12 Steps To Unlocking Wellness: Your Path To Health With Medicare Advantage

Carewell
October 13, 2023
Eric Kent

Introduction

Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Medicare Part C, often offer additional benefits beyond what’s covered by Original Medicare (Part A and Part B). These extra benefits can vary depending on the specific plan, but here are some common additional benefits you might find:

Prescription Drug Coverage: Many Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage (Part D), which Original Medicare does not cover. This can help reduce your out-of-pocket costs for medications.
Dental Care: Some plans provide coverage for routine dental care, including cleanings, X-rays, and fillings.
Vision Care: Vision benefits may include coverage for eye exams, eyeglasses, or contact lenses.
Hearing Aids: Some plans offer coverage for hearing aids and related services.
Fitness and Wellness Programs: Many Medicare Advantage plans provide access to fitness and wellness programs, such as gym memberships, exercise classes, and preventive health services.
Telehealth Benefits: Telehealth benefits have become more common, allowing you to consult with healthcare providers remotely, which can be convenient, especially during emergencies or when it’s challenging to visit a doctor in person.

Transportation: Some plans offer transportation services to and from medical appointments.
Over-the-counter (OTC) Benefits: You might receive a quarterly allowance for purchasing over-the-counter healthcare items like vitamins, bandages, or pain relievers.
Chronic Condition Management: Plans may offer specialized programs and support for managing chronic conditions like diabetes or heart disease.
Alternative Medicine: Coverage for alternative therapies such as acupuncture or chiropractic care may be included in certain plans.
Meal Delivery: In some cases, you might have access to meal delivery services, particularly if you have specific dietary needs.
Caregiver Support: Plans may provide resources and support for caregivers.

Extra Perks Or Benefits For Medicare Advantage Plans

Silver Sneakers: This popular fitness program is included in many plans. It provides access to fitness centres, exercise classes, and even online workout resources.
Rideshare Services: Some plans offer transportation to medical appointments via rideshare services like Uber or Lyft.
Healthy Meal Delivery: In addition to meal delivery for specific medical conditions, some plans provide healthy meal delivery services for general wellness.
Eye Care: Certain plans might cover not only routine eye exams but also eyeglasses, contact lenses, or even corrective eye surgery.
Health and Wellness Allowance: You might receive an annual allowance to spend on health and wellness products, such as vitamins, first aid supplies, or even acupuncture sessions.
24/7 Nurse Hotline: Access to a 24/7 nurse hotline for medical advice and guidance.

Home Safety Modifications: Plans may cover home safety improvements like grab bars, ramps, or stairlifts.
Post-Hospitalization Meals: Some plans offer home-delivered meals following a hospital stay to aid in recovery.
Pet Care: A few plans provide pet care benefits, covering pet-sitting or veterinary services for your furry companions.
Fitness Trackers: A few plans offer fitness trackers or devices to help you monitor your physical activity and health.
Mental Health Services: Access to mental health professionals, counselling, or therapy sessions may be included.
Alternative Therapies: Coverage for alternative therapies like acupuncture, massage therapy, or naturopathy.

Fitness Programs Or Telehealth Services

Many Medicare Advantage plans offer fitness programs as an extra benefit to help promote health and well-being among their members. One of the most well-known fitness programs for Medicare Advantage members is SilverSneakers®. Here’s how it works:

SilverSneakers®
: SilverSneakers is a fitness program designed for older adults, typically age 65 and older, although some plans may offer it to younger Medicare beneficiaries as well. This program provides access to various fitness facilities, such as participating gyms and fitness centres, where members can engage in exercise classes, use fitness equipment, and participate in wellness activities.

- Classes: SilverSneakers offers various group fitness classes tailored to different fitness levels and interests. These classes often include low-impact exercises, strength training, flexibility, and balance exercises.
- Gym Access: Members can access a network of fitness centres across the country. This allows for flexibility in choosing a gym location that suits your needs and preferences.
- Online Resources: Some plans provide access to online workout videos and resources, which can be especially useful during times when in-person gym visits are challenging.
- Wellness Programs: In addition to exercise, SilverSneakers may offer wellness programs and health education to help members maintain and improve their overall health.

To participate in SilverSneakers, you must be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes this benefit. The availability of SilverSneakers can vary by plan and location, so it’s essential to check with your specific plan provider to confirm whether this fitness program is included and to find participating gyms and classes near you.

Keep in mind that there are other fitness and wellness programs offered by different Medicare Advantage plans, so if SilverSneakers is not available through your plan or doesn’t align with your preferences, you can explore alternative fitness and wellness benefits provided by your specific plan.

Many Medicare Advantage plans offer Telehealth services as a convenient way for members to access medical care and consultations without the need for in-person visits. Here’s an overview of telehealth services in Medicare Advantage:

Telehealth Benefits
Medicare Advantage plans may cover various telehealth services, including virtual doctor visits, consultations with specialists, and mental health counselling. These services are typically provided through secure video conferencing or telephone calls.
Primary Care Visits
Telehealth can be used for routine primary care visits, allowing you to consult with your primary care physician from the comfort of your home. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with mobility issues or those living in remote areas.
Specialist Consultations
You may also use telehealth to consult with specialists, such as cardiologists, dermatologists, or rheumatologists, without the need to travel long distances.
Mental Health Services
Telehealth is valuable for accessing mental health services, including therapy and counselling sessions, which can be crucial for addressing mental health concerns and conditions.
Urgent Care and Non-Emergency Care
Some plans offer telehealth for urgent care needs, such as minor illnesses or injuries. It can be a convenient way to receive timely medical advice without visiting an emergency room.
Prescription Refills
Telehealth visits can also be used to discuss medication management and request prescription refills when appropriate.
Chronic Condition Management
Telehealth services may include ongoing management and monitoring of chronic conditions, allowing you to stay in touch with your healthcare team regularly.
Remote Monitoring:
In some cases, telehealth may be combined with remote monitoring devices to track vital signs and health data, providing a more comprehensive view of your health.

Conclusion

Note that the availability and coverage of fitness programs and telehealth services can vary from one Medicare Advantage plan to another. Some plans may offer telehealth services at no additional cost, while others may have copayments or specific rules regarding its use. Review your plan’s documents or contact the provider directly to understand the telehealth benefits offered by your specific Medicare Advantage plan. Additionally, telehealth regulations and coverage policies may change over time, so it’s a good idea to stay informed about any updates to your fitness plans or telehealth offers.