purchase approved medications and health products.
The best app for you depends on your insurance plan and whether you prefer to shop in-store or online. The major benefit of OTC apps is preventing unnecessary out-of-pocket spending by maximizing your benefits.
If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to use your OTC benefits for Medicare, an app can make all the difference.
Frequently asked questions about OTC apps
What is an OTC app?
An OTC app is a digital tool that downloads to your phone that helps Medicare Advantage members manage over-the-counter benefits, including checking balances, shopping for eligible items, and placing orders.
Who is eligible to use OTC apps?
Most Medicare Advantage members with OTC benefits are eligible, but availability depends on your specific plan and insurance provider.
Are OTC apps free to use?
Yes. OTC apps are free for eligible Medicare Advantage members and do not reduce your OTC allowance.
Can I use an OTC app without an OTC card?
In many cases, yes. Some OTC apps handle payment digitally, while others still require an OTC card. The app will guide you based on your plan.
