What’s the ‘Advantage’ of Medicare Advantage?

When it comes to health plans, finding the right balance between cost and benefits can be difficult. While Original Medicare offers a reliable way to cover out-of-pocket costs, you don’t get coverage for essential services like dental, vision and hearing care. Not to mention, it doesn’t offer any special perks to keep you healthier in the years to come. Many Medicare Advantage plans, on the other hand, offer extra benefits and perks at a lower cost than paying out of pocket.

Medicare Advantage covers dental, vision and hearing care 

In 2026, with rising healthcare costs, finding coverage at a fair price matters more than ever. Most Medicare Advantage plans offer supplemental benefits to your healthcare that Original Medicare ignores. Vision, dental and hearing care—all things that become more important as you age—can require separate plans. However, many Medicare Advantage plans bundle them together for a simpler, all-in-one plan. Our 2026 BSW SeniorCare Advantage plans, for example, continue to cover those valuable services at reasonable price points for both our HMO and PPO beneficiaries.

But what else can you expect from a Medicare Advantage plan when it comes to supplemental benefits?

With our Medicare Advantage plans, you’ll have access to comprehensive coverage. You’ll get routine eye exams and receive an allowance for eyewear as part of your vision benefits. You’ll also get one hearing exam a year and new hearing aids every three years. As for dental care, you’ll be able to see your dentist for oral exams and cleanings once every six months with x-rays at no cost to you and have other services—like extractions and fillings—covered at different rates with co-insurance. 

While the cost of these benefits can vary from plan to plan, knowing you have access to dental and vision benefits can alleviate some of the pressure of managing your health. You don’t have to worry about unexpected costs or using up your Medigap budget on those services when you may need it for other healthcare in the future.

Medicare Advantage offers fitness and health perks

Preventive care doesn’t just mean routine doctor’s appointments. It also means getting regular exercise and taking care of your health, even when you aren’t having an emergency. Gym memberships and over-the-counter (OTC) items can get pricy. With Medicare Advantage, many plans—including ours—offer complimentary fitness memberships at participating locations, local to you, and allowances for OTC items you need every day.

The perks don’t stop there. A fitness membership as part of a BSW SeniorCare Advantage plan can also include home fitness programs, so you can stay active in the place you feel most comfortable, and helpful activity trackers that can keep you informed about your health and help you reach your fitness goals.

Extra benefits are like the cherry on top of a cake for health plans. They may not be as essential as vision, hearing and dental care, but they help you stay healthy and save money. 

Help when you need it most

Accessibility is an integral part of your health plan and can greatly impact how useful it is to you. Whether you’re able to make it to your doctor’s appointment or can access care outside of your local area impacts the choices you make in your care.

With Medicare Advantage, there’s an opportunity to find a plan that provides accessible options for the walk of life you are on. For example, some of our plans offer extra care options like telehealth and no-cost transportation to medical appointments—restrictions apply per plan, of course. 

Additionally, a Medicare Advantage plan can offer benefits to help you in ways you may not be expecting to need—like meal delivery following a hospital stay. Some Medicare Advantage plans, like ours, offer perks like home-delivered meals to ensure that you’re able to stay nourished while you’re healing. When you add in other advantages, like worldwide emergency and urgent care coverage, you can begin to understand why a Medicare Advantage plan may provide better value and the services you need most. 

Ready to look at your Medicare Advantage options?

The Annual Enrollment Period—from October 15 to December 7—is a time when you can reevaluate your healthcare needs and choose a Medicare Advantage plan that suits you. Looking at your options doesn’t have to fall only on your shoulders. If you’re still feeling overwhelmed, or if you want a second opinion, talk to a Baylor Scott & White Health Plan licensed insurance agent over the phone or in person. You can find a location that’s close to you and meet with an agent to discuss your options and needs. We believe that everyone deserves healthcare coverage, and we are excited to help you find the right plan.