Why Open Enrollment Is So Important

Every fall, Medicare has its Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) from October 15 to December 7During this time you can sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan or switch from one plan to another. If you’re already enrolled, you also get a second window called the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31. Acting now means you can lock in better coverage and more extras for the next calendar year.

Why Open Enrollment Is Your Chance to Cash In on Perks

Every fall Medicare runs its Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 to December 7 when you can choose or change Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans. If you already have an Advantage plan you also get a window January 1 to March 31 to make limited changes. These windows are your best opportunity to trade up to a plan with richer benefits.

Extra Benefits You Could Be Getting

Hearing Aids and Exams

‍Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or routine hearing exams. However, many Medicare Advantage plans include hearing benefits such as hearing exams, fitting services and aid discounts. Aetna Advantage plans cover one routine hearing exam annually, hearing aids and fittings.
Some plans go further. SummaCare covers one hearing aid per ear per year from the formulary after a copay.

Grocery or Health Food Allowances
Some Medicare Advantage plans, especially Special Needs Plans, now include a grocery allowance sometimes called a healthy food benefit. Medical News Today explains that these allowances are offered in select Part C plans.
AARP confirms that while Original Medicare offers nothing, certain Advantage plans do offer grocery or meal benefits.

Dental Implants and Dental Services
Original Medicare typically does not pay for routine dental work, dentures or implants. But some Medicare Advantage plans may include dental benefits and in rare cases may cover implants if bundled into their dental add ons. CMS notes that Part C plans may offer routine and other dental services as optional benefits.
If you prioritize implants, checking your plan’s Evidence of Coverage will reveal whether your specific plan allows it.

Walk In Tubs, Home Modifications and Assistive Devices
While this is less common, some Medicare Advantage supplemental benefits allow coverage for home modifications or durable medical equipment which might include walk in tubs or grab rails. Plans market them under “benefits that improve safety and accessibility.” Always verify whether your plan’s Supplemental Benefits include the term “home modifications” or “assistive device coverage.”

How to Pick a Plan That Actually Delivers

List your critical needs such as hearing, implants, groceries or home safety. Use the Medicare Plan Finder or a licensed advisor to compare plans in your ZIP code. Inspect the “Supplemental or Additional Benefits” section in each plan’s Evidence of Coverage for terms like “hearing aid,” “home adjustments” or “healthy food benefit.” Compare total costs: premium plus deductibles plus out of pocket limits. Check star ratings since higher rated plans often have better customer service and benefit delivery.

Do Not Let These Mistakes Hurt You

Assuming your current plan covers all these perks without checking. Choosing just on premium and missing out on big benefits. Missing the Open Enrollment window and being locked into lesser coverage for a full year. Overlooking network restrictions and failing to confirm your preferred providers are in network.

Act Now Before the Deadline

Pull your doctor and prescription list from last year. Compare two or three plans side by side that advertise perks you want. Enroll or switch before December 7 to have changes take effect January 1. If you are already in a Medicare Advantage plan use January 1 to March 31 to make limited changes. After switching review your new benefits packet so you know how to use your perks.

Your ideal plan is out there with benefits many people do not even realize exist. Do not settle for basic coverage. Use Open Enrollment to upgrade your health benefits with grocery allowances, hearing aids, dental support and more built in.

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Sources / References

• Aetna Medicare Advantage hearing benefits
• SummaCare Medicare Advantage hearing benefit
• AARP article on Medicare grocery allowance
• CMS dental coverage under Part C
• Medicare Plan Finder
• Medicare Star Rating System – Investopedia