7 Medicare Advantage Benefits You Should Absolutely Consider

Whether you’re looking to switch Medicare Advantage plans or to change from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, check for these additional benefits.

If you currently have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C), you might wonder if you should switch plans during Medicare’s annual enrollment period. Your first step is to check your Annual Notice of Change document to see any changes to your costs and coverage for the coming year.

Or if you currently have Original Medicare (Parts A and B) but are thinking of changing to Medicare Advantage, you’ll likely start evaluating your options by looking at costs: premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. You’ll also want to check which doctors and hospitals are in the plan’s provider network.

But once you’ve taken these steps, don’t stop there. You’ll want to understand what additional benefits a Medicare Advantage plan might offer. Here are seven to consider.

Get and stay active with SilverSneakers! Classes and events are happening right now at participating gyms, online through SilverSneakers LIVE, and at community centers near you. Activate your free online account to get started.

1. Prescription Drug Coverage

If you choose a Medicare Advantage plan and also want Part D prescription drug benefits, you must get your Part D benefits through the Medicare Advantage plan. Luckily, most Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Since prescription drugs can make up a significant portion of your total health care costs, especially if you have several prescriptions or require a brand-name drug, you’ll want to evaluate a plan’s drug coverage carefully. Find out the:

• Drug deductible, which is often separate from the health deductible
• Drug copays or coinsurance, which can vary by the type of drug

Good news: Medicare Plan Finder, a tool through the U.S. government’s official Medicare site, allows you to enter your current prescription drugs so you can better evaluate available Medicare Advantage plans.

You can also often check an insurance company’s formulary or drug list on its website.

2. Vision Coverage

Wear contacts or glasses? Original Medicare only covers eye exams related to certain conditions: for example, diabetes, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

However, many Medicare Advantage plans wrap in coverage for routine eye exams and eyewear. Some plans may cover routine eye exams, but not contacts or glasses. Others may provide more comprehensive coverage.

3. Hearing Coverage

If you have hearing loss, it’s important to know that Original Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids or exams for hearing aids. It does cover hearing exams if a health care provider orders them to find out if you need medical treatment.

Some Medicare Advantage plans cover annual hearing exams, hearing aid fittings, and hearing aids. If this coverage is important to you, compare deductibles, copays, and coinsurance for those services and products.

4. Dental Coverage

Everyone should visit a dentist routinely, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For starters, 71% of older adults have gum disease, and many have cavities or tooth decay.

Original Medicare doesn’t cover routine dental care, so many seniors opt for Medicare Advantage plans that either wrap in dental coverage or offer it as supplemental coverage with an additional premium.

If you prefer, you also have the option of buying a dental insurance policy separate from your Medicare Advantage plan.

5. Gym Membership and Fitness Programs

As an older adult, it’s more important than ever for you to stay active. Regular exercise helps you lower your risk for falls, protect against dementia, and prevent and manage chronic conditions. (Check out more amazing benefits of exercise.)

Many Medicare Advantage plans include the fitness program SilverSneakers at no additional cost.

SilverSneakers offers:

• Unlimited access to thousands of fitness locations nationwide
• Unlimited access to SilverSneakers LIVE online classes 
• Unlimited fitness classes led by certified instructors who specialize in working with older adults
• Built-in opportunities to socialize plus a community of support
• All this at no additional cost to you!

Looking for plans that include SilverSneakers? Click here.

6. Nurse Hotlines and Telehealth Services

For times when you have health questions or need help deciding what kind of care you need, many Medicare Advantage plans provide a no-charge, 24-hour nurse hotline. Medicare Part B covers certain telehealth services.

Since 2020, nearly half of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries have taken advantage of virtual health appointments, either by phone or video chat, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

Those telehealth benefits will continue in 2024. Learn more in our Essential Guide to Telehealth Appointments.

7. Other Additional Benefits

Medicare Advantage plans may include unique benefits, such as programs that support a healthy lifestyle. You can typically find information about any extra resources in a plan’s Summary of Benefits.

What’s Next?

Medicare’s annual enrollment period — your annual chance to make sure your Medicare coverage works for you — runs October 15 through December 7.

You can explore options at Medicare Plan Finder. Or to find a plan that includes SilverSneakers, click here.

Check Your SilverSneakers Eligibility Instantly!  

SilverSneakers members can go to thousands of nationwide gyms and fitness locations, plus take SilverSneakers LIVE online classes that are designed for all fitness levels and abilities. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, it may include SilverSneakers — at no additional cost. Check your eligibility instantly here.

Already a member? Get your SilverSneakers member ID and exclusive fitness and wellness content by activating your online account here.

Not eligible for SilverSneakers? You can still get 200+ free SilverSneakers On-Demand videos and stay in touch with us by creating your online account.