Laura Mutsko Agent and CSA

Q: My friend told me she gets things like a free fitness tracker, an allowance to spend on over-the-counter medicines, and even pest control services at no charge from her Medicare Advantage plan. Is this really possible?

A: Yes, this can be true, depending on the type of Medicare Advantage plan your friend has.

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies and provide a different way for members to receive Medicare Part A, Part B and often Part D Prescription coverage. In addition, many Medicare Advantage plans offer extra benefits you do not generally get with Original Medicare. What are some examples of Advantage plan extra benefits?

Not every Advantage plan offers the same menu of extra benefits. Examples of benefits being offered by some major Advantage plans include:

• Transportation to health-related services, such as doctor’s visits or trips to the pharmacy

• An allowance of anywhere from $65, $75 or more every three months for over-the-counter non-prescription medications and health care related products including heating pads, blood pressure monitors, vitamins and more.

• Meal delivery service after a hospital stay

• Personal emergency response system

• Bathroom modifications including shower seats and grab bars

• Health and fitness tracking device

• Pest control service

While the above benefits have been added in recent years, more common ‘extras’ included in many plans are dental benefits, eye exams and glasses, and hearing aids – all services not covered by Original Medicare.

If your Advantage plan does not provide coverage for any extras, remember that plans have the flexibility to choose the supplemental benefits they offer. They can also change which, if any, supplemental benefits they will provide - subject to Medicare’s approval. Choosing a Medicare Advantage plan that will be best for you can quickly get confusing. You can spend hours comparing plans on your own or you can put your trust in the hands of an insurance professional whose job is to find a plan with the benefits you will use. You need to rely on someone who works on your behalf and will be around should you have questions in the future. That’s where I come in. Call me, Laura Mutsko at Mutsko Insurance Services at 440-255-5700 or email me at Lmutsko@mutskoinsurance.com and I will find the right coverage for you.

Laura Mutsko Mutsko Insurance Services, LLC

6982 Spinach Drive, Mentor, OH 44060 440-255-5700 www.mutskoinsurance.com