Extra Benefits on Medicare Plans: What You Might Be Missing

Did you know that Original Medicare doesn’t cover routine dental, vision, or hearing care? Or that it won’t help you with eyeglasses, hearing aids, or transportation to appointments? The good news? Many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans offer extra benefits — and they vary from plan to plan. Knowing what’s available can help you get the most value out of your coverage. Here’s what you need to know about these popular added benefits, and how to find a plan that includes them.

 Dental Coverage

 Original Medicare:

• Doesn’t cover cleanings, fillings, extractions, crowns, or dentures

 Medicare Advantage (MAPD) Plans:

• Many include routine dental care and even major services
• Coverage may include:
  • 2 cleanings and exams per year
  • X-rays
  • Fillings and simple extractions
  • Some plans include crowns, root canals, and dentures

 Watch for annual dollar limits — many plans cap dental coverage at $1,000 to $2,000 per year.

 Vision Coverage

 Original Medicare:

• Doesn’t cover routine eye exams or eyeglasses/contacts
• Only covers eye care related to medical conditions (like glaucoma or cataracts)

 Medicare Advantage:

• Includes routine eye exams
• Eyewear allowance (often $100–$300 per year) for glasses or contact lenses
• Some plans cover retinal imaging and prescription sunglasses

 Hearing Coverage

 Original Medicare:

• Does not cover hearing aids or routine hearing exams

 Medicare Advantage:

• Covers annual hearing exams
• Many offer hearing aids with a copay (as low as $0–$699 per ear)
• Some include follow-up care and batteries

 Transportation (Non-Emergency Medical Rides)

 Original Medicare:

• Does not cover rides to and from the doctor unless it’s an emergency

 Medicare Advantage:

• Many plans include non-emergency transportation, such as:
  • Taxi service
  • Ride-share programs
  • Medical vans
• Usually a set number of round trips per year (like 12 or 24)

 Over-the-Counter (OTC) Benefits

 MAPD plans often offer an OTC card or quarterly allowance

You can use it to buy:

• Vitamins
• Pain relievers
• Bandages
• Diabetes supplies
• Cold/flu medications
• Even toothpaste and shampoo in some cases

 OTC benefits are often $25–$100 per month or quarter, and some can be used online, in-store, or by catalog.

 FAQs: Extra Benefits on Medicare Plans

1. Are these benefits standard across all Medicare plans?

No — they vary widely by plan and ZIP code. Some have more generous coverage than others.

2. Do Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans include these benefits?

 No. Medigap plans do not include dental, vision, hearing, transportation, or OTC benefits. They only help pay what Original Medicare doesn't cover, like deductibles and coinsurance.

3. Can I switch to get more benefits?

Yes! You can switch during AEP (Oct 15 – Dec 7) or during a Special Enrollment Period if you qualify.

 Want to Know What Benefits You Could Be Getting?

At Peace & Grace Insurance Services, we:

• Compare available plans in your ZIP code
• Review your dental, vision, and hearing needs
• Help you choose a plan with the benefits you’ll actually use

 Call/Text: 209-812-4026  Email: CSinsurepng@icloud.com  Proudly serving all counties in California