Hidden Medicare Perks Most Seniors Don't Know About
Here's something that surprises most people: Medicare covers a lot more than doctor visits and hospital stays. Depending on your plan, you might be sitting on benefits you didn't even know existed -- free groceries, gym memberships, rides to appointments, and more.
The catch? Nobody sends you a flashing neon sign about these perks. You have to know where to look. So let's shine a light on the benefits that too many seniors are leaving on the table.
Grocery and Food Allowances
This is the one that makes people's eyes light up. Many Medicare Advantage plans -- especially Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) -- offer a quarterly grocery allowance. You get a preloaded benefits card (like the Healthy Benefits+ card) that you can use at participating grocery stores to buy approved healthy foods.
We're talking fruits, vegetables, dairy, whole grains, lean proteins, and more. Some plans offer $50 to $200+ per quarter, depending on the plan and your eligibility.
If you haven't checked whether your plan offers this, you really should. Free groceries are hard to beat.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Benefits
Similar to the grocery allowance, many Medicare Advantage plans give you a monthly or quarterly OTC allowance. This covers everyday health essentials like:
- Pain relievers and first-aid supplies
- Vitamins and supplements
- Toothpaste, toothbrushes, and dental care items
- Sunscreen and skin care
- Reading glasses
- Thermometers and blood pressure monitors
You typically order online, by phone, or shop in-store at approved retailers. The allowance resets each quarter, so use it or lose it.
Silver Sneakers and Fitness Programs
Staying active is one of the best things you can do for your health, and Medicare knows it. Many Medicare Advantage plans include Silver Sneakers or similar fitness programs at no extra cost.
With Silver Sneakers, you get:
- Free gym membership at thousands of participating fitness centers nationwide
- Access to group exercise classes designed for older adults
- Online workout videos and wellness resources
- Community events and social connections
Some plans offer alternatives like Renew Active (through UnitedHealthcare) or One Pass (through Aetna), which work similarly. If your plan includes a fitness benefit, there's literally no reason not to use it.
Transportation to Medical Appointments
Getting to the doctor shouldn't be a barrier to healthcare. That's why many Medicare Advantage plans offer free or low-cost transportation to and from medical appointments, pharmacies, and sometimes even grocery stores.
Depending on your plan, you might get:
- A set number of one-way rides per year (commonly 24 to 48 trips)
- Rides to doctor visits, labs, hospitals, and pharmacies
- Door-to-door service, sometimes with wheelchair-accessible vehicles
You usually schedule rides through your plan's transportation partner a day or two in advance. It's a huge benefit for people who no longer drive or live in areas with limited public transit.
Dental, Vision, and Hearing Coverage
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) barely touches dental, vision, or hearing. But many Medicare Advantage plans include all three as supplemental benefits. Depending on your plan, you could get:
- Dental: Preventive cleanings, X-rays, fillings, and sometimes major work like crowns or dentures
- Vision: Annual eye exams, plus an allowance toward glasses or contacts
- Hearing: Hearing exams, and some plans offer allowances toward hearing aids (which can cost thousands out of pocket)
These aren't available on every plan, and the benefit levels vary. But for many people, this alone is a reason to consider Medicare Advantage over Original Medicare.
Telehealth and Virtual Visits
The pandemic accelerated telehealth, and Medicare has kept it going. Many plans now offer $0 copay telehealth visits, letting you see a doctor from your couch via phone or video.
This is great for:
- Minor illnesses (cold, flu, UTI, rashes)
- Mental health check-ins
- Medication management
- Follow-up appointments
No driving, no waiting room, no hassle. Just open your phone or computer and connect with a provider.
Annual Wellness Visits
This one's available to everyone on Medicare, and yet a surprising number of people skip it. Your Annual Wellness Visit is completely free -- no copay, no deductible. It's not a head-to-toe physical; it's a preventive planning session where your doctor:
- Reviews your health history and medications
- Checks for cognitive issues
- Updates your preventive screening schedule
- Creates or updates a personalized prevention plan
Think of it as a yearly game plan for staying healthy. It's free, it's valuable, and there's no reason not to book one.
Meal Delivery After Hospital Stays
Some Medicare Advantage plans offer home-delivered meals after you're discharged from the hospital or during recovery from surgery. Typically you might receive 14 to 28 meals delivered right to your door during your recovery period.
It's a small thing that makes a big difference when you're healing and not up for cooking.
How to Find Your Hidden Perks
The best way to discover what your plan offers is to:
- Call your plan directly and ask for a full list of supplemental benefits
- Log into your plan's member portal and look for "Extra Benefits" or "Supplemental Benefits"
- Review your Evidence of Coverage (EOC) document -- it lists everything your plan covers
And if you're not currently on a plan that offers these perks, it might be time to explore your options during the next enrollment period.
Need Help?
Not sure what perks your current plan includes? Or wondering if there's a plan that gives you more? At Insuras Health Benefits, we know these plans inside and out. We'll help you uncover every benefit you're entitled to -- and find a plan that makes the most of your Medicare.
Let's find your hidden perks. Schedule a free consultation and we'll do the digging for you.