Seniors have embraced Medicare Advantage plans in exchange for free or deeply discounted benefits like eyeglasses, dental insurance, gym memberships and—no joke—rebates for golf clubs and pickleball paddles.
While it’s fun to imagine using these plan perks, most people never touch them.
“Medicare Advantage enrollees often don’t know what additional benefits their plan offers or how to use them,” Gretchen Jacobson, vice president of Medicare at the Commonwealth Fund, a nonprofit research foundation, told Yahoo Finance.
“Most Medicare Advantage enrollees say they want notifications about unused benefits,” he added.
Eight in 10 people see these benefits as an important part of their plan, new research finds to work From the Commonwealth Fund. However, 3 in 10 beneficiaries reported not receiving any additional benefits in the previous year.
Less than half received benefits such as dental, vision, gym membership or over-the-counter medication assistance, and less than 1 in 10 received benefits such as hearing aids, grocery shopping assistance or meal service.
Approximately 34.4 million people are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, accounting for approximately 54% of all eligible Medicare beneficiaries; this rate was 32% compared to ten years ago. KFF, A non-profit health research.
The health insurance program alternative to traditional Medicare for people ages 65 and older consists of plans run by private insurance companies such as UnitedHealthcare and Humana, and has soared in popularity in recent years.
A big part of the appeal is the glitzy extras that nearly all of these plans offer that aren’t included in traditional Medicare, which is administered by the federal government.
To offer these goodies, Medicare Advantage insurers are paid by the federal government to provide the majority of these rebates, worth about $86 billion this year, according to one study. 2025 report From the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC), which advises Congress on Medicare policy. This was up from $21 billion in 2018.
One reason these benefits aren’t taken is because enrollees say they don’t really need them. Another concerning factor is that nearly a quarter of survey respondents said they either didn’t know all the benefits their plan offered or didn’t know how to use them, Jacobson said.
“Given the extensive federal funding for these benefits, it is important for both Medicare beneficiaries and the federal government for Medicare Advantage enrollees to know what their plan has to offer and how they can use it,” he said. “Our survey found that notifications could be an important step in that direction.”
This almost happened. To solve this problem, a new authority that will come into effect next year has been put on the table. In September, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services notified Medicare Advantage insurers that they would not be required to remind members about unused supplemental benefits for now.
But these notifications would be only one piece of the puzzle. Even those who know their benefits find it difficult to use them.
Commonwealth researchers report that seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans find it difficult to qualify for benefits. This is because the benefits are not affordable or, in the case of membership in the SilverSneakers fitness program, for example, they cannot find a local gym or fitness center near their home that offers it. For other free services, members said there is no in-network provider or vendor in their town that offers discounts.
Medicare fall enrollment ends December 7, and if you haven’t reviewed your 2026 coverage, time is almost up.
Learn more: Medicare open enrollment: How to adjust or add coverage?
For 2026, some Medicare Advantage plans are cutting dental and vision coverage and increasing copays for seeing specialists, experts say. So, if you signed up for a gym membership through a Medicare Advantage plan, that plan may not be available next year.
“Additional benefits such as dental, vision and gym memberships should be considered, but only after ensuring the plan includes affordable medical coverage and provides access to the doctors, hospitals and medications the person needs,” said health policy analyst Louise Norris. MedicareResources.orghe previously told Yahoo Finance.
Over the next few days, enrollees can make changes to their coverage, which will go into effect on January 1. You can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, switch Medicare Advantage plans, and add or change your Part D prescription drug plan. And possibly a new Medigap policy could be added or modified.
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Here are resources to help you sort through plan offerings for the coming year:
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Medicare online searchable feature Plan Finder Allows you to review Medicare Advantage plan options on Medicare.gov. However, enrollees must call their preferred healthcare provider to confirm that they will be authorized to treat you next year. Also call health insurers to confirm details of 2026 plans before signing up.
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State Health Insurance Assistance Program network (SHIP) provides one-on-one counseling in every state. you can find Your local ship is here.
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Center for Medicare Rights offers a toll-free consumer helpline: 800-333-4114. You can also contact Medicare directly at 800-633-4227 to find Medicare Advantage and Part D Plans in your area and enroll directly.
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The National Council on Aging has a toll-free helpline (800-794-6559) to assist you with your plan comparisons.
kerry Hannon is a Senior Columnist at Yahoo Finance. He is a career and retirement strategist and the author of 14 books: “Retirement Bites: The Generation X Guide to Securing Your Financial Future,” “You’re in Control at 50+: How to Succeed in the New Business World?,” and “Never Too Old to Be Rich.” Follow him blue sky.
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