If you’ve been wondering whether Medicare Advantage plans are worth considering, here’s something that might surprise you: many of these plans include benefits that can genuinely improve your daily life. We’re talking about rides to your doctor appointments, meals delivered to your home after a hospital stay, and gym memberships that cost you nothing extra. These aren’t just nice-to-have perks. They’re designed to keep you healthier and more independent.

Transportation That Actually Gets You Places

Getting to medical appointments becomes more challenging as we age, but many Medicare Advantage plans now include transportation benefits that go beyond emergency ambulance services. In 2025, 30% of Medicare Advantage plans are offering transportation benefits for medical needs, providing rides to your primary care doctor, specialists, pharmacies, and sometimes even fitness centers.

Some plans partner with services like Lyft or Uber to provide on-demand rides, while others work with medical transportation companies that can accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility needs. Most plans provide a certain number of rides per month or quarter, though some Special Needs Plans offer unlimited medical transportation.

You’ll typically need to schedule rides in advance, though some plans offer same-day booking. The service area is usually limited to your plan’s network region, and rides to out-of-network providers may not be covered.

Meals When You Need Them Most

Hospital stays and recovery periods can be exhausting, and the last thing you want to worry about is meal planning. In 2025, 65% of Medicare Advantage plans are offering meal benefits, often focusing on post-discharge support.

These programs typically provide 14 nutritious meals delivered to your home after each qualifying hospital or skilled nursing facility stay. The meals are designed to support your recovery and help prevent readmission by ensuring you have proper nutrition during a vulnerable time.

Beyond Recovery Meals

Some plans are expanding meal benefits to include ongoing support like monthly grocery allowances through partnerships with services like Instacart, pre-loaded debit cards for healthy food purchases at participating retailers, and nutrition counseling. These expanded benefits recognize that good nutrition is preventive care, helping you stay healthy and avoid costly medical complications.

Fitness Benefits That Work for Real People

The most well-known fitness benefit in Medicare Advantage plans is SilverSneakers, which is included in many Medicare Advantage plans. This program provides access to thousands of participating gyms and fitness centers nationwide, exercise classes designed specifically for older adults, online fitness classes, on-demand workout videos, and the SilverSneakers GO mobile app for at-home workouts.

Some plans offer alternatives like One Pass or Renew Active, which provide similar benefits with different gym networks and class offerings. The beauty of these programs is that they’re designed for all fitness levels, whether you’re recovering from surgery or training for a 5K.

Over-the-Counter Allowances Add Up

73% of Medicare Advantage plans offered OTC benefits in 2025, typically providing $25-$100 quarterly for health and wellness products. These allowances can be used for items like bandages, vitamins, pain relievers, and sometimes even healthy foods. You’ll usually receive a pre-loaded debit card that’s automatically replenished each quarter.

Finding Plans With the Benefits You Want

Not all Medicare Advantage plans offer the same supplemental benefits, and availability varies by location. During the Annual Open Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7), compare plans based on your specific needs. Do you need regular transportation to medical appointments? Would meal delivery after hospital stays be valuable? Are you interested in staying active with a gym membership?

Check benefit details like how many transportation trips are covered, what types of meals are provided, and which gyms participate in fitness programs. Make sure the transportation services cover your area, that meal delivery is available where you live, and that participating fitness centers are convenient for you.

Making the Most of What’s Available

These supplemental benefits are included in your plan at no extra cost, but they’re only valuable if you use them. Many people don’t realize what’s available to them or how to access these services.

Contact your plan’s customer service to understand exactly what benefits you have and how to use them. Many plans provide detailed benefit guides and can help you set up services like transportation scheduling or meal delivery.

Benefits vary by plan and location. Always check your specific plan’s Evidence of Coverage or contact your plan provider to understand what services are available to you.