Key Takeaways

• Many Medicare Advantage plans offer benefits such as hearing aids, OTC items, and gym memberships in 2025, but these perks vary significantly by plan and location.

• Supplemental extras may come with limitations, conditions, or may be changed or removed mid-year—making it essential to read your plan’s Annual Notice of Change.

Why These Extras Are Getting Attention in 2025

It’s no secret that benefits like hearing aids, gym memberships, and over-the-counter allowances grab attention when comparing Medicare Advantage plans. In 2025, these extras remain a big selling point as insurers aim to attract beneficiaries with a more holistic approach to health. But the true value of these offerings depends on the fine print.

Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover at least the same services as Original Medicare. Beyond that, they have flexibility in offering additional perks that aren’t covered under Parts A or B. These include dental, vision, hearing, transportation, and wellness programs. For many beneficiaries, these extras seem like a bonus—but there’s more to the story.

Hearing Benefits Are Not Always Full Coverage

You may see plans in 2025 advertising hearing aids as part of their package. What they often mean is access to a hearing aid benefit—one that might only partially cover the cost.

Here’s what you should know:

• Coverage caps are common. Plans may only pay up to a certain dollar limit each year.

• Limited providers may be used. You might be required to get your hearing aids from specific vendors or providers.

• Replacement timelines matter. Most plans only allow for new hearing aids once every 2 or 3 years.

While Original Medicare offers diagnostic hearing exams if ordered by a doctor, it doesn’t cover hearing aids themselves. So, the fact that some Advantage plans offer anything at all may seem generous. But unless you look closely, you could still be left with significant out-of-pocket costs.

OTC Allowances Sound Great—But May Not Stretch Far

Over-the-counter (OTC) benefits are another popular feature in 2025 Medicare Advantage plans. These usually come in the form of a quarterly or monthly allowance to buy items like pain relievers, vitamins, bandages, or blood pressure monitors. While convenient, these benefits often come with several restrictions.

• Approved items only: Your plan will have a catalog or list of items that qualify.

• Fixed vendors: You may need to use a specific online portal or mail-order pharmacy.

• Use-it-or-lose-it: Many plans reset the benefit each quarter or month—unused funds don’t roll over.

These benefits can be helpful for your routine wellness needs, but they often aren’t substantial enough to cover higher-cost items. And changes can occur from year to year, or even mid-year, based on plan performance or policy updates.

Gym Memberships May Include Strings

The promise of a free or discounted gym membership is appealing—especially in an era where staying active is promoted as essential for aging well. In 2025, this benefit is still widely offered in Medicare Advantage plans through wellness programs.

But there are a few caveats:

• Limited access: The included gym networks may not have a location close to you.

• Class restrictions: Not all fitness classes or personal training sessions are included.

• Age or health screenings: Some programs may require a medical clearance before enrolling.

Also, the definition of “gym benefit” can vary. Some plans offer only a virtual fitness program. Others may provide full access to local gyms. Be sure to verify what you’re getting—and how to sign up—before relying on this perk.

Mid-Year Changes Can Affect Your Access

One of the least understood aspects of these benefits is that they can be changed, limited, or even removed mid-year. While Medicare requires that core medical benefits remain stable throughout the calendar year, supplemental benefits are treated differently.

Plans are allowed to:

• Adjust provider networks

• Change fitness partners

• Swap out OTC vendors or catalog items

• Modify how benefits are accessed or claimed

This means that what you enrolled in during the fall Open Enrollment period may not look the same come summer. In 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are requiring more transparency around these mid-year adjustments, but that doesn’t mean they won’t happen.

You Have a Limited Window to Switch

If you find that your benefits don’t meet your expectations, you typically have two main chances to switch:

• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: January 1 through March 31. You can switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another or go back to Original Medicare.

• Annual Open Enrollment Period: October 15 to December 7. This is when most beneficiaries shop and compare coverage for the upcoming year.

Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) may also apply if you move, lose other coverage, or your plan changes its contract with Medicare. However, most of these extras are not considered qualifying events unless tied to a broader plan issue.

Some Benefits Are Disappearing in 2025

Not every plan is adding more perks in 2025. In fact, some benefits are being scaled back:

• Transportation coverage has declined, with fewer plans offering rides to medical appointments.

• Over-the-counter benefits have seen tighter limitations on product categories.

• Home modification support and meal deliveries are offered by fewer plans than in 2024.

These reductions often result from cost pressures, utilization rates, or changing federal policy incentives. It underscores the need to review your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) every fall.

New Rules Aim to Prevent Confusion

CMS has introduced new rules in 2025 to help reduce misunderstandings about what’s actually covered in a Medicare Advantage plan. These include:

• Mid-year benefit utilization reports: You’ll receive a summary between June and July listing any unused extras.

• Stricter marketing rules: Plans must clearly explain limits and exclusions.

• Transparency in OTC catalogs: More detailed descriptions are required for what is and isn’t included.

Still, it’s up to you to stay informed and ask questions before making assumptions about what your plan will provide.

What to Ask Before Choosing a Plan

When evaluating the value of these perks, ask your plan or agent the following:

• What are the annual or monthly limits on these extras?

• How do I access them—in-store, by mail, or online?

• Are there specific locations or vendors I must use?

• How often can I get replacements (hearing aids, fitness passes, etc.)?

• Can any of these be taken away mid-year?

Clear answers can help you avoid surprises, especially if you rely on these benefits to manage your overall health and budget.

Don’t Let Perks Distract You From Core Coverage

While extra benefits are enticing, they shouldn’t be the only reason you choose a plan. Always prioritize:

• Your access to preferred doctors and hospitals

• Coverage of prescription medications

• Network rules and referrals

• Total out-of-pocket costs for care

Extras are just that—extras. If they work for you, great. But don’t let a discounted gym membership outweigh how well your medical needs are actually covered.

Staying Informed Helps You Avoid Regret

In 2025, the world of Medicare continues to evolve quickly. Perks like OTC cards and fitness benefits are tempting and can add value. But these offerings are not standardized, and they often come with conditions. Staying informed—by reviewing your plan details, asking the right questions, and comparing your choices during Open Enrollment—can help you make sure you’re getting the coverage you actually need.

If you’re unsure what your current plan covers or whether you’re missing out on something better, get in touch with a licensed agent listed on this website. They can help you explore your options and avoid costly surprises.