The Overrated Medicare Advantage Benefits You Should Never Pick a Plan For (and the Ones That Actually Matter)

If you are reviewing 2026 Medicare Advantage plans and feel overwhelmed by grocery cards, flex cards, givebacks, OTC credits, dental allowances, and all the shiny perks, you are not alone. These benefits show up in every commercial, but they rarely protect your health or your finances.

The full video for this topic will be added soon.

• Grocery, flex, OTC, and perk-based benefits should never be the main reason you choose a plan
  
• These perks often shrink, disappear, or come with limits that reduce their usefulness
  
• The real protection in a Medicare Advantage plan comes from MOOP, copays, drug tiers, prior authorizations, and networks
  
• Plan perks can distract from hidden cost increases
  
• Review your 2026 plan carefully before December 7

Some benefits look impressive in a brochure, but they do not protect you during a serious medical event. These perks often change each year, come with restrictions, or offer far less value than people expect.

Let’s break down the ones you should never base your entire plan choice on.

Grocery allowances sound helpful, but the value is far smaller than your real medical costs.

Most programs have:

• Limited store access
  
• Expiring balances
  
• Card restrictions
  
• No rollover
  
• Small monthly amounts

Takeaway: Grocery credits are nice. They do not protect you from large bills.

Flex cards get a lot of attention, but many members find they cover far less than expected.

Common limits include:

• Restricted use for dental or vision only
  
• Narrow provider lists
  
• First benefit to be reduced when budgets tighten
  
• Very specific allowable expenses
  

Takeaway: Flex cards are extra. They should never decide your entire plan.

Giveback plans reduce part of your Part B premium. Sounds great, but here is the tradeoff:

• Higher copays
  
• Tighter networks
  
• Higher MOOP
  
• Reduced drug coverage
  

Many giveback programs were reduced or cut for 2026, yet they still attract people who do not realize the hidden tradeoffs.

Takeaway: Givebacks often shift costs to other parts of the plan.

These benefits look generous up front, but the details often tell a different story.

Common restrictions include:

• Small yearly maximums
  
• Low coverage percentages
  
• Network limits
  
• Allowances that do not cover major work
  
• Brand limits for hearing aids
  

A single crown can cost more than the entire yearly dental allowance.

Takeaway: These benefits help with small expenses, not large ones.

If you want a closer look at how these extras changed across different plans, the Medicare Advantage Extra Benefits in 2026: What’s New and What’s Going Away guide gives a simple breakdown.

Over-the-counter allowances are useful, but very limited.

Most:

• Expire every month or quarter
  
• Are tied to one retailer
  
• Cover small items only
  
• Do not help with true medical costs
  

You cannot pay for an ambulance with an OTC allowance.

Takeaway: OTC credits are helpful, not protective.

These perks are nice additions, but they are not the core of a strong Medicare Advantage plan. They often change year to year and are not guaranteed.

Takeaway: These are convenience benefits, not financial protection.

Now let’s talk about the parts of a Medicare Advantage plan that truly protect your health and savings.

These are the benefits that should guide your decision.

The MOOP is the most important number in your plan. It protects you from extreme medical costs.

In 2026, many MOOPs increased. This means your exposure increased, too.

Takeaway: Always compare the MOOP before choosing a plan.

For a full explanation of how this year’s limits shape your financial exposure, see Out of Pocket Maximums in 2026 and How They Affect You.

Most people spend more money on:

• Specialist visits
  
• Imaging
  
• Outpatient surgeries
  
• Hospital stays
  
• Emergency care
  

These costs add up quickly. A plan with a low premium but high copays can easily cost more over the year.

Takeaway: Copays matter more than perks.

Drug rules change every year. Your medication may move to a new tier, require coinsurance instead of a copay, or shift to a different preferred pharmacy.

These changes can alter your yearly cost by hundreds or thousands.

Takeaway: If your drug tier changed, your plan cost changed.

This one affects convenience more than people realize.

Prior authorization rules control:

• What requires approval
  
• How quickly approvals happen
  
• Which providers can order certain services?
  

Stricter rules can slow down care, limit access, or add steps for your doctor.

Takeaway: A plan that is hard to use is a cost in your time and peace of mind.

This is one of the biggest factors in plan changes for 2026.

Questions to ask:

• Is your doctor still included
  
• Is your hospital still listed
  
• Are local specialists available
  
• Does the network allow convenient access
  

Some carriers tightened networks to manage costs. That may mean fewer provider choices.

Takeaway: Your doctor list matters more than any perk.

If you visit family out of state or spend winters in another location, this is essential.

Many PPO plans reduced travel flexibility for 2026. Some HMO plans tightened even more.

Takeaway: Travel coverage is a real benefit. Grocery credits are not.

The strongest Medicare Advantage plans are usually the simple ones. They are the plans with solid medical protection, not the flashy perks.

If your 2026 plan:

• Raised copays
  
• Increased the MOOP
  
• Changed your drug tiers
  
• Tightened the network
  
• Reduced travel access
  

You should compare your options before December 7.

This is not the year to choose a plan because it includes a new perk.

This is the year to choose a plan that protects your health and your finances.

Review your Annual Notice of Change and compare your 2025 and 2026 plan details. Focus on copays, drug tiers, MOOP, network access, and care rules.

If something feels off or you need help comparing choices, you can review your options with the Brickhouse Agency team, who offer friendly, clear guidance with no pressure to enroll.

If you want a simple checklist to follow during this year’s enrollment window, the Your AEP Review Guide for 2026 Medicare Plans page can help you stay organized.

A short review now can prevent avoidable costs next year.