Navigating Medicare can feel overwhelming, especially when you hear about “supplemental benefits” included in some Medicare Advantage plans. These extra benefits can be helpful, but it’s important to know how they work before choosing a plan. This guide will walk you through what supplemental benefits are, who can use them, and how to protect yourself from misleading marketing — so you can make confident decisions about your health care.
👉 Read the full blog post here for more details and resources.
Some Medicare Advantage plans cover certain items or services that Original Medicare does not. These are called supplemental benefits and are usually designed to improve your health or quality of life.
Examples include:
Some benefits are optional add-ons, which may require you to pay an extra premium. Others are automatically included in your plan, even if you never use them.
Tip: Don’t confuse these benefits with Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap). Medigap policies work only with Original Medicare and serve a different purpose.
Some plans go a step further by offering special supplemental benefits for people with chronic illnesses. These services don’t always have to be health-related but are designed to improve overall well-being.
For example, a plan might offer:
These services are only available to members who meet the specific health criteria.
Before signing up for a plan, ask the right questions to avoid unexpected costs or limitations. Here’s a checklist to guide you:
Always get the details in writing and document any conversations with agents or plan representatives.
Unfortunately, not all plan marketing is accurate. For example:
If you suspect you were misled, save all marketing materials and report it to the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) at 877-808-2468. Your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) can also help you review the situation and request a Special Enrollment Period if necessary.
In Hawai‘i, you’re not alone when it comes to understanding your Medicare options. Your local SHIP counselors are trained to provide free, unbiased guidance.
👉 Call 877-839-2675 (say “Medicare” when prompted) or use the SHIP Locator to find help near you.
If you’re worried about potential Medicare fraud, errors, or abuse, you can also contact the Senior Medicare Patrol for assistance.
Choosing the right Medicare Advantage plan is about more than just premiums or extras — it’s about understanding how those benefits truly work. By asking the right questions and seeking unbiased local guidance, you can make informed choices that best fit your health and lifestyle needs.
👉 Read the full blog post here for more details and resources.
