Medicare Advantage TV Commercials
If you are like most people, you have probably noticed a barrage of Medicare Advantage TV Commercials. These commercials feature celebrities from both TV and sports. This may have prompted you ask yourself WHY?!!! Many of the ads are down right annoying or at least confusing to most people.
The ads tell you about how you can get a free Medicare Advantage plan that provides all the benefits you are entitled to such as; dental, vison and hearing as well as rides to your doctor’s office. It all sounds fantastic and makes many people currently on Original Medicare question if they have made the right choice when they chose their coverage. This is the case especially if they are paying for a Medicare Supplement and Part D prescription drug plan. Who wants to be paying for Medicare coverage when you can get all these great benefits for free?
Medicare Advantage TV Commercials – Are they working:
The number of people who choose Medicare Advantage plans (or Medicare Part C) is growing by the day. In 2022 Medicare Advantage plan enrollments went up approximately 3%. This means; that about 28 Million people enrolled in MA plans this year (over 40% of Medicare beneficiaries). These numbers show that all these TV Commercials are really registering with Medicare enrollees who appreciate the value these plans are providing for them.
Is anything really free:
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies. Beneficiaries use MA plans in place of Original Medicare which is provided by the federal government. If you listen to the commercials, the MA plans sound like a great way to get needed coverage as well as so many value added benefits without the added expense of a Medicare Supplement and Part D prescription drug plan. What could sound better than that to someone who may be on a fixed income?
The commercials really push the word “FREE”. This can be somewhat deceiving if the potential client does not understand fully what they are signing up for. Many plans boast $0 premiums as well as $0 co-pays and $0 deductibles. Unfortunately, that is not the whole picture.
These plans require enrollees to use providers that are in the plans network in order to have the no or low co-pays for care. If you go outside of the plans network for care, you may receive a rather sizable bill.
Please note: this does not apply to emergency situations.
Medicare Advantage enrollees may end up with annual out of pocket costs as high as $7,500 for in-network services. If they opt for out-of-network care their annual costs could be as much as $11,000.
Medicare Advantage TV Commercials – Why you need help sorting this out:
If you ask anyone who is getting ready to sign up for Medicare, I’m sure 9 out of 10 people will tell you it is a either confusing or overwhelming. There are many moving parts to this enrollment and without proper research or guidance, enrollees can make some very costly mistakes. In many instances, your free plan will have a co-pay for specialists, hospitals and in many other instances. Because these are managed care plans, there may also be limited number of days per year provided for things like physical therapy.
The bottom line; these plans are a great money saver if you are a healthy person. They do provide many great free benefits that are not part of Medicare Supplement plans. Most of the available MA plans also include credible prescription drug coverage at no extra cost. That is a very important option to have.
When you are trying to navigate the sea of MA plans, the best advice I can give is to find a reputable Medicare agent who can go over all the fine points of the plans available in your area and make sure that your doctors and medications are covered by whichever plan you decide to enroll in.
Make sure you are confident before you decide to drop your current coverage for a MA plan:
Although the TV Commercials are tempting, you should be very careful before you switch your current plan over. If you used an agent to help you choose your current plan, it is a good idea to give them a call and ask for their guidance so you don’t get yourself into something you will regret.
Please note; If you are in original Medicare and a Medicare Supplement plan, you can go to any doctor that accepts Medicare assignment. MA plans do not give you that luxury. You must stay in-network to avoid a costly doctor’s visit. Please double check any MA plan you are considering and be sure that they cover your medications and also that your doctor participates with the plan.
If you sign up for a plan that just doesn’t work for you:
There are a couple times a year when you can switch from one MA plan to another.
The first is the annual Open Enrollment Period. This takes place each year from October 15 through December 7th. Medicare enrollees have the opportunity to change from Original Medicare and a PDP plan to an MA plan or from an MAPD to Original Medicare and a PDP plan. You can also switch from one MA plan to another or switch from one PDP plan to another. it is always a good idea to check your coverage at this time of year and make sure you are getting the benefits that you need.
The second opportunity to switch is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment period. This enrollment period runs from January 1st through March 31st each year. During this time, you can change from one MA plan to another or switch back to Original Medicare and a Part D plan.
If you need help sorting out the Medicare maze; please feel free to contact us either at 203-796-5403 or teal@croweandassociates.com
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Emblem 2022 OTC Catalog
Anyone who is considering a Medicare Advantage plan, should take a look at what Emblem has to offer. One of the many benefits of joining an Emblem MA plan is the Emblem 2022 OTC Catalog.
If you are a member of a participating Medicare Advantage plan, you will receive an OTC card in the mail to use when you are ready to order OTC items.
Click here for a copy of the 2022 OTC Catalog
Emblem Members of participating Medicare plans can use their over-the-counter benefit one of three different ways:
1. Order OTC items online; just go to ConveyBenefits.com/EmblemHealth. From there, you can either log into your account or new users can create an account. Once you are in, you can browse available OTC products, place them in your cart and check out. If you chose to use the online account, you have access to many useful tools such as: the available balance on your card, order tracking, order history and more.
2. You can order by phone. Use this number 855-858-5940(TTY:711) either if you have questions or want to place an order. OTC advocates are available Mon – Fri from 8:00am until 11:00pm, EST. Please be sure to have your OTC card and your item, number available when you call.
3. If you would prefer, you can place your order by mail. Use the order form that you find in the back of your OTC catalog or download it here – EmblemHealth OTC order form. Send the order form to the OTC Servicing Center, P.O. Box 526266, Miami, FL 33152-9819. Please be aware; if the benefit period is ending, we may not receive your mail order in time. If that is the case, please place your order either over the phone or online.
Some important things to remember:
Any unused benefits do not carry over to the following benefit period. In other words, if you don’t use the benefit, you lose the benefit for that period.
Order totals that exceed your available benefit amount must be paid by you. Once your entire benefit amount is used, Emblem will apply the balance to another form of payment.
The OTC items ordered are intended for use by the member only.
Because of the personal nature of these items, returns are not accepted.
Please call within 60 days of placing your order if:
Your order has not arrived yet.
The items you received are either defective or damaged. Emblem will replace your item at no additional cost to you.
Please note:
During the year, Emblem may change the available items. It is a good idea to check the online catalog for any product updates.
All applicable sales tax will be added to your order total and be deducted from your available OTC balance.
If there is a market shortage of a particular item, Emblem may limit your order quantity.
Please allow 5-7 business days for delivery from the time you place your order.
To download a copy of the 2022 OTC catalog, click here
If you need help finding a Medicare plan, feel free to contact us either at 203-796-5403 or by email at teal@croweandassocites.com.
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Connecticare OTC Catalog 2022
The Connecticare OTC Catalog 2022 is now available. A copy of the PDF is available in this blog by clicking the link. The healthy grocery card brochure is also available through this site. Members have access to hundreds of wellness and health products through NationsOTC with the benefit. Members have the choice of 3 methods for placing orders. They may choose online (Connecticare.com/MailOTC), Phone: 877-239-2942 or mail.
Connecticare OTC Catalog 2022: Member portal
The member portal ConnectiCare.com/MailOTC makes ordering easy. Through the portal you can:
- Search products by catagory and price
- View your current balance
- Order the health and wellness products
- Track the status of orders in real-time
Things to know about benefits:
- Using the benefits: The benefits are only for the member. CMS does not allow benefits to be provided for family or friends
- If you disenroll from the plan, your OTC benefits will also end
- Delivery of items usually takes 2 days
- Returns are not allowed
- If an item is out of stock, a similar product may be provided of equal or higher value
- The type of items, sizes and cost are subject to change throughout the year
Connecticare OTC Catalog 2022: Healthy Foods Card
The Connecticare healthy foods card allows members to purchase healthy and nutritious foods using their benefits. The card is simple to use. Activate the card, visit a participting store and shop for approved foods. Swipe your healthy foods card when checking out. The card is eligible at a number of participating stores including Walmart, CVS, Dollar General, Family Dollar, Stop & Shop, Rite Aid, Walgreens and other locations. For a complete list of all vendors go to OTCNETWORK.COM
Some vendors will also deliver healthy groceries directly to your home. Examples are GAFOODS and FARMBOXRX.COM
Agents: Learn about MYMEDICAREBOT. See how you can enroll members using voice signature.
Are you looking for a Medicare plan? Compare plans without speaking to an agent. This site offers custom quotes. Click here for a no obligation online quote.
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UHC 2022 OTC Catalog
UnitedHealthcare offers members of some Medicare advantage plans an OTC benefit. Plans that offer these benefits are; AARP Medicare advantage Walgreens & the UnitedHealthcare Dual complete. Please keep in mind, these plans and benefits are not available in all areas.
The UHC Dual complete plan offers a $40 per month benefit that members can use to purchase covered OTC products such as; pain relievers, vitamins, cough drops, ect. as well as healthy food items like fruits, vegetables, fish, meats, dairy and many other items.
Learn more about the 2022 UHC DSNP OTC benefit; click here
Important: The UHC Dual plans are only available to members who have both Medicare & Medicaid.
Here is how the UnitedHealthcare OTC benefit works:
Each quarter UHC adds credits to your OTC account. You can then use the credits to purchase covered OTC items. Please remember; the credits either expire at the end of every quarter or annually, depending on the plan.
To find out if your Medicare advantage plan offers an OTC benefit; either check your plans summary of benefits or call the customer service number on the back of your card to speak with a customer service representative.
If you are in a participating plan, you will probably want a copy of the UHC OTC Catalog.
Download the 2022 UHC MA First Line OTC catalog: click here
If you are a member who is on both Medicare and Medicaid, use the link below to access your OTC catalog:
Click here to download the 2022 UHC DSNP OTC catalog
There are a few ways to order OTC items:
- Call the FirstLine Benefits customer service representatives at 1-800-933-2914. Make sure you have your OTC card and the item number for the products you want from the catalog. If you are a member of a UHC DSNP plan, you can call 1-833-853-8587 to get help with your OTC and Solutran (Healthy foods) benefits.
- Create an online account by going to: MyUHCMedicare.com/HWP. Once you have set up your account, you can confirm you OTC balance and order approved items.
View the 2021 UHC OTC catalog information; click here
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Wellcare OTC Catalog 2022
The Wellcare OTC Catalog 2022 is available through a link below in this post. The booklet contains step by step instructions on how to order online with a phone or picking the items up in store. You will need your member ID in order to access the benefits of the OTC Catalog. Members can find their ID number in the front of their health plan ID Card. The amount of benefit will depend on the plan you have. Call OTC Health Solutions at 1-866-819-2516 if you need assistance.
Wellcare OTC Catalog 2022: Benefits and other frequent questions
You can use OTC benefits three times per quarter if you are going through the home delivery service by phone or online. There is unlimited access to benefits at select OTCHS-enabled CVS pharmacies. Keep in mind, benefits are quarterly and cannot be rolled over to a future benefit. You will not be able to exceed the amount of OTC benefit online or by phone. You may go over the benefits amount at a OTC Health Solutions CVS store and pay the difference out of pocket. To find a local CVS location go to the store locator site here.
If you need additional information about the products, just go to https://www.cvs.com to look up the images of the products and obtain additional information such as ingredients. Your items will arrive by USPS at no charge, although they may take up to 14 days to arrive.
Return Policy
No returns or exchanges of items are allowed. Please contact OTC Health Solutions if you do not receive your items or if your items arrive either damaged or defective. If you encounter a problem, you must contact customer service within 30 days of placing an order. Members must call within 30 days of ordering the item to report an issue. If your items are not in stock, you may receive an item of either greater or similar value as a substitute.
Wellcare OTC Catalog 2022: CLICK HERE FOR 2022 CATALOG
Quote and compare 2022 Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement and Medicare stand alone part D plans
Use the link to quote and compare plans for 2022. You can run doctor and drug lists to see which plans work best.
CLICK HERE TO QUOTE AND COMPARE PLANS
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Anthem 2022 OTC catalog
If you are a member of an Anthem Medicare Advantage plan, information about the Anthem 2022 OTC catalog will e useful. It is important to note that; all Medicare Advantage plans do not offer an OTC benefit. Members can confirm the benefits offered by their plan either by checking the summary of benefits provided for their plan or calling the member services number listed on the back of your membership card.
What is an OTC (Over The Counter) benefit:
An OTC benefit is a specified amount provided to members of participating plans that covers approved over the counter(non prescription) health related items. This benefit covers things such as; OTC pain relievers, antacids, band aids, oral care and vitamins, as well as various other non-prescription health items.
Please keep in mind; This benefit is provided on a quarterly basis.
On the first day of each quarter, your benefit amount is loaded to your card and available for use. Any unused OTC benefit amount rolls over to the next quarter. All unused OTC benefits expire on December 31 of the benefit year.
Click here to download the 2022 Anthem OTC catalog
There are a few different ways to order your OTC items:
- Shop for OTC items in one of the 4,700 Walmart, Neighborhood Market stores or in one of the other participating retail locations. To find a participating retailer near you; you can either go to www.healthybenefitsplus.com or you an download the Healthy Benefits mobile app. You can download the mobile app by going to either the Apple app store or Google play.
- Once you have installed the app, you can:
Check the balance on your OTC card
Review your recent orders
Download a copy of your card
Scan items in the store to see if they are eligible OTC items
Order either a new OTC card or catalog
- Once you have installed the app, you can:
If you prefer not to leave your home; you an order items either online or over the phone:
- To order your items online; just go to www.HealthyBenefitsPlus.com/AnthemBCBSOTC and click on the get started link. Once you set up your account, click the buy at Walmart.com button, choose your OTC items and place your order. Your order is delivered, at no cost, to your home. If your order cost is over your benefit limit, you must add another form of payment for the overage amount.
- If you would rather order over the phone; call 1-866-413-2582 (TTY: 711) and speak with customer service representative. Be sure to have your OTC card and product name as well as the item Id number ready before you call.
Additional Anthem 2022 OTC catalog information:
- This OTC benefit is solely for the use of the member.
- Both sales tax and shipping costs are added to your order total and deducted from your benefit amount.
- Items will arrive either by FedEx, UPS or individual courier from Walmart.
- If your order is damaged, lost or stolen; you can request a replacement by calling customer service at 1-833-235-2107 (TTY: 711)
Please note: the prices of some catalog items are subject to change due to price changes after the catalog is printed.
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Aetna OTC catalog 2022
Anyone who is a member of an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan needs to know about the Aetna OTC catalog 2022.
Please note; the OTC benefit is not available on all Aetna Medicare Advantage plans. It is always a good idea to check your benefit either by calling the customer service number on the back of your membership card or by going over the summary of benefits provided to you by Aetna.
For 2022, there are three different ways to place your OTC order. You can order either in store, over the phone or online.
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To view the 2022 Aetna OTC Benefit flyer; click here.
To order in store:
1. Look in your Aetna OTC catalog 2022 to find the items you want to purchase. You may only use your benefit to purchase items listed in the catalog.
2. Locate an approved participating OTCHS enabled CVS Pharmacy or Navarro store. Please note; not all CVS stores participate in the OTC benefit program.
To find your nearest location, either go to cvs.com/otchs/myorder/storelocator or call 1-833-331-1573 (TTY:711)
3. Some participating stores have an OTCHS section in the store to help members locate eligible products. If the store does not have a section, you will need to look for participating products with blue labels. Important: not all products with blue labels are eligible for purchase as part of your program. Always refer to you OTC catalog to determine product eligibility.
4. When you get to the cash register, be sure to tell the cashier that you have an OTC benefit and show them your member ID card. It is important to do this before they start to scan your items. Doing this will determine your eligibility. It is not a form of payment.
Note: Some in-store prices may differ from those listed in the catalog. When this occurs, the price in the catalog is what is deducted from your benefit. Members cannot combine catalog Catalog prices with promotional offers or ExtraBucks rewards.
To order online:
1. If it is your first online order; you need to create an account. Just go to; cvs.com/otchs/myorder. Once you are on the website, you choose “create an account” and you can follow the instructions from there. Be sure to have your member ID card handy to enter your information. Be ready to create a password that you can remember.
If you share an email address with someone who also has an OTC account, you will not be able to create a new account using the same email address.
2. After you sign in to your account, you will be able to see your benefit amount and balance at the top of the page. You can look through the available products and add them to your basket. When yo do this, your total available balance will automatically adjust.
When you are finished adding items to your basket, just click; checkout. From there you can confirm your shipping details and place your order.
You will receive an email conformation of your order with a tracking number as soon as your order has shipped. In most cases, orders arrive within 14 days.
Another email will arrive when your order has been delivered.
Please note: you must place your order no later than 11:59 PM ET on the last day of each benefit period.
To order over the phone:
1. You can place your OTCHS; just call 1-833-331-1573, Monday – Friday from 9 am until 8 pm local time (except Hawaii). You can also use this number to request a catalog.
2. Your account will be located and you will need to enter your birth date in MMDD format.
3. Your name and address will be verified.
4. You will then need to enter the numerical item code on the phone key pad. Ex: to order item “C11 Sore Throat Lozenges,” you will select “11” you will select 33 and then wait for the prompt to confirm the item. When you get the prompt, you can select your next item.
5. Once you complete your order, you can review the items in the cart and submit the order. If you decide to review your order, you can either edit items, start over, submit the order or ask to speak with a representative.
Important: If you choose to speak with a representative, your order will not be saved and you will have to restart your order.
Aetna 2022 OTC DSNP catalog – click here to download
Click here to download Aetna OTC 2022 Value Catalog
Aetna National OTC catalog 2022 – click here
Additional information about the Aetna OTC catalog 2022:
Each item has a quantity limit of 9 per quarter except for the following:
– Blood pressure monitors have a limit of 1 per calendar year.
– Digital thermometers, rechargeable toothbrushes, the TENS targeted muscle therapy machines, the standard quad cane and heating pads, are limited to one per quarterly benefit period.
Orders are shipped to your home address at no charge and usually arrive within 14 days.
If you receive a damaged item, just call OTCHS 1-833-331-1573 (TTY:711) within 30 days of receipt.
You will receive a replacement for your original item. OTCHS does not accept either returns or exchanges.
This benefit is only for member use and cannot be transferred. Product orders may not exceed the benefit amount.
Please note: Aetna OTCHS receives high call volumes during the first and last weeks of the month.
Medicare Compare Website
Crowe and Associates offers clients a Medicare compare website that allows current and future clients to search for the plans that fits them best. The quote site (through Connecture) gives clients the ability to search for the Medicare Advantage, Medicare supplement and/or Part D Rx plan that fits theirs needs. Using our site does not send your information to any third parties. As a result, you will not be receiving any solicitations by telemarketers when you use the platform.
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Medicare Compare Website through Connecture: plan research
The site will give you access to a number of companies Medicare Advantage and PDP plans. The plans are based on the area you search allowing people in all 50 states to utilize it. Quote and compare all the Medicare (MA and MAPD) plans and PDP plans in your area from multiple carriers. For those eligible for state help through Medicaid or the Medicare savings program, the Medicare compare website has an option to show dual eligible plans available. Medicare supplement quoting is also available for those that want to check Medigap prices in their area.
Doctors and Medications:
Creating a profile on the Medicare compare website allows you to create and save a list of doctors and medications. Lists can be saved to make checking doctors and medications for Advantage plans and PDP plans easy. The system will show how each plan covers the medications to see which ones have the lowest overall cost for the year. You can run a list of your doctors against all the advantage plans at the same time. This means, you do not have to look through multiple provider directories.
Medicare Compare Website: Enrollment
Members may enroll into the plan they like directly through the site without the need to speak with an agent. For those We are available to help those that would like to discuss the options before making a final choice.
Use the Medicare What’s Covered App to review Original Medicare benefits
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Humana OTC catalog 2021
The Humana OTC catalog 2021 is a great resource for anyone who has a participating Humana Medicare Advantage plan. Due to the fact that there are yearly changes to benefits, it is always a good idea to check your summary of benefits even if you are on the same plan as last year. Look up your coverage information in your MyHumana account, under member support. Just click on Documents and Forms under member support.
CLICK HERE FOR THE 2022 HUMANA OTC CATALOG
Humana 2021 OTC Order form
Download the 2021 Humana OTC catalog: Click here
Place your OTC order:
Online at HumanaPharmacy.com. Simply click on “Shop OTC & Supplies” and add OTC items to your cart and place your order.
Use the Humana Pharmacy mobile app. Easily download the app from your mobile service provider to place your OTC when it fits into your schedule.
Send your order by mail. Fill out the OTC Health and Wellness product order form and send to: Humana Pharmacy, PO Box 1197, Cincinnati, OH 45201-1197.
Fax your completed order form to 1-800-379-7617.
Any order that exceeds your plan’s allowance will require a payment by either check, money order or credit card to pay the balance due. Any balance over the OTC allowance limit will be subject to sales tax.
2021 Humana OTC Order form
2021 Humana OTC catalog – download
Additionally:
If you have monthly benefit allowance, you must place your order by the 20th of each month. On the other hand, if you have a quarterly allowance; orders must be placed by the 20th of the end of the quarter. (March, June, September and December).
Some plans offer a rollover allowance. This means, your benefit will roll over to the next benefit period. Please be aware, benefits do not roll over to the following year and must be used by December 31.
Choose the best plan for your needs; learn more
Learn about the Medicare updates for 2021
Need help with your OTC benefit; call Humana Pharmacy 1-855-211-8370 (TTY: 711). M-F, 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. and Sat., 8a.m.- 6:30p.m. EST.