The Basics: What Medicare Covers

Before diving into the overlooked benefits, let’s set the foundation. Medicare is divided into parts:

Part A: Hospital insurance

Part B: Medical insurance for outpatient care

Part C: Medicare Advantage (private plans that bundle A + B and often extras)

Part D: Prescription drug coverage

Depending on the plan, coverage may extend beyond traditional services. Some programs now include wellness, preventive, and even food or transportation support—especially under Medicare Advantage.

1. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Benefit Cards

Select Medicare Advantage plans include a prepaid card for purchasing health-related over-the-counter items like:

Pain relievers

Cold medications

Bandages

Vitamins and supplements

These cards can be used at participating pharmacies or retail stores. Allowance amounts vary by plan—some offer quarterly funds while others reload monthly.

What to check:

If your plan includes OTC benefits

Where you can use the card

How to order online or by mail

2. Vision, Dental, and Hearing Coverage

Original Medicare does not typically cover routine dental, vision, or hearing services. But some Advantage plans do. These services might include:

Annual eye exams and glasses

Cleanings and X-rays

Hearing tests and hearing aid allowances

It’s important to know that coverage levels vary—and you’ll often need to visit in-network providers. But for those who qualify, it can reduce out-of-pocket expenses dramatically over time.

3. Wellness and Fitness Programs

Many Medicare Advantage plans include membership to fitness programs, most notably:

SilverSneakers

Renew Active

Peer fitness classes or gym access

These benefits support active aging and mental wellness. From yoga to water aerobics to walking groups, these offerings help seniors stay connected and mobile—without added gym costs.

4. Meal Delivery After Hospital Stays

Some plans provide temporary meal delivery services following a hospital discharge. The purpose? To ensure proper nutrition during recovery.

Depending on the plan, this can mean:

10 to 20 meals delivered over a 1–2 week period

Partner programs with local food services

Dietary accommodations for specific health conditions

Not all plans offer this, but for those recovering from surgery or illness, it can ease the transition home.

5. Transportation to Appointments

Getting to a doctor’s office or pharmacy isn’t always simple, especially for those who no longer drive. Certain Medicare Advantage plans offer non-emergency transportation benefits, which may include:

Rides to primary care visits

Transportation to labs, imaging centers, or specialists

A set number of round trips per year

This service is often arranged via partner rideshare companies or medical transport providers.

6. Food Allowance Cards

Some Medicare Advantage plans include a monthly food or grocery allowance for eligible members, especially those with chronic conditions or limited income.

These benefits can help pay for:

Fresh produce

Nutritional staples

Pantry essentials at approved stores

This benefit typically comes with eligibility requirements and can’t be used at every retailer. However, it provides a helpful boost to household food security.

7. Chronic Condition Management Tools

For those managing diabetes, heart disease, or COPD, some plans offer:

Free glucose monitors

Nutritionist consultations

Remote health monitoring devices

Coaching and support calls

These services aim to reduce hospitalizations and improve day-to-day quality of life. They may not be obvious in your plan documentation, so it’s worth asking your provider directly.

8. Telehealth Services

Telehealth became widespread during the pandemic—and it’s here to stay. Many Medicare plans now offer:

Virtual checkups and consultations

Remote behavioral health visits

Access to specialists from home

It’s convenient, especially for mobility-limited patients, and often covered with low or no copay under Advantage plans.

9. Home Modifications (In Select Plans)

Some Medicare Advantage programs now include allowances or resources for home safety improvements, like:

Grab bars in showers

Non-slip flooring

Wheelchair ramps

Bed rails

These are typically tied to a doctor’s recommendation and intended for those with demonstrated need.

How to Discover What You Qualify For

Medicare plans vary by provider, county, and enrollment status. Here are ways to explore available benefits:

Review your plan’s Annual Notice of Changes (ANOC)

Call your plan’s customer service line

Use Medicare’s official plan comparison tool

Work with a licensed Medicare advisor—not a sales rep

Remember: if you’re enrolled in Original Medicare only (Part A and B), most of these extras do not apply. You would need to explore Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans in your area.

What About New Benefits in 2026?

Policy discussions continue around expanding dental and vision access more broadly in upcoming years. Some pilot programs are exploring:

Expanded mental health resources

Broader food and transportation benefits

Simplified eligibility for wellness perks

Finalized benefit rollouts for 2026 may vary, but staying informed will help you adapt as the system continues to evolve.