Medicare is supposed to make healthcare easier, but let’s be honest—it’s not always simple. Between different plans, costs, and coverage rules, it’s easy to miss out on benefits you didn’t even know you had.

The good news? A few smart moves can help you save money, avoid surprise costs, and get the most out of your Medicare coverage.

Whether you’re new to Medicare or just looking to make sure you’re using it to its full potential, we’ve put together these 10 tips for maximizing Medicare benefits.

1. Take Advantage of Free Preventive Care

Medicare covers a wide range of preventive screenings and wellness visits at no cost to you. These services can help catch health issues early before they become more serious—and more expensive to treat.

Some of the most important free preventive services include:

  • Annual Wellness Visits to review your health and prevent future issues.
  • Screenings for cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
  • Vaccinations for flu, pneumonia, and shingles.
  • Bone density tests to check for osteoporosis.

These services are fully covered under Medicare Part B, so be sure to schedule them each year.

2. Know Your Medicare Enrollment Periods

Missing a Medicare enrollment deadline can lead to higher costs, delayed coverage, and even lifelong penalties.

Here’s when you need to enroll:

  • Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) – If you’re new to Medicare, enroll three months before your 65th birthday to avoid penalties.
  • Special Enrollment Period (SEP) – If you’re still working at 65 and have employer coverage, you may qualify for a delayed enrollment period.
  • Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) – If you already have Medicare, you can review and change your plan each year between October 15 – December 7.

If you’re unsure when to enroll, you can chat with one of our Medicare advisors to avoid costly mistakes.

3. Compare Medicare Plans Every Year

Medicare plans change every year, including costs, covered services, and provider networks. If you’re not reviewing your plan annually, you could be paying more than you need to or missing out on better coverage.

During the Medicare Open Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7), review your:

  • Monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
  • Prescription drug coverage (Part D).
  • Provider networks to ensure your doctors are covered.

Shopping around could help you save money or find a plan that better suits your needs.

4. Consider a Medicare Advantage Plan for Extra Benefits

Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative to Original Medicare that bundles hospital, medical, and often drug coverage into one plan. Many plans also include:

  • Dental coverage (cleanings, exams, dentures).
  • Vision benefits (eye exams, glasses, contacts).
  • Hearing aid coverage.
  • Gym memberships and wellness programs.

If you need these extra benefits, a Medicare Advantage plan might be a better fit than Original Medicare. Compare plans carefully to see what works best for you.

5. Check If You Qualify for Financial Assistance

Many Medicare beneficiaries don’t realize they qualify for programs that help lower their out-of-pocket costs. If you’re on a fixed income, these programs could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year.

Here are two key programs to check:

  • Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) – Help pay for Part B premiums, deductibles, and copays if you meet income requirements.
  • Extra Help for Part D – Reduces prescription drug costs for lower-income beneficiaries.

If you think you might qualify, apply as soon as possible—you could start saving immediately!

6. Use In-Network Doctors and Pharmacies

Not all doctors and pharmacies accept every Medicare plan. If you see out-of-network providers, you may have to pay much more out of pocket.

To avoid unexpected costs:

  • Check if your doctor accepts Medicare before scheduling an appointment.
  • If you have Medicare Advantage, make sure your provider is in-network to avoid higher fees.
  • Use a preferred pharmacy under your Part D plan to get the lowest prescription drug prices.

Staying in-network is a simple strategy that can save you hundreds each year.

7. Understand What Medicare Does NOT Cover

Medicare covers a lot, but there are important services it doesn’t include.

Not Covered by Medicare How to Get Coverage
Routine dental care, cleanings, and dentures Medicare Advantage or private dental plans
Routine vision exams and eyeglasses Medicare Advantage or private vision plans
Hearing aids and fittings Medicare Advantage or separate hearing aid coverage
Long-term care (nursing homes, assisted living) Medicaid or long-term care insurance

Understanding these gaps in coverage can help you plan ahead and avoid unexpected expenses.

8. Sign Up for a Part D Plan, Even If You Don’t Take Medications

Many people skip Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) because they don’t take medications. The truth is, this can be a costly mistake.

  • You may face a lifelong late enrollment penalty if you don’t sign up for Part D when you’re first eligible.
  • Even if you don’t take prescriptions now, having coverage ensures you’re protected if your medication needs change.
  • You can enroll in a low-cost Part D plan to avoid future penalties.

It’s always better to have coverage before you need it.

9. Appeal Denied Medicare Claims If Needed

If Medicare denies a claim for a medical service or prescription drug, don’t assume the decision is final. You have the right to appeal, and many denied claims are later approved.

Steps to appeal:

  1. Review your Medicare Summary Notice to understand why the claim was denied.
  2. Contact your doctor to provide documentation showing the service was medically necessary.
  3. Submit a formal appeal—you can do this online, by mail, or by phone.

Appealing a denied claim could save you from paying unnecessary medical bills.

10. Work with a Medicare Advisor for Personalized Guidance

Medicare is complicated, and choosing the wrong plan can cost you money and limit your coverage. If you’re unsure about your Medicare options, our licensed Medicare advisors can help.

Get in touch with us, and we can:

  • Compare plans and pricing to find the best fit for your needs.
  • Explain your coverage options in simple terms.
  • Help you avoid costly mistakes and late penalties.

Best of all? Our help is completely free.

Medicare offers great benefits, but knowing how to use them can save you money and improve your coverage.

By taking advantage of preventive care, financial assistance programs, and annual plan reviews, you can ensure you’re maximizing your Medicare benefits!

Have a few more questions about your Medicare coverage? Call us today at (451) 745-1457  to speak with one of our licensed Medicare advisors.