Everyone talks about the “extras” — but do they really help you?
Every fall, when Medicare Advantage plan updates come out, people focus on the shiny extras — grocery cards, dental coverage, gym memberships, even help paying for utilities. It all sounds great on paper.
But here’s the truth: not all extra benefits are useful, and some don’t apply to everyone. A benefit that looks exciting in a TV ad might end up being something you never use — or can’t even qualify for.
If you’re reviewing your plan or comparing new ones for 2026, here’s how to tell which extra benefits actually matter and which ones are just marketing fluff.
What “Extra Benefits” Really Are
Extra benefits — also called “supplemental benefits” — are add-ons that go beyond Original Medicare’s hospital and medical coverage. These can include:
-
Dental, vision, and hearing coverage
-
Over-the-counter (OTC) allowances for items like pain relievers or vitamins
-
Fitness memberships (think SilverSneakers or similar programs)
-
Transportation to doctor visits
-
Grocery, meal, or utility cards
-
In-home support or companionship services
They’re nice-to-have features, and some can save you real money — but the key is figuring out which ones you’ll actually use.
The Big Three That Usually Matter Most
From years of talking with Medicare enrollees, three benefits consistently stand out as the ones people truly value — and use.
1. Dental Coverage
Dental care gets expensive fast. Cleanings, fillings, dentures, and crowns can cost thousands if you’re paying out of pocket. When you compare plans, look for:
-
A high annual maximum (at least $1,000–$2,000)
-
Coverage that includes major services like root canals or dentures
-
In-network dentists near where you live
A plan that only covers cleanings might look good on paper — but won’t save much when real dental work is needed.
2. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Allowances
An OTC card is one of the simplest and most practical benefits out there. You can use it for common items like allergy meds, first-aid supplies, or vitamins.
But not all OTC programs are created equal. Some only work online or through specific stores, while others let you use them almost anywhere. The easier it is to spend, the more it’s worth.
3. Vision and Hearing Benefits
These may not sound flashy, but they matter. Exams, glasses, and hearing aids are pricey — even partial coverage can make a big difference. Look for reasonable allowances and low exam copays.
Benefits That Sound Better Than They Are
Let’s be honest: some extras sound great but don’t mean much once you read the fine print.
-
Grocery and meal cards: Often limited to certain chronic conditions or income brackets.
-
Utility assistance: Helpful for a small group of members but not widely available.
-
In-home support: Usually capped at just a few hours per month.
-
Flex cards: Sound generous but are often restricted to specific uses or locations.
If you see an ad that sounds too good to be true — it probably is.
What’s Changing With Extra Benefits in 2026
Based on early trends, 2026 plans will shift focus away from smaller “flashy” perks and toward benefits tied to overall health — things like dental, vision, hearing, and chronic condition support.
Here’s what that might look like:
-
Smaller grocery and OTC allowances for some members
-
More plans expanding dental and vision coverage
-
Increased focus on benefits for members managing specific health conditions
So, don’t panic if you see a few of your extras reduced — the trade-off might be better coverage in areas that actually impact your health.
How to Compare Extra Benefits the Smart Way
When reviewing your plan’s 2026 options, use this quick checklist:
-
Start with the basics: Make sure your doctors, hospitals, and prescriptions are still covered.
-
Then compare extras you’ll use: Do you go to the dentist? Take OTC meds? Wear glasses or hearing aids?
-
Check the limits and access: How easy is it to use the benefit? Does it have spending caps or retailer restrictions?
-
Ignore the noise: If a benefit doesn’t apply to you, don’t let it sway your decision.
FAQs
What are Medicare Advantage extra benefits?
They’re add-on perks beyond Original Medicare, such as dental, vision, hearing, OTC allowances, transportation, or grocery cards.
Are all extra benefits available to everyone?
No. Some benefits — like grocery cards or utility help — are limited to people who meet certain health or income criteria.
Which extra benefits usually save the most money?
Dental, vision, hearing, and OTC benefits tend to deliver the most consistent savings and real-world value.
Are 2026 Medicare Advantage benefits changing?
Yes. Plans are shifting toward higher-impact benefits like dental and chronic condition support, while reducing some smaller perks.
What should I do before choosing my 2026 plan?
Read your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC), make sure your key providers are still in-network, and confirm which extra benefits you’ll actually use.
Choose Based on Real Value, Not Hype
The “extras” can be nice — but they’re not the main reason to pick a plan. Your coverage, costs, and care network still matter far more.
Use extra benefits as a tiebreaker between two similar plans, not as your top deciding factor. A grocery card or fitness benefit is great, but it won’t make up for a plan that doesn’t cover your medications or preferred doctors.
Before you re-enroll or switch plans, review your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) and confirm that the benefits you rely on are still there — and that the ones being added actually fit your lifestyle.
