Essential Extras makes life easier

Our Medicare Advantage plans may include Essential Extras — additional benefits to help make everyday life easier.

Custom benefits for your whole health

 

Our Medicare Advantage members get the power to customize their Essential Extras at no additional cost. You’ll be able to choose up to two of the following benefits, depending on the plan:

 

  Up to $500 per year for assistive and safety devices such as handrails, shower stools, and more.

 

  Up to $500 per year in flex account spending for your dental, vision, or hearing needs.

 

  Up to $50 per month spending allowance for the purchase of healthy grocery items such as fresh meats and vegetables, frozen meats, dairy items, and canned goods at participating stores..

 

  Up to 60 one-way trips to health-related appointments..

 

  Up to $150 per quarter in flex account spending to help pay for household utilities including gas, electric, water, or sewer. It can also be used with your internet and cellular providers.

Some Essential Extras benefits can be managed via a Wellpoint Benefits Prepaid Card (flex card). It works like a prepaid credit or debit card. You can use it in-store or online to pay for certain benefits.

How do I get Essential Extras?

You’ll have to enroll in one of our Medicare Advantage plans to qualify. Not all plans include Essential Extras, and benefits may differ based on the plan you choose.

 

You or your doctor may need to confirm you qualify for certain benefits. Unused benefit allowances do not roll over monthly or annually.

Wellpoint and Carelon Health plans are Medicare Advantage plans with Medicare contracts. Wellpoint and Carelon Health plans are SNP plans with a Medicare contract and a contract with the state Medicaid program. Enrollment in Wellpoint or Carelon Health depends on contract renewal.