What are some lesser-known benefits or services that my Medicare plan might cover that I could be missing out on?

Question

Brian Moore · Accepted Answer

This is a perfect question, and a great one especially in today’s time, as Medicare Advantage plans are introducing more creative and innovative benefits to differentiate themselves. You might find lesser-known Medicare Advantage perks like quarterly allowances for rent, utilities, groceries, over-the-counter items like pain relievers, or even transportation to medical appointments and gym memberships for wellness programs. Meanwhile, Medicare Supplement plans, such as G or N, often include a valuable international travel benefit for emergency care abroad, which can be crucial if you’re overseas and need treatment unexpectedly.

Answered by Brian Moore on March 27, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH

Answered by Brian Moore Medicare Insurance Agent

Daniel Brechin · Answer

There are many items covered by Medicare Advantage plans that are not covered by Medicare and a Supplement.
Dental treatment and up to 2000k.
Eye glasses or contacts.
Over the counter quarterly and some times monthly.  
And others items not on Medicare or supplements.

Jonathan Potter · Answer

Gym membership, preventive tests, over the counter credits, hearing aids, vision, zero copays to see the doctor.

Gregg Matheny · Answer

Most plan benefits are very visible, but the ones that I find are most often under utilized are the fitness benefits related to wearable devices. In some cases there is also an amount that can be reimbursed for the purchase of gym equipment. Also, most plans incentivize healthy habits. You may call the member services number on the back of your card and ask if there is a reward for getting a flu shot or reporting daily number of steps.

Answered by Gregg Matheny on March 26, 2025

Agent Licensed in AZ & UT

Answered by Gregg Matheny Medicare Insurance Agent

Jacqueline Proffit · Answer

That is a great question. There are several services and benefits, particularly under Medicare Advantage plans, that many beneficiaries don't realize are available to them.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) Extra Benefits
While Original Medicare primarily covers medically necessary services, Medicare Advantage plans often offer a variety of non-medical or preventive extras:

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Benefits: Many plans provide a quarterly or monthly allowance that you can use to purchase health and wellness products, like vitamins, first aid supplies, pain relievers, and hygiene products, at participating stores.

Meal Delivery Services: Some plans offer short-term meal delivery to your home, often after a qualifying hospital stay, to help you recover and focus on your health.

Medical Transportation: Certain plans cover non-emergency transportation to and from doctor appointments, the pharmacy, or other medical facilities, which is a significant help for those with mobility issues.

Fitness Programs: Coverage for gym memberships or fitness programs, such as SilverSneakers®, is a common benefit to promote an active and healthy lifestyle.

Emergency Care Abroad: While Original Medicare generally does not cover care outside the U.S., some Medicare Advantage plans include coverage for urgent and emergency medical care if you are traveling internationally.

💡 Original Medicare (Part B) Preventive Services
Medicare Part B covers many essential preventive services at little or no cost to you, which are often overlooked:

"Welcome to Medicare" Visit: This is a one-time preventive visit covered within the first 12 months you have Part B, which helps establish your baseline health and get a written plan for future screenings.

Annual Wellness Visit: After your first 12 months of Part B, you are eligible for an Annual Wellness Visit once every 12 months, which is a personalized health risk assessment and plan for preventive care.

Obesity Counseling: If your Body Mass Index (BMI) i

Misty Bolt · Answer

Medicare plans, particularly Advantage (Part C), offer many overlooked benefits beyond basic coverage, including monthly over-the-counter (OTC) allowances, free gym memberships (SilverSneakers), transportation to medical appointments, and, in some cases, meal delivery or pet care. Other covered services include acupuncture for chronic lower back pain, telehealth, nutrition counseling, and dental/vision care

Answered by Misty Bolt on March 12, 2026

Agent Licensed in TN, AL, AR & 46 other states

Answered by Misty Bolt Medicare Insurance Agent

Carly Cusack · Answer

Medicare plans differ from county to county and state to state. The best way to understand your plan is to talk to a local agent or read through your plan’s Explanation of Benefits.

Adam Ashby · Answer

Depending on the Carrier you choose there are some benefits that are available that some individuals do not think of. Some companies are offering food benefits, gym membership, shuttle services and even companionship benefits providing one on one social care. It is important that you allow a Medicare Broker review your needs and your available benefits to maximize the areas of help you need.

Answered by Adam Ashby on April 14, 2025

Broker Licensed in CO, GA, IL & 6 other states

Answered by Adam Ashby Medicare Insurance Agent

Ezel McIntee · Answer

Your Medicare plan may offer more than just hospital and doctor coverage. Some plans include added benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, fitness memberships, telehealth visits, and even allowances for over-the-counter items or healthy groceries — valuable services that many beneficiaries overlook.

Answered by Ezel McIntee on October 30, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK

Answered by Ezel McIntee Medicare Insurance Agent

Cynthia Nakaya · Answer

Different plans have different benefits, of course, but some benefits are more common than others. 

For example, over-the-counter benefits are extremely common, with benefits amounts varying greatly from plan to plan. Your benefit may be as low as $15 per quarter or as high as $150 a month, sometimes more. Keep in mind, extra benefits vary depending on geographic location, Plan Sponsor, pre-existing conditions, and even vary by plans within each company! 

A lesser-known benefit that some plans have is telehealth. It allows the patient to talk with a provider on a computer, tablet, smartphone, or even a regular phone. The convenience of this benefit cannot be overstated. After all, who wants to go to the doctor with a minor cold, flu, or pink eye? Be sure to follow your physician's advice and go to urgent care if you're feeling especially ill.

Some plans have technical help lines, so if you need help downloading an app on those confounded smart phones, you have someone to turn to.

If you are curious about your extra benefits, call your agent and get the details. I'm also available to help you!

Joel Gregory Craven · Answer

Wow that’s hard to answer because there are so many different plans and extra benefits such as with Medicare advantage. I try to remember that medical insurance is to cover sickness and illness. Nevertheless the prevention is what I would say….there are over 25 different no cost screenings that I believe everyone with Medicare should take advantage of to catch issues before they advance or become a chronic condition. Screenings like bone density test, diabetic screening, etc

Answered by Joel Gregory Craven on August 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in MS, AL, AZ & 5 other states

Answered by Joel Gregory Craven Medicare Insurance Agent

Wendy Lollar · Answer

I’ve often found new clients that didn’t realize they had dental, vision and hearing benefits included in their Medicare Advantage plans. OTC allowance is another perk that isn’t explained correctly and/or how to get those items.

Answered by Wendy Lollar on January 19, 2026

Broker Licensed in LA, AR, FL, MS & TX

Answered by Wendy Lollar Medicare Insurance Agent

Rob Taylor · Answer

Great question. A lot of people are surprised to learn they may already have benefits they are not using. What is available depends on how your Medicare is set up.

No matter what type you have, Medicare covers preventive services like an Annual Wellness Visit, certain screenings for heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, plus vaccines such as flu, pneumonia, and shingles. Mental health counseling and some telehealth visits are also commonly covered.

If you have Original Medicare with a Supplement, one big benefit people overlook is flexibility. You can usually see any doctor nationwide who accepts Medicare, without referrals.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you may have extra benefits like dental, vision, hearing, gym memberships, over the counter allowances, transportation to appointments, or even some in home support. Many of these reset each year, so if you do not use them, you lose them.

It is worth reviewing your plan once a year. You might discover benefits that save you money or make life a little easier.

Leslie Kaz · Answer

Did you know your Medicare plan might include hidden perks you're not using? From monthly OTC allowances and free gym memberships to dental, vision, hearing, meal delivery, and even rides to the doctor — many Medicare Advantage plans go way beyond basic coverage. Some even offer in-home help, teletherapy, and free smartphones for qualifying members. Don’t leave benefits on the table — check your plan or talk to a licensed agent to unlock everything you’re entitled to!

Answered by Leslie Kaz on June 16, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AZ & 7 other states

Answered by Leslie Kaz Medicare Insurance Agent

Dana Dane · Answer

Without knowing what your plan is, that question should be answered by your agent. If you do not have an agent, please call your insurance company for that information. You could also request that you have a local agent assigned to you which costs you nothing.

Answered by Dana Dane on April 18, 2025

Agent Licensed in OR, AZ, CA & 6 other states

Answered by Dana Dane Medicare Insurance Agent

Robert Baez · Answer

You would need to read your policy for details. Reach out to me:

Robert Baez
Licensed Trusted Advisor


Health | Wealth | Life | Medicare
Contact me.

Brian Kulis · Answer

Some will give discounts for various things, others will allow you to earn money back on your card. Some parts of the Country have free pest control and other regional benefits. The Dental and Vision and food benefits come in handy too!

Answered by Brian Kulis on August 8, 2025

Broker Licensed in AR, AZ, LA & MO, OK, TN & TX

Answered by Brian Kulis Medicare Insurance Agent

Cheryl Lockhart · Answer

Beyond your regular doctor visits and prescriptions, many Medicare Advantage plans include extra benefits that people don’t always realize they have. Some plans may cover transportation to medical appointments, meal delivery after a hospital stay, or even over-the-counter (OTC) allowances to help with everyday health items. You might also have access to fitness memberships, telehealth visits, hearing aid discounts, caregiver support, or even in-home safety checks to help you stay independent.

You could also have benefits like expanded dental coverage, vision allowances, podiatry services, accupuncture or special programs for managing chronic condition.  These are all designed to support your overall health and well-being.

If you’re not sure what your current plan includes, it’s always worth taking a little time to look it over. A licensed, independent agent can help you sort through those details and make sure you’re taking advantage of everything your plan offers.

Daintee Hurst Dietz · Answer

Over the counter drugs and some utility assistance are possible benefits on certain plans. We need to see if eligible and if they also cover Dr and drugs.

Heidi Delaney · Answer

Every plan  has slightly different benefits, some things people dont know about or forget about are:

1. Meals delivered to your home following an admission to the hospital or Skilled Nursing Facility.

2.  Wigs for cancer patients.

3.  Shoes for diabetic patients.

4.  Rewards by way of giftcards for doing preventive care like flu shots, annual physical...

Heidi Wotton · Answer

A lot of people don’t realize their plan may include things like over-the-counter allowances, gym or fitness programs, transportation to medical appointments, meal delivery after a hospital stay, or hearing and dental discounts. It really depends on the plan, so it’s always worth reviewing to make sure you’re getting everything you’re entitled to.

Answered by Heidi Wotton on November 8, 2025

Agent Licensed in ME, FL, LA & 7 other states

Answered by Heidi Wotton Medicare Insurance Agent

Robert Jones · Answer

When do you plan on enrolling in a plan or are you already enrolled in a plan and just comparing options? We can review the options. Bob Jones - The Jones Group - Contact me.

Alicia Rosenquist · Answer

The plans might cover extras like gym memberships, non-emergency transportation, over-the-counter allowances, vision/dental/hearing aids, meals and support after hospitalization, and even home safety improvements.

Answered by Alicia Rosenquist on December 29, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ, KY, MI, NM & UT

Answered by Alicia Rosenquist Medicare Insurance Agent

Gary Henderson · Answer

You're going to need l to be more specific when we talk about Medicare. There are several options. Original Medicare only Medicare plus a supplement plan or Medicare advantage plans. I'll have different coverage options so if you would please contact me, we can discuss what would be best for you. My name is Gary Henderson

Answered by Gary Henderson on October 7, 2025

Agent Licensed in TX, AK, AL & 46 other states

Answered by Gary Henderson Medicare Insurance Agent

Carol Thompson · Answer

24/7 nursing hotline is one of the services that people may not aware of. 

Some of the extra benefits could be over the counter (OTC) that you would normally pay for out of pocket.  Like Tylenol, cold meds, band aids, etc.

Suzanne Lamperti · Answer

That totally depends on The Medicare plan you are a part of . In MD the MD Physicians Care plan has tge extra benefit of a gym membership at Planet Fitness. In FL, some plans allow you to pay for OTC drugs. It really depends on the plan and your location.

Answered by Suzanne Lamperti on August 4, 2025

Broker Licensed in MD

Answered by Suzanne Lamperti Medicare Insurance Agent

Todd Bostic · Answer

Travel expenses such as being able to get a ride to and from the doctor or pharmacy, depending on the plan.

Jennifer Kalbach · Answer

If you are on a Medicare Advantage plan then they may have silver sneakers but like always, you need to get a copy of your summary benefits from the agent who helped you with the plan. If you went directly through Medicare to chose your plan, then contact the plan itself. The number is on the back of your id card.

Answered by Jennifer Kalbach on April 27, 2026

Agent Licensed in KY

Answered by Jennifer Kalbach Medicare Insurance Agent

Joseph Peck · Answer

Some advantage plans give meals after you have been in the hospital for a bit, also transportation to doctors, pharmacy, etc. Not all though.

Cheryl Lyons · Answer

Absolutely! Beyond the core hospital and medical coverage, Medicare (especially Medicare Advantage plans) sometimes includes lesser-known benefits that many people don’t realize they have. Here’s a quick list:

1. Preventive and wellness services

Nutritional counseling

Fitness programs (like SilverSneakers)

Smoking cessation programs

Weight management programs

2. Hearing, dental, and vision

Hearing exams and partial hearing aid coverage

Routine dental cleanings and exams

Vision exams, lenses, or discounts on glasses

3. Transportation

Rides to medical appointments (especially in Medicare Advantage plans)

Some plans even cover rides for pharmacy visits

4. Home and remote health support

Telehealth visits (doctor appointments from home)

Home health monitoring devices (blood pressure, glucose, fall detection)

5. Over-the-counter (OTC) allowances

Many plans give a quarterly or yearly allowance for items like vitamins, bandages, or first aid supplies

6. Hearing & wellness perks for chronic conditions

Disease management programs for diabetes, heart disease, or COPD

Health coaching calls or nurse support lines

7. Safety and emergency support

Some plans provide home safety checks or emergency alert systems for seniors

💡 Tip: These benefits are plan-specific and sometimes require you to use in-network providers or submit claims. Many people miss out simply because they don’t know they exist or don’t ask.

If you want, I can create a checklist of benefits by type that you can use to see what your current plan offers and make sure you’re not leaving anything on the table. This is super handy for annual review or Open Enrollment.

Do you want m

Sam Silva · Answer

Especially those on Medicare Advantage plans—often overlook valuable benefits that could save money or improve their quality of life. eg: -  Fitness Programs,  Routine Dental, Vision & Hearing, Transportation Services, Meal Delivery,  Over-the-Counter (OTC), ect....

Answered by Sam Silva on April 15, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, GA, NJ & 7 other states

Answered by Sam Silva Medicare Insurance Agent

John Motsinger · Answer

Most medicare plans have zero copays on preventive screenings like prostate exam, mammogram screenings and a colonoscopy.

James Wareheim · Answer

That is a hard question to answer not knowing what plan you have and where you are located. I would recommend you contact your agent to discuss with them. You can also contact the insurance carrier that your plan is with.

Answered by James Wareheim on February 2, 2026

Agent Licensed in FL, GA, NC, NV & SC

Answered by James Wareheim Medicare Insurance Agent

Kim Mitchell-Hargis · Answer

Most Medicare Advantage plans have extra's like Dental, Vision, Hearing and gym memberships. Depending on which state and which plan will determine if you get OTC, Chiropractic, Acupuncture, home care, food cards, and more.

Answered by Kim Mitchell-Hargis on July 16, 2025

Broker Licensed in TN, FL & KY

Answered by Kim Mitchell-Hargis Medicare Insurance Agent

Tammam Tayara · Answer

Along with standard medical coverage, Medicare plans often include lesser-known benefits you might not be using. These can include annual depression screenings, nutrition therapy for certain conditions, smoking cessation counseling, and some preventive vaccines. Many Medicare Advantage plans may also offer extras like gym memberships, transportation to appointments, over-the-counter allowances, or even limited dental, vision, and hearing benefits.

Answered by Tammam Tayara on September 18, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, NM, OR & TX

Answered by Tammam Tayara Medicare Insurance Agent

Sandy Hammond · Answer

It really depends on what type of Medicare plan that you have.  Do you have a Medicare Supplement plan along with a stand alone Prescription Drug Plan, or do you have a Medicare Advantage Plan with a built in Prescription Drug plan?
We would really need to know this information first, before providing a list of possible lesser-know benefits or services your plan might cover.
The best thing to do is to call the Member Services number listed on your member ID card and they should be able to assist you.

Sophia Davis · Answer

Rewards! Many carriers offer a rewards program for doing certain things like a Flu Shot or Wellness Exam. Many clients simply leave this money on the table because they don't know about it.

Gregory Dunham · Answer

Generally, Medicare Advantage plans offer the most additional benefits beyond Hospital and Medical coverage.

This can include, Vision, Dental, Hearing, Gym Membership, Acupuncture, Meal Delivery, Over The counter Allowances, and Transportation.  The list goes on, and what is available will depend on where you live.