Medicare Advantage Extra Benefits in 2026: What’s New, What’s Going Away

The “extras” everyone talks about are changing again.

Every fall, people ask me the same question: “Are they adding more benefits this year?”

The short answer: some are, some aren’t.

In 2026, Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are shuffling the deck again — tweaking popular perks like dental, vision, hearing, and grocery cards, and quietly scaling back others. These extras can look great in commercials, but not every shiny benefit sticks around.

Here’s what’s new, changing, or disappearing in the world of Medicare Advantage extra benefits for 2026.

Carriers are starting to focus on benefits that help people stay healthier at home — not just at the doctor’s office.

Here’s what you’ll see more of in 2026:

• Expanded grocery and meal allowances for members with chronic conditions

• Utility bill assistance for qualifying enrollees

• Transportation benefits for medical and sometimes non-medical trips

• In-home support services like light cleaning or help with daily activities

• Fitness and wellness programs with both gym and virtual options

Some plans are even testing companion visit programs to combat loneliness — though coverage and eligibility rules vary widely.

These benefits sound great, but keep in mind: most are only available to people who meet specific health or income requirements. They’re not automatically included for everyone.

Just as some benefits expand, others are shrinking — or disappearing quietly.

Here’s what’s showing up less often in 2026:

• Dental coverage caps are getting tighter. Many plans are lowering annual maximums or increasing cost-sharing for major services like crowns or dentures.

• Over-the-counter (OTC) allowances may drop in dollar value, or switch from quarterly to semiannual distributions.

• Hearing aid benefits are being trimmed or replaced with manufacturer partnerships — meaning you might have fewer device options.

• Vision coverage remains common but less generous — especially for higher-end frames or lenses.

The theme for 2026? Plans are giving with one hand and taking away with the other. You might see a new grocery or transportation perk, but lose part of your dental or OTC benefit in exchange.

It’s tempting to pick a plan for the freebies — I get it.

But here’s the insider truth: extra benefits aren’t really “free.” They’re paid for somewhere in your plan’s overall cost structure.

Sometimes that means:

• Higher copays for doctor visits or prescriptions

• Narrower provider networks

• Fewer options for specialists or hospitals

If you never use the benefit, it’s not helping you — even if it sounds great on paper.

When you’re reviewing plans during AEP, don’t just scan for the perks that sound flashy. Instead, ask yourself:

1. Will I actually use this benefit?
2. Is there a dollar limit, or hidden rules about eligibility?
3. What trade-off might I be making in other areas?
4. How much did I actually use last year’s extra benefits?

If you can’t see yourself using it regularly, it’s not worth picking a plan for.

Remember — core coverage always comes first. The “extras” should enhance your plan, not distract you from the basics like doctor access, drug coverage, and total out-of-pocket costs.

While most benefits are evolving, a few are likely phasing out altogether in 2026 and beyond:

• One-off “trial” perks like pet care, air purifiers, or pest control — too expensive for plans to maintain long-term.

• COVID-era temporary benefits, including expanded at-home testing and certain pandemic-related supports.

• Redundant wellness programs — carriers are consolidating overlapping fitness and nutrition perks into one platform.

If you’ve relied on a specific benefit, double-check your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) or call your plan to confirm it’s still available.

Extra benefits are nice — but they shouldn’t be the deciding factor.

Yes, 2026 brings creative new perks that make life easier, but some of the classics are quietly shrinking or disappearing. Focus first on your doctors, drugs, and total costs, then weigh the extras as a bonus.

If the benefit helps you stay healthy and fits your lifestyle, great. If not? Don’t let it sway your choice.

Your best plan is the one that balances real coverage and realistic value, not just the one with the most headlines.