How to Get a Medicare OTC Card: Step-by-Step Guide
Getting a Medicare OTC card requires enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes an OTC benefit. Once you're in the right plan, the card is sent to you automatically — there's no separate application. The key steps are: find a qualifying plan in your area, enroll during a valid enrollment period, and wait for your card to arrive in the mail.
Key Takeaways
- There's no separate application for the OTC card — it comes automatically with qualifying plan enrollment
- About 79% of Medicare Advantage plans offer an OTC benefit — check Medicare.gov for your area
- Enroll during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15–Dec 7) for Jan 1 coverage start
- Expect your OTC card to arrive by mail 2-4 weeks after coverage begins
- If you're already on an MA plan with OTC benefits, contact member services if you haven't received a card
Step 1: Verify You're Eligible for Medicare Advantage
To enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan (and access its OTC benefit), you must be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and live within the service area of an available Medicare Advantage plan. Most people 65 and older meet these requirements, as do Medicare-eligible people under 65 with qualifying disabilities.
You cannot have a Medicare Advantage plan if you live in an area where no Medicare Advantage plans are offered — but this is uncommon in the continental United States.
Step 2: Find Plans With OTC Benefits in Your Area
Use Medicare.gov's Plan Finder to search for Medicare Advantage plans available in your ZIP code. Look at each plan's supplemental benefits to identify plans that include an OTC benefit. Compare the quarterly or annual OTC allowance amounts, eligible product categories, and participating retailers.
You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and speak with a counselor who can help you compare plans with OTC benefits in your area. A licensed, independent Medicare broker can also compare plans across multiple carriers.
Step 3: Enroll in a Qualifying Plan
Once you've chosen a plan with an OTC benefit, enroll during a valid enrollment period:
- Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15–December 7; coverage starts January 1
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP): January 1–March 31; one switch allowed
- Initial Coverage Election Period (ICEP): Around your Medicare start date (new to Medicare)
- Special Enrollment Period (SEP): If a qualifying life event (moving, losing other coverage) gives you a window to switch
Step 4: Receive and Activate Your OTC Card
After your coverage begins, your OTC card will typically arrive by mail within 2-4 weeks. Some plans send the card in your welcome packet; others mail it separately. The card may need to be activated — usually by calling a number on the card or activating it online through your plan's member portal.
Once activated, your first quarterly allowance will be loaded on the card. For plans that load benefits quarterly, the first load typically occurs in January, April, July, and October. For monthly plans, the load occurs at the start of each calendar month.
Already Have Medicare Advantage? Check Your Current Benefits
If you're already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and aren't sure whether you have an OTC benefit, check your plan's Summary of Benefits (available on the plan's website or Medicare.gov), log into your plan's member portal, or call member services. About 79% of MA plans include some OTC benefit — your plan may already have one.
If you already have an OTC benefit but haven't received a card, call your plan's member services to have one issued or reissued.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an OTC card if I'm on Original Medicare?
How long does it take to get the OTC card after I enroll?
Is there a cost to get the OTC card?
What if I don't want a physical card?
Find Medicare Plans With Better Benefits
Compare Medicare Advantage plans in your area — many include dental, vision, OTC cards, and more.