Medicare Advantage Extra Benefits 2027 — What Plans Include Beyond Original Medicare

One of the most compelling reasons seniors choose Medicare Advantage over Original Medicare is the extra benefits these plans offer. Original Medicare covers hospital and medical services, but leaves significant gaps in dental, vision, hearing, and other everyday health needs. Medicare Advantage plans fill many of these gaps with valuable extra benefits that can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year. As we approach the 2027 Annual Enrollment Period, here is everything you need to know about Medicare Advantage extra benefits and how to make the most of them.

What Are Medicare Advantage Extra Benefits?

Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover everything Original Medicare covers. However, many plans go significantly beyond the basics by offering additional benefits not covered by Original Medicare. These extra benefits vary by plan and location, but have expanded dramatically in recent years as carriers compete for Medicare beneficiaries.

Most Common Medicare Advantage Extra Benefits

Dental Coverage

Original Medicare does not cover routine dental care. Medicare Advantage plans commonly include:

• Routine cleanings and exams, typically two per year
• Dental X-rays
• Fillings and extractions
• Dentures on some plans
• Crowns and root canals on more comprehensive plans
• Annual dental benefit allowances ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 or more

Vision Coverage

Original Medicare does not cover routine eye exams or eyeglasses. Medicare Advantage plans commonly include:

• Annual routine eye exams
• Eyeglass or contact lens allowances, typically $100 to $300 per year
• Discounts on LASIK and other vision procedures on select plans

Hearing Coverage

Original Medicare does not cover hearing exams or hearing aids. Medicare Advantage plans commonly include:

• Annual hearing exams
• Hearing aid allowances ranging from $500 to $2,500 per ear per year
• Access to hearing aid fitting and follow-up services

Prescription Drug Coverage

Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D prescription drug coverage built in, combining medical and drug benefits in one plan. In 2027, the Part D out-of-pocket cap provides significant protection for beneficiaries with high drug costs.

Fitness Benefits

Many Medicare Advantage plans include fitness benefits such as:

• Gym memberships through programs like SilverSneakers, Silver&Fit, or Renew Active
• Access to thousands of fitness locations nationwide
• Online fitness classes and wellness programs
• Home fitness equipment allowances on select plans

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Allowance

Many plans provide a quarterly or annual allowance for over-the-counter health products, including:

• Pain relievers and cold medicines
• First aid supplies
• Vitamins and supplements
• Blood pressure monitors and other health devices
• Allowances typically range from $25 to $150 per quarter

Transportation Benefits

Many Medicare Advantage plans cover transportation to medical appointments, including:

• Rides to doctor visits, specialist appointments, and therapy sessions
• A set number of one-way or round-trip per year
• Some plans extend transportation to pharmacies and wellness facilities

Meals After Hospital Stays

Some Medicare Advantage plans provide healthy meal delivery after a hospital or skilled nursing facility stay to support recovery at home. This benefit typically covers a set number of meals per qualifying event.

Telehealth Services

Most Medicare Advantage plans now include robust telehealth benefits, allowing you to:

• See a doctor by video or phone from home
• Access mental health services virtually
• Get prescription refills without an in-person visit
• Use 24/7 nurse hotlines for health questions

Chronic Condition Support

Many plans offer specialized programs for beneficiaries with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or COPD, including:

• Disease management programs
• Additional allowances for condition-specific supplies
• Care coordination services
• Remote patient monitoring

How Extra Benefits Vary by Plan and Location

It is important to understand that extra benefits vary significantly by plan and zip code. A plan available in Queens may offer very different extra benefits than one available in Nassau County or the Bronx. This is why comparing plans carefully during the Annual Enrollment Period is so important rather than simply staying on the same plan year after year.

2027 Extra Benefits — What to Expect

Benefit	Covered by Original Medicare	Covered by Medicare Advantage
Routine Dental	No	Yes — most plans
Routine Vision	No	Yes — most plans
Hearing Aids	No	Yes — most plans
Gym Membership	No	Yes — many plans
OTC Allowance	No	Yes — many plans
Transportation	No	Yes — many plans
Telehealth	Limited	Yes — most plans
Prescription Drugs	No (requires Part D)	Yes — most plans

How to Maximize Your Medicare Advantage Extra Benefits

Many Medicare Advantage beneficiaries leave money on the table by not using all their plan benefits. Here are some tips to maximize your extra benefits:

• Schedule your dental cleanings early in the year, before the benefit resets
• Use your OTC allowance every quarter it does not roll over on most plans
• Enroll in your plan’s fitness program as soon as your coverage starts
• Schedule your annual eye and hearing exams every year
• Check your plan’s transportation benefit before scheduling medical appointments
• Review your Summary of Benefits document to find benefits you may not know about

Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare Advantage Extra Benefits

Do all Medicare Advantage plans offer the same extra benefits?

No. Extra benefits vary significantly by plan and location. During the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7), it is important to compare all available plans in your zip code to find the one with the best combination of benefits for your specific needs.

Can I use my dental benefit at any dentist?

It depends on the plan. Some plans require you to use in-network dentists, while others allow you to see any dentist. Always verify your dentist is covered before scheduling an appointment.

Do extra benefits cost extra?

No. Extra benefits are included in your Medicare Advantage plan at no additional cost beyond your monthly plan premium. Many plans have a $0 monthly premium, making these benefits completely free beyond your Part B premium.

What happens to my extra benefits if I switch plans during AEP?

Your new plan’s benefits take effect January 1. Any unused benefits from your old plan expire on December 31. Make sure to use your current plan’s OTC allowance and other benefits before year’s end.

How do I find out what extra benefits my plan offers?

Review your plan’s Annual Notice of Change letter, which arrives in late September. You can also call your plan directly or work with an independent Medicare broker who can compare all available plans and their benefits side by side.

Get Help Comparing Medicare Advantage Extra Benefits for 2027

With so many plans available and benefits changing every year, comparing Medicare Advantage plans on your own can be overwhelming. As an independent Medicare broker, I compare every plan available in your zip code, including all extra benefits, to find the right fit for your health needs and budget. My services are completely free of charge.

The 2027 Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7, 2026. Do not wait until the last minute. Call today to schedule your free Medicare plan review before AEP begins.

Call (917) 740-1895 or schedule a free Medicare consultation today.

We are not connected with or endorsed by the United States Government or the federal Medicare program. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE for information on all your options.