The Hidden Benefits of Medicare and What You Did Not Know You Are Entitled To

Medicare comes with a variety of benefits, some of which might not be widely known but can significantly aid beneficiaries. Here are a few "hidden" benefits or lesser-known aspects of Medicare that could be very useful:

1. Preventive Services and Screenings: Medicare covers many preventive services and screenings at no cost to you, assuming your healthcare provider accepts Medicare. This includes annual wellness visits, flu shots, screenings for certain types of cancers, diabetes screenings, and more. These services are designed to catch health issues early or prevent them altogether.

2. Telehealth Services: Especially after the expansion due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Medicare has increased coverage for telehealth services. This allows patients to consult with their doctors over the phone or via video conference, making access to care easier for those who have mobility issues or live far from their providers.

3. Smoking Cessation Programs: If you're a smoker, Medicare Part B covers smoking cessation counseling sessions to help you quit. This includes up to eight face-to-face visits in a 12-month period, covered without a deductible or copayment if the healthcare provider accepts the assignment.

4. Mental Health Coverage: Medicare provides comprehensive coverage for mental health services, including outpatient therapy, psychiatric evaluation, and medication management. This acknowledges the importance of mental health as part of overall well-being.

5. Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy: Medicare Part B covers these therapies when prescribed by a doctor, helping beneficiaries recover from an injury or deal with a chronic condition. There's no longer a hard cap on these services; instead, they're available as long as they're medically necessary.

6. Nutrition Counseling: For individuals with diabetes, kidney disease, or after a kidney transplant, Medicare covers medical nutrition therapy services. This can include assessments, nutrition counseling, and therapy services from a registered dietitian or nutrition professional.

7. Durable Medical Equipment (DME): Medicare Part B can cover the cost of durable medical equipment like wheelchairs, walkers, and other medically necessary equipment prescribed by a doctor for use in the home.

8. Safety Modifications: While not directly covered under Medicare, certain Medicare Advantage plans might offer benefits for home safety modifications, such as grab bars in the bathroom, which can prevent falls.

9. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Benefits: Some Medicare Advantage plans include allowances for OTC products like vitamins, pain relievers, and other supplies. These benefits can vary by plan and may include a prepaid card or a specific allowance amount.

10. Fitness Benefits: Many Medicare Advantage plans offer fitness benefits, such as free gym memberships or fitness programs designed for seniors, under the Silver Sneakers® program or similar.
    

It's always a good idea to thoroughly review your Medicare plan's benefits and speak with your healthcare provider or a Medicare representative to understand all the benefits available to you.