Shopping at the pharmacy when you have chronic conditions

Most Medicare Advantage plans, nearly 80 percent of them, offer an over-the-counter (OTC) benefit. That’s money you can use to purchase eligible items at CVS^® stores.

Cold medicine and toothpaste are just part of that story. You can also use these funds to purchase the OTC items your doctor recommends to support your overall well-being.

That’s important because more than 95 percent of Americans ages 60 or older have at least one chronic health condition. Nearly 80 percent manage two or more.¹ Always consult your health care provider and explore recommended products that may be covered by your OTC supplemental benefits.

In this article

• Hypertension
• High cholesterol
• Arthritis
• Diabetes

Hypertension

With high blood pressure, regular monitoring is key.² But a blood pressure reading done at your health care provider’s office is just one part of the story. For some people, just being in a medical setting can temporarily raise their blood pressure, causing what is known as white coat hypertension.³

Using your own blood pressure monitor, which can often be purchased with the Medicare  Advantage OTC benefit, may help. It can reveal fluctuations in your blood pressure during the day, giving your health care provider important information.⁴

High cholesterol

Only about five percent of adults consume enough dietary fiber. Fiber supplements can’t always match the benefit of getting enough fiber from the food you eat. Psyllium fiber supplements have also been shown to reduce amounts of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood.⁵

Other supplements taken under the advice of your provider may show some promise. They might help with reducing LDLs, the bad cholesterol, lowering triglycerides or improving high-density lipoproteins (HDL), the good cholesterol.

Talk to your health care provider about dietary flaxseed⁶ and omega-3 fish oil.⁷ Your health care provider may suggest other over-the-counter supplements.

Some supplements can cause gastrointestinal problems or can interact with blood thinners.⁸  Always talk to your health care provider before starting any new supplements. Read individual product labels for claims, directions and safety information.

Arthritis

Two types of OTC pain relief support products might help with occasional mild to moderate arthritis pain. Acetaminophen blocks pain signals and reduces fever. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium may help with inflammation and swelling in joints.⁹

A topical pain reliever, one that you rub into the skin of the hands, knees or feet, containing an NSAID may have fewer side effects than an oral NSAID. It can take up to seven days to work, though, and shouldn’t be used for more than 21 days.¹⁰  Make sure to speak with a health care provider before using any oral or topical products for pain relief support.

Heating pads and cold packs can also help relieve arthritis pain.¹¹  If more severe arthritis hinders your mobility, talk to your health care provider to see if you might benefit from a frame, joint brace or walking cane.¹²

Diabetes

As you manage diabetes, be aware of the risk of gum disease. Tools for dental hygiene include a soft-bristle toothbrush, fluoride toothpaste, dental floss and mouthwash.¹³ These products are eligible under many OTC benefit plans.

Diabetes can also cause itchy, dry skin as well as serious skin conditions, such as sores, infections and wounds. Mild soap, cleansers and a daily moisturizer may  help.¹⁴ Stick to a cream or ointment that is fragrance free and contains ceramides. And if you are troubled by swelling in your legs, compression stockings may help improve blood flow and provide comfort.¹⁵