Get to know your Medicare Advantage benefits better

By Devoted Health Team
July 19, 2024

If you’re new to Medicare, it's important to know what plan options are available to support your health and well-being. Most Medicare Advantage plans provide a wide range of benefits that address individual healthcare needs and daily living.

These may include preventive services, prescription drug coverage, and even help with daily needs like food, utilities, rent, or mortgage payments.

Knowing your unique plan and what is included can help you make informed decisions about your care now and in the future. Here are some popular benefits and coverage you should consider to get the most out of your plan.

Embrace preventive care

Medicare covers a wide range of preventive services, including screenings, vaccinations, and wellness visits. And Medicare Advantage includes even more options with choices for dental and prescription drug coverage that Medicare doesn’t have.

These services aim to help you stay healthy while detecting health issues down the road. Taking care of your health today may help you improve your overall well-being and possibly lower future healthcare costs.

Check with your plan that offers these benefits, and be sure to learn about them, so you can keep living your healthiest life.

Optimize your medications

Managing your medications well is an essential part of staying health and managing chronic conditions.

Review your prescription drug coverage each year to ensure your medications are covered and affordable under your plan.

Consider switching to generic alternatives or exploring mail-order pharmacy options to save on prescription costs. Stay informed about your medications to prevent any interactions and reduce potential side effects.

Explore nutritional assistance

Some Medicare Advantage plans offer a grocery benefit with a prepaid card for buying healthy essentials. Keep in mind that there are limits on what you can purchase, and some items may not be included in your coverage.

1. Receiving a special card: Eligible members may receive a prepaid debit card for food, rent, or utilities.
2. Monthly or quarterly allowances: Your plan provides a fixed amount of money depending on the plan you have.
3. Accepted locations: You may use the card at participating grocery stores and even online to purchase eligible items.

It’s always a good idea to plan your purchases, track your benefit, and stay up to date on any benefits changes.

What foods can you buy with a grocery benefit card?

Some Medicare Advantage plans with a grocery benefit enable you to buy healthy food items that align with nutritional guidelines. Typically, you can use them for items like:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Lean meats and fish
• Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt
• Whole grains and bread
• Nuts, seeds, and spreads
• Olive oil and other plant-based oils
• Other pantry essentials

Guidelines prevent using this grocery card benefit for non-food items, alcohol, or tobacco products.

Always check with your plan provider on details for eligible items.

Who qualifies for these benefits?

Eligibility for these plans might depend on your income, health conditions, or where you live. It's always best to check with your specific plan provider to see if you qualify for extra benefits like these, or if the plan provider offers these kinds of plans in your service area.

If these benefits are important to you, this can be something you bring up during your enrollment season when you’re considering Medicare options.

Now that you know how these benefits work and what they can do for you, consider exploring your options to ensure a well-rounded, happier lifestyle in your golden years.

How Devoted can help

We have licensed representatives available to help you with your questions or answer more questions about Devoted Health Medicare Advantage plans. Call us at 1-800-483-8066 (TTY 711) for personalized assistance.

You can also learn more about your Medicare options in this free Medicare Comparison Guide.

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The Food & Home Card is a special supplemental benefit available only to qualifying members with eligible chronic health conditions, like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart problems, and stroke. The Food & Home Card isn’t included in all plans.