Medicare OTC Allowance Cards in Nevada: What They Really Cover

How common, and how much

66% of 2026 Medicare Advantage plans offer an over-the-counter allowance. In Nevada the real spread is $25, $50, $140 or $205 per quarter, depending on the plan.

We previously described "basic / mid-tier / premium" tiers. That is not CMS terminology and we invented it — it has been replaced with the actual Nevada figures above.

It is not always quarterly, and not always use-it-or-lose-it

Many plans reset quarterly and unused dollars are lost — but this is not universal. For example, UnitedHealthcare's 2026 Nevada dual-eligible plan pays $75 every month. Check your own plan's schedule before you assume a deadline.

Important for dual-eligible members: food and utilities may be included

We previously said food, household and non-health products are not eligible. For Nevada dual-eligible plans that is backwards: several of them load healthy-food and utility dollars onto the same card.

If that is your plan and you have only been buying pain relievers and bandages, you may have been leaving grocery money unspent every single month. Check your card's balance categories.

How to use it

Order through the plan's catalogue or use the card at participating retailers, as your plan directs. Ask member services which categories your card covers and when the balance resets.