By: Jose Ruiz B.
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When people think of Medicare, they often only consider hospital, medical, and prescription drug coverage. However, there are additional benefits in Medicare Advantage plans that often go unnoticed. These lesser-known benefits can make a significant difference in people's lives, improving their health and well-being. Below are some of these benefits and how they can be utilized.
1. Additional Hospitalization Days
Medicare Advantage plans may include additional hospitalization days beyond what Original Medicare covers after meeting the deductible. Original Medicare generally provides up to 90 days per benefit period, covering room, meals, and essential medical care.
Regarding costs:
- In 2025, Original Medicare requires a daily copayment of $419 after day 60. If hospitalization exceeds 90 days, patients must use their lifetime reserve days, with a copayment of $838 per day.
- Medicare Advantage can help reduce these expenses by offering extended coverage with lower or no additional costs, depending on the plan.
This benefit is essential for those requiring prolonged hospitalization, providing greater financial peace of mind and continuous access to medical care.
2. Dental, Vision, and Hearing Coverage
Many people are unaware that Medicare Advantage plans include dental, vision, and hearing coverage. This can include dental exams, cleanings, fillings, eyeglasses, contact lenses, and hearing aids. These services are crucial for overall well-being and can help detect health problems related to vision, hearing, and oral health early.
Original Medicare does not include these benefits, meaning individuals would have to purchase separate dental, vision, and hearing plans, leading to higher additional costs. By choosing Medicare Advantage, beneficiaries can access these services under one plan, reducing out-of-pocket expenses and gaining greater peace of mind.
Taking care of your health and preventive care is essential to avoiding severe illnesses.
3. No-Cost Annual Physical Exams
One of the most important but often underutilized benefits is free annual physical exams. These check-ups allow beneficiaries to regularly monitor their health, helping detect potential issues before they become serious. This benefit is free under Medicare Advantage plans and is crucial for disease prevention and management.
4. Emergency and Urgent Care Coverage Abroad
For those who love to travel, some Medicare Advantage plans provide coverage for urgent and emergency medical care while abroad. This means that if an emergency arises while outside the United States, members can have the peace of mind that their medical expenses may be covered.
It is essential to check the specific conditions of this coverage with the plan provider, as policies and guidelines may vary depending on the plan.
5. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medication Coverage
Many plans also offer coverage for over-the-counter medications (OTC), including vitamins, hygiene products, and other health-related items. This can help beneficiaries afford necessary health products without incurring additional expenses, improving their overall well-being.
6. Medical Transportation
One of the biggest challenges many seniors face is getting to their medical appointments, sometimes leading them to miss important check-ups. Some Medicare Advantage plans include no cost medical transportation services, allowing beneficiaries to attend their medical appointments without worrying about transportation.
Regular doctor visits are key to maintaining good health, and having this benefit ensures that necessary check-ups and treatments are not delayed.
7. Gym Memberships
Beneficiaries can also take advantage of no-cost gym memberships designed to promote an active and healthy lifestyle. Exercise helps maintain mobility, refreshes the mind, and contributes to mental well-being, which is crucial for seniors' quality of life.
Additionally, many plans offer access to specialized fitness classes, allowing individuals to find activities suited to their needs and capabilities.
8. Meal Delivery Services
For individuals needing extra support after a hospitalization, some plans include meal delivery services at home. This benefit can be crucial for ensuring proper nutrition during recovery, eliminating the burden of meal preparation while recovering from illness or surgery.
9. Financial Assistance for Groceries and Utilities
In some cases, Medicare Advantage plans provide financial assistance for groceries and utility bills. This benefit is particularly helpful for those with limited income, as it can ease the financial burden of daily expenses, allowing them to focus on their well-being without extra financial stress.
10. Maximum Out-of-Pocket Limit
This is one of the most valuable benefits for financial security. The out-of-pocket maximum limits the amount a beneficiary has to pay in a year for covered medical services. Once this maximum is reached, the plan covers 100% of the costs for the remainder of the year.
This means that no matter if emergency care, costly treatments, or ongoing medical care are needed, beneficiaries can be assured that they won’t have to pay beyond the set limit.
