Dear Toni: My wife’s friend told her that she is receiving a free gym membership with her Medicare supplement Plan G. Our Medicare supplement does not include a gym membership.
I thought a Medicare Advantage plan was the only way to get a gym membership at no cost. Is there any truth to this? —Sam, Little Rock, Arkansas
Dear Sam: It used to be that Medicare Advantage plans were the only way to get a gym membership at no cost, but now some supplemental plans offer this extra benefit.
Silver and Fit and other membership perks help enhance Medicare Advantage plans. But before making any switch, be sure your primary care doctor and any specialists are in that Medicare Advantage plan’s network.
The 2026 “Medicare & You” handbook addresses “What ISN’T covered by Part A & Part B?” The first thing it says is “Medicare doesn’t cover everything.” If you need certain services that Medicare doesn’t cover, you will have to pay for them yourself unless you have other coverage (including Medicaid) to cover the costs or you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan that covers these services.
Some of the items and services that original Medicare doesn’t cover include:
— Long-term care.
— Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses and corrective contact lenses).
— Cosmetic surgery.
— Massage therapy.
— Routine physical exams.
— Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.
— Concierge care.
— Covered items or services you get from a doctor or other provider that has opted out of participating in Medicare except in the case of an emergency or urgent need.
— Dental care: In most cases, original Medicare doesn’t cover dental services such as routine cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions or items such as dentures. In some cases, Medicare will pay for dental services closely related to covered services like an organ transplant.
Since original Medicare does not cover dental services, I would recommend that you talk to your dentist and see which dental insurance plan is preferred.
There are two types of dental plans:
Traditional or indemnity dental insurance plans are generally higher in premium. These usually cover preventive services at 100 percent, basic restorative up to 80 percent and major procedures at 50 percent. Many of the traditional/indemnity dental plans might have a wait for services such as fillings, root canals, bridges, crowns, etc.
Discount dental plans are generally less expensive. These plans provide a discount for services, but your dentist must be part of the plan and agree to the discount.
Toni King is an author and columnist on Medicare and health insurance issues. If you have a Medicare question, email info@tonisays.com or call 832-519-8664.
