Hidden Benefits of New Jersey Medicare Advantage Plans
When most seniors in New Jersey sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan, they focus on the obvious benefits: hospital and medical coverage. But these plans often include a treasure trove of hidden or underused benefits that can save you thousands of dollars a year. Let's uncover what you might be missing.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Allowances
Many New Jersey Medicare Advantage plans offer a quarterly OTC allowance. This is essentially free money loaded onto a card that you can use to buy everyday pharmacy items like vitamins, pain relievers, toothpaste, and cold medicine. If you aren't using this allowance, you are leaving money on the table.
Dental, Vision, and Hearing Coverage
Original Medicare does not cover routine dental, vision, or hearing care. However, many Advantage plans in South Jersey include these benefits at no extra premium. This can mean free annual eye exams, an allowance for glasses or contacts, routine dental cleanings, and even coverage for hearing aids.
Transportation and Fitness Programs
Need a ride to the doctor? Some plans offer free non-emergency transportation to medical appointments. Additionally, programs like SilverSneakers provide free gym memberships to local fitness centers, helping you stay active and healthy.
Grocery Cards for Chronic Conditions
If you have a qualifying chronic condition like diabetes or heart disease, you may be eligible for a Special Needs Plan (SNP) that includes a monthly grocery allowance. This benefit helps you purchase healthy foods at local supermarkets.
How This Affects New Jersey Seniors
With the high cost of living in New Jersey, maximizing these extra benefits can significantly ease your financial burden. Carriers like Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and UnitedHealthcare offer robust supplemental benefits tailored to residents of Gloucester, Camden, and Burlington counties.
Talk to a Local NJ Medicare Advisor
Don't miss out on benefits you are already entitled to. Schedule a free consultation with our Woodbury office to review your current plan and see if you could be getting more. We can help you compare plans and find the one that offers the best value for your specific needs.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 10 organizations which offer 52 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Medicare Advantage plans offer dental and vision?
No, benefits vary by plan and carrier. While many offer some level of dental and vision coverage, the specifics—such as copays and maximum allowances—differ significantly. We can help you compare these details.
How do I use my OTC allowance?
Most plans provide a prepaid card that you can use at participating pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens, or you can order items online or by phone through a catalog provided by your plan.
Are SilverSneakers memberships completely free?
Yes, if your Medicare Advantage plan includes SilverSneakers, a basic membership to participating gyms is covered at no additional cost to you.