25 Free Things Seniors Can Get (That Most Don't Know)

There are benefits sitting on the table right now -- benefits you've already paid for with a lifetime of taxes, premiums, and hard work -- and a surprising number of seniors never claim them. Some are buried in your Medicare plan. Others come from federal programs, local organizations, or companies that just like having seniors as customers.

Here are 25 free (or nearly free) things you might be missing.

Medicare & Health Benefits

1. Annual Wellness Visit. Every year, Medicare covers a full wellness visit with your doctor at zero cost. It includes health screenings, a review of your medications, and a personalized prevention plan. Not the same as a regular checkup -- this one's specifically designed to catch problems early.

2. Preventive Screenings. Medicare Part B covers a wide range of free preventive screenings: mammograms, colonoscopies, cardiovascular screening, diabetes screening, depression screening, and more. No copay. No deductible.

3. Free Vaccines. Your annual flu shot and COVID-19 vaccines are covered under Part B at no cost. The shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is covered under Part D, and many plans cover it with little to no copay.

4. SilverSneakers Gym Membership. Many Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans include SilverSneakers, which gives you free access to thousands of gyms and fitness centers nationwide. Classes, equipment, pool -- all included.

5. Free Over-the-Counter (OTC) Items. Certain Medicare Advantage plans give you a quarterly allowance -- often $25 to $100+ -- to spend on OTC products like vitamins, pain relievers, bandages, and first-aid supplies. It's like a free trip to the pharmacy every few months.

6. Free Grocery and Healthy Food Allowance. Some Medicare Advantage plans now include a monthly grocery benefit, typically loaded onto a prepaid card. You can use it at participating stores for approved healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, dairy, and whole grains.

7. Free Transportation to Medical Appointments. Many Medicare Advantage plans offer free rides to doctor's appointments, the pharmacy, and other medical visits. No car? No problem. Just call your plan to schedule a ride.

8. Free Nutrition Counseling. If you have diabetes or kidney disease, Medicare Part B covers medical nutrition therapy -- sessions with a registered dietitian at no cost to you.

Technology & Communication

9. Free Tablet or Smartphone. The federal Lifeline program and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provide discounted or free phones and tablets to qualifying low-income seniors. Some plans include free monthly data too.

10. Free Internet Discount. Through the ACP and similar state programs, qualifying seniors can get $30/month off their internet bill (or $75/month on tribal lands). Many providers participate.

11. Free Library E-Books and Audiobooks. Your local library card gives you free access to thousands of e-books and audiobooks through apps like Libby and Hoopla. No late fees. No leaving the house.

Parks, Culture & Entertainment

12. National Park Lifetime Senior Pass. For a one-time fee of $80 (or free with certain access passes), seniors 62 and older get lifetime access to over 2,000 national parks, monuments, and recreation areas. That includes free entry for everyone in your vehicle.

13. Free Museum Days. Many museums across the country offer free admission days for seniors. The Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C. are always free. Others run senior-specific discount or free days monthly.

14. Free or Discounted Movie Tickets. AMC, Regal, and many local theaters offer senior discounts -- often 20-30% off, and some offer free screenings on weekday mornings.

Financial & Legal Help

15. Free Tax Preparation (VITA). The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax preparation for people who earn $67,000 or less -- and many sites specifically serve seniors. Trained volunteers do your taxes for free.

16. Free Legal Aid. Many states fund legal assistance programs for seniors covering issues like housing, benefits disputes, elder abuse, and estate planning. The Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) can connect you with local resources.

17. Property Tax Exemptions. Many states and counties offer property tax breaks for seniors -- either reduced rates, frozen assessments, or outright exemptions. Check with your local tax assessor's office.

Discounts & Everyday Savings

18. AARP Member Discounts. An AARP membership ($16/year) unlocks discounts on restaurants, travel, insurance, cell phone plans, and hundreds of retailers. The savings usually pay for the membership within the first use.

19. Senior Restaurant Discounts. Many restaurants offer 10-20% senior discounts, often starting at age 55 or 60. Denny's, IHOP, Applebee's, Chili's, and Wendy's all have senior menus or discounts -- just ask.

20. Senior Grocery Store Discounts. Some grocery chains offer senior discount days -- usually a specific day of the week with 5-10% off your total. Fred Meyer, Piggly Wiggly, and several regional chains participate.

21. Free or Reduced Prescription Costs. Beyond Part D, many pharmaceutical companies run Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs) that provide free or deeply discounted medications to qualifying seniors. NeedyMeds.org is a great resource to check eligibility.

Veteran-Specific Benefits

22. VA Health Care. Veterans may qualify for free or low-cost health care through the VA, including dental, vision, mental health services, and prescriptions -- benefits that Medicare doesn't fully cover.

23. Free Veteran Burial Benefits. Veterans are entitled to a free burial in a national cemetery, including a grave liner, headstone, and Presidential Memorial Certificate.

Community Resources

24. Free Meal Programs. Meals on Wheels and similar programs deliver free or low-cost meals to homebound seniors. Many local senior centers also serve free hot lunches on weekdays.

25. Free Hearing and Vision Screenings. Lions Clubs, local health departments, and some Medicare Advantage plans offer free hearing and vision screenings -- services that Original Medicare typically doesn't cover well.

How to Claim These Benefits

The hardest part about most of these isn't qualifying -- it's knowing they exist. Here's how to start:

• Call Medicare (1-800-MEDICARE) and ask what preventive services you're eligible for
• Log into MyMedicare.gov to review your plan's extra benefits
• Contact your local Area Agency on Aging for community resources in your zip code
• Visit BenefitsCheckUp.org (by the National Council on Aging) to screen for over 2,500 benefits programs

You've spent decades contributing to these systems. It's time to let them contribute back.

Need help? At Insuras Health, we specialize in finding Medicare plans loaded with extra benefits -- gym memberships, grocery allowances, OTC credits, transportation, and more. Talk to us today and we'll make sure you're not leaving anything on the table.