As per the Commonwealth Fund, it is forecasted that more than 35 million people, which is over 50 percent of all beneficiaries, will enroll in the Medicare Advantage plans in 2025. Medicare Part C is gaining more and more acceptance among older people in America. Mostly, because of the additional benefits that these plans provide, including coverage for dental, vision, and wellness.  

The program also bundles additional services that improve the health and quality of life of senior citizens. Part C covers vision, dental services, and in some cases, drug coverage. Next, you will read the services that Medicare Part C provides and combines.

What is a Medicare Advantage Plan?

Medicare Advantage is an alternative to Original Medicare, which includes Part A and Part B. Also known as Part C, these plans are offered by private insurance companies under the approval of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). 

Part C can also combine the benefits from Part A (hospital care), Part B (medical care) to provide extensive coverage for extra benefits beyond Original Medicare. These include wellness and fitness, dental, drugs, and vision. Part C has a pre-defined network of doctors and hospitals as well as healthcare services providers available to you. 

Restrict Access, Not a Problem

Though it can restrict your access somewhat in return, it offers benefits that Original Medicare does not offer, such as a yearly cap on out-of-pocket expenses. You must still continue paying your Part B premium in order to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.

Core Medicare Benefits Offered for Enrollees

Every Medicare Advantage plan  is required to include:

Hospital Insurance (Part A)

• Inpatient hospital stays
• Skilled nursing facility care
• Hospice care
• Some home health care

(H3) Medical Insurance (Part B)

• Doctor visits
• Preventive services (screenings, vaccinations)
• Outpatient care
• Durable medical equipment

Services Covered By Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Part A and B provide very basic services, however, the majority of Medicare Advantage plans offer additional services. Here is the breakdown of the specifics:

1. Dental Services

According to a KFF report, over 97% of Medicare Advantage plans now include some form of dental coverage. Services may include:

• Routine cleanings
• Exams and X-rays
• Fillings
• Crowns or dentures

2. Vision Care

Most Medicare Advantage plans cover vision care as part of the coverage. 

• Annual eye examinations
• Eyeglasses or contact lenses allowance
• Post-surgical cataract care

3. Hearing Services

Part C also includes coverage for hearing services:

• Annual hearing tests
• Discounts or coverage (in some cases) for hearing aids

As hearing aids can sometimes be categorized as assistive devices, the coverage may vary. Some plans provide complete coverage, while some may offer purchase discounts. 

5. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Allowance

Many Medicare Advantage plans offer quarterly or monthly OTC allowances that can be used for:

• Pain relievers
• Cold medications
• First-aid supplies
• Vitamins and supplements

While there is a decrease in OTC from 85% in 2024 to 73% in 2025, there are still a huge number of enrollees receiving this benefit. 

Listing the Value-Added Services

1. Transportation Services

For hospital visits or care needed in the medical facilities, Medicare Advantage plans offer:

• Non-emergency medical transportation charges for commute
• Travel vouchers or allowance for solo as well as ride-sharing
• Coverage for participants who cannot drive or have limited mobility

2. Fitness Programs

Medicare Advantage plans are increasingly offering wellness and fitness coverage for enrollees. Over 90% of plans now provide fitness benefits, such as gym memberships, fitness classes, and wellness programs. They further include: 

• SilverSneakers
• Renew Active
• Gym memberships (including discounts)
• Yoga or tai chi sessions

Advantage plans provide wellness allowance up to $1,200, which can be used for services, activities, and equipment. The benefits most commonly include health screenings, nutrition counseling, support services, and preventive care programs. 

3. Meal Delivery

The service usually applies for a maximum of 14 days post-hospitalization. Some plans offer life-maintaining meals like post-surgical or recovery-specific foods. These are usually low-sodium or diabetic meals.

4. Telehealth and Virtual Care

While telehealth’s origin dates back to 1959, its popularity gained pace during COVID-19, when people were quarantined and socially distanced. Recognized by Medicare Advantage plans, almost 90% of the plans offer telehealth benefits, up from 53% in 2020.

, reflecting rapid adoption and investment in virtual care solutions. Nearly all MA plans provide access to virtual visits for primary care, urgent care, behavioral health, and prescription refills, with services available by phone, video, or app—even outside traditional Medicare’s limitations

• Primary care
• Mental health counseling
• Prescription management
• Medical follow-ups
• Urgent care
• Home dialysis
• Acute stroke evaluation
• Substance use disorder treatment
• Behavioral health therapy

Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically Ill (SSBCI)

Since 2020, CMS permits plans to provide benefits for enrollees suffering from chronic illness. These may consist of:

• Home air purifiers for people with respiratory problems
• Nutritional support
• Pest control for private residences
• Non-medical home caregiving

Policy Changes for 2025

CMS made some important policy updates to Medicare Advantage for the 2025 coverage year:

1. Increased Star Ratings Transparency

Plans are now subject to stricter scrutiny when being rated, which includes measuring consumer complaints, coverage options and disbursement, chronic disease management, and healthcare equity.

2. Greater Availability of Behavioral Health Services

Given the increase in behavioral disorders diagnoses, Medicare Advantage plans ought to provide coverage for their treatment. These include adding more related medical service providers to the network. 

3. Enhanced Supplemental Benefits Review

CMS is assessing whether or not the offered supplementary benefits are available and easily accessible to the plan members. This step will help ensure that the benefits reach the enrollees for whom they have been added.

Expenditures and Factors to Think About

Despite the fact that many Medicare Advantage plans have $0 premiums, make sure to look for cost-sharing features such as:

• Deductibles
• Copayments
• Out-of-pocket maximums

The out-of-pocket costs for Medicare Advantage plans are set to increase to $9,350 in 2025 for in-network expenses. 

Network restrictions are also a factor. Some plans are HMOs, requiring referrals and primary care providers, while others, like PPOs, offer more flexibility.