Medicare Advantage plans, offered by private insurers, provide seniors with enhanced healthcare coverage, including benefits beyond Original Medicare. The range of monthly plan extras, such as flexible benefits, over-the-counter allowances, and dental and vision coverage, invites members to maximize their health management strategies. Understanding your options may significantly reduce healthcare costs while promoting proactive wellness practices.
Flexible Benefit Cards
Many Medicare Advantage plans provide a flexible benefit card, which offers a convenient way for members to utilize various plan allowances. For example, Cigna’s Healthy Today card accommodates OTC allowances that cover medications and health products by offering a quarterly financial allowance.
Similarly, Mass General Brigham’s flexible benefit card enables purchases related to wellness, such as fitness memberships and weight-loss programs, without extra costs to members. These cards encourage members to take a proactive approach to wellness by providing a budget for necessary items.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Benefits
OTC benefits are a notable feature of many Medicare Advantage plans, reducing out-of-pocket expenses for health-related products. The Presbyterian Medicare Advantage UltraFlex plan includes a $90 quarterly allowance dedicated to dental, vision, hearing, and OTC products, helping manage expenses related to day-to-day health maintenance with no additional cost incurred. Furthermore, Peak Advantage’s Vista and Summit plans both offer OTC benefits, enhancing healthcare accessibility by providing a comprehensive suite of extras that help cover essential health needs.
Dental Coverage
Dental benefits are a staple in many Medicare Advantage plans, offering services that range from preventive care to more comprehensive procedures. Cigna’s Medicare Advantage plans feature a wide array of dental services, including routine exams, cleanings, and major procedures such as crowns or root canals. These are offered through both DHMO and DPPO networks, encouraging the use of in-network providers for maximum savings on dental care.
Vision Services
Vision care benefits provided by Medicare Advantage plans often encompass routine eye exams and allowances for eyeglasses or contact lenses. Mass General Brigham plans include vision benefits that include exam coverage, savings through the EyeMed network, and more, catering to both Medicare-covered and supplemental vision needs. This comprehensive vision package supports maintaining eye health while also reducing overall vision care costs.
Enhancing Affordability and Well-being
Beyond individual health services, many Medicare Advantage plans enhance affordability with additional benefits. For instance, Cigna Medicare Advantage members may enjoy a Part B giveback, reducing their monthly Medicare Part B premiums. Similarly, the plans from VNS Health provide flexibility in managing utility bills or covering extra dental, vision, and hearing expenses not typically included in standard coverage with allowances that roll over monthly.
Why You Should Learn More About Medicare Advantage Plan Extras Today
Diving deeper into the details of Medicare Advantage plan extras can lead to significant savings and enhanced overall wellness. By understanding and leveraging the additional benefits like flexible cards, OTC allowances, and comprehensive dental and vision coverage, members can significantly lower their healthcare costs.
Moreover, the emphasis on preventive care and wellness through these plans encourages a proactive approach to health management, supporting healthier and more independent lives for seniors. Exploring the variety of extras offered by these plans can reveal the full potential of Medicare Advantage, offering personalized solutions for diverse health needs.
Sources
Cigna’s Overview of Additional Benefits
Presbyterian Medicare Advantage UltraFlex Plan