If you’re on Medicare, you’re already paying for benefits you may never be using. A 2025 KFF study found that over 3 million eligible seniors aren’t enrolled in programs they qualify for — costing them an average of $1,200+ per year in missed savings.

This guide walks through each benefit in plain English — what it is, who qualifies, and exactly what to say to claim it.

1. The $148/Month Medicare Giveback Benefit

Many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans offer what’s called a Part B premium reduction — also known as the “Giveback Benefit.” Qualifying plans pay back anywhere from a few dollars to the full $174.70/month Part B premium directly to Social Security.

Who qualifies: Anyone enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers this benefit in their ZIP code. Availability varies by county.
How to claim it: Visit Medicare.gov/plan-compare, filter plans by “Part B premium reduction,” and compare options near you. Changes take effect January 1 of the following year if enrolled during Open Enrollment (Oct 15–Dec 7).

2. Your FREE Annual Wellness Visit

Medicare covers a 100% free Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) every 12 months — no copay, no deductible, nothing. This is different from a regular checkup and specifically designed to help seniors catch health issues early.

During the AWV, your doctor will review your medical and family history, create a personalized prevention plan, screen for cognitive issues (including early Alzheimer’s), update your medication list, and refer you for other free preventive services.

How to claim it: Call your doctor and specifically ask for an “Annual Wellness Visit” or “Medicare AWV.” Do NOT ask for a “physical” — that’s billed differently and may have cost-sharing.

3. FREE Dental, Vision & Hearing Through Medicare Advantage

Original Medicare (Parts A & B) notoriously does NOT cover routine dental cleanings, eyeglasses, or hearing aids. But most Medicare Advantage plans include these benefits at no extra cost — and many offer generous allowances:

• Free dental cleanings + up to $1,500–$2,500 in dental coverage annually
• Free eyeglasses or contact lenses (typically $150–$300 allowance)
• Hearing aids worth $2,000–$7,000 covered or heavily subsidized

How to claim it: If your current plan doesn’t include dental/vision/hearing, switch during Open Enrollment. Use Medicare.gov to compare plans in your area — filter for these specific benefits.

4. The $35/Month Insulin Cap

Since 2023, the Inflation Reduction Act requires all Medicare drug plans (Part D) to cap insulin costs at $35 per month per covered insulin — no matter what the retail price is. Many seniors are still overpaying because they haven’t verified their plan is honoring this cap.

How to claim it: Ask your pharmacist: “Is my insulin capped at $35 under Medicare?” If you’re paying more, call your plan’s member services number and request the capped rate immediately.

5. Extra Help — Up to $5,300/Year in Drug Savings

“Extra Help” (the Low Income Subsidy, or LIS) is a federal program that pays most or all of your Medicare Part D drug plan costs. Over 3 million eligible seniors are not enrolled. Income limits are higher than most people think — as of 2026, individuals earning up to $23,000/year may qualify.

How to apply: Apply free at SSA.gov/extrahelp or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. The application takes about 30 minutes. If approved, you’ll be automatically enrolled in savings averaging $5,300/year.

6. Free Gym Membership (Silver Sneakers)

Silver Sneakers gives Medicare beneficiaries free access to 15,000+ gym locations nationwide — including Gold’s Gym, 24 Hour Fitness, LA Fitness, YMCAs, and more. It’s included in many Medicare Advantage plans at no extra charge.

How to claim it: Visit SilverSneakers.com and enter your Medicare ID to check eligibility. If your plan includes it, you get immediate free access.

7. Medicare Savings Programs (Your State Pays Your Premiums)

Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are state programs that pay your Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and co-pays. There are four levels of assistance. An estimated 1 in 3 eligible seniors is not enrolled.

2026 income guidelines (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary — QMB level): Up to ~$1,660/month individual or ~$2,239/month couple. Asset limits vary by state.

How to apply: Contact your State Medicaid office or use BenefitsCheckUp.org to find all programs you qualify for by ZIP code.

8. Free Non-Emergency Medical Transportation

Most Medicare Advantage plans cover free rides to and from doctor appointments, the pharmacy, dialysis centers, and other medical facilities. This benefit is worth hundreds of dollars per year for seniors who don’t drive.

How to claim it: Call your Medicare Advantage plan’s member services and ask: “Does my plan cover non-emergency medical transportation?” If yes, schedule rides at least 24-48 hours in advance.

9. Free Cancer Screenings

Medicare covers several cancer screenings at 100% — no copay, no deductible:

• Colorectal cancer: Colonoscopy every 10 years (or Cologuard stool DNA test every 1–3 years)
• Lung cancer: Annual low-dose CT scan for current/former heavy smokers age 50-77
• Breast cancer: Annual mammogram
• Cervical cancer: Pap smear and HPV test every 5 years
• Prostate cancer: Annual PSA test discussion with your doctor

How to claim it: Request these by name at your Annual Wellness Visit. Always say “preventive” — if billed as “diagnostic,” cost-sharing may apply.

10. How to Appeal a Denied Medicare Claim and WIN

Medicare denies millions of valid claims every year. Here’s the most important thing to know: over 50% of appealed denials are reversed in the senior’s favor. Most seniors simply accept the denial and move on — losing hundreds or thousands of dollars.

How to appeal: File a redetermination request within 120 days of the denial. Use form CMS-20027 (free at CMS.gov). Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselor will help you for FREE — call 1-800-MEDICARE for your local SHIP number.