The Extra Perks of Medicare Advantage That Original Medicare Does Not Cover
If you have heard that Medicare Advantage plans come with extra benefits, you heard right. Beyond hospital and medical coverage, many Medicare Advantage plans include perks you simply will not find with Original Medicare or a standard supplement plan.
What Extra Benefits Are Typically Included
Depending on the plan and carrier, Medicare Advantage plans often include:
- Vision coverage
- Dental coverage
- Over-the-counter allowances for everyday health items
- Fitness benefits such as gym memberships
These extras are not available through Original Medicare and are rarely included in a Medicare Supplement plan. They are one of the most popular reasons people choose Medicare Advantage.
How Each Benefit Actually Works
Fitness benefits are often delivered through programs like Silver Sneakers, which is accepted at many gyms including the YMCA. You contact Silver Sneakers, receive a code, present it at your gym, and your membership is covered at no cost.
Over-the-counter allowances work one of two ways depending on your carrier. Some plans load money onto a flex card each month or quarter that you use at approved retailers. Others direct you to an online portal where you select items just like shopping on Amazon, with no out-of-pocket cost and free shipping on qualifying orders.
Vision and dental benefits typically work through in-network providers, where your costs are reduced when you stay in network. Some plans also allow you to use any provider and simply pay the difference.
The Fine Print Worth Knowing
These benefits only come with a Medicare Advantage plan. If you are on Original Medicare or a supplement only, you will not have access to them.
It is also important to look at the full picture. Medicare Advantage plans often have lower or even zero monthly premiums, but they typically include copays for doctor visits and require you to use in-network providers. The extra benefits are real, but they need to be weighed against how you actually use your coverage.
The Bottom Line
Medicare Advantage plans can offer genuine value beyond basic coverage, but the right plan depends on your health needs, your doctors, and how you plan to use those benefits. Sitting down with an independent broker to go through the full breakdown, costs included, is the best way to know whether the extras are actually a good fit for you.
