For seniors who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (Dual Eligible), the “Extra Benefits” offered by private Medicare Advantage plans (D-SNPs) are a financial lifeline. In 2026, these plans are competing aggressively for members by offering allowances that pay for everything from electric bills to groceries. However, a major regulatory change—the end of the “VBID” model—has added a new hurdle: some benefits now require a verified “chronic condition” to unlock. Understanding what is available and how to qualify is the key to maximizing your dual status. Here are ten extra benefits that can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs this year.
1. The “Healthy Food” Card (With a Catch)
The most popular benefit is the monthly allowance for healthy groceries, often ranging from $50 to $200. In 2026, however, plans can typically only offer this to members with a confirmed chronic condition like diabetes or hypertension. You may need your doctor to sign a verification form to “turn on” this credit on your card. Once active, it can be used at Walmart, Kroger, and other chains to buy produce, meat, and dairy. It is effectively a second SNAP benefit for those who qualify medically.
2. The Utility Assistance Benefit
Many D-SNP plans now allow you to use your flexible spending card to pay for electricity, gas, or water bills. This is a direct bill-pay feature where you enter your utility account number, and the plan sends a payment up to your monthly limit. In 2026, this benefit is crucial for offsetting rising energy costs. Like the food benefit, this is often tied to health status, framed as keeping your home strictly climate-controlled for your well-being. It can free up hundreds of dollars in your budget.
3. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Credits
Unlike the food benefit, the OTC credit is generally available to all D-SNP members without a chronic condition requirement. In 2026, these allowances have increased, with some plans offering $150+ per quarter for items like vitamins, pain relievers, and incontinence supplies. The key is to use the full amount before it expires at the end of the month or quarter. Many plans now offer online ordering with free home delivery, saving you a trip to the store.
4. Pest Control Services
A surprisingly valuable benefit in 2026 is coverage for routine pest control. Recognizing that infestations trigger asthma and other health issues, plans are paying for quarterly spraying for ants, roaches, and rodents. This service typically costs a homeowner $100 per visit, so having it covered is a massive savings. You usually have to use a vendor from the plan’s approved network. It is a “health at home” benefit that protects your property value, too.
5. Non-Medical Transportation
Medicaid always covered rides to the doctor, but D-SNP plans often expand this to non-medical locations like the grocery store, pharmacy, or senior center. In 2026, plans may offer 24 to 60 one-way rides per year via services like Uber Health or Lyft. This allows seniors who no longer drive to maintain independence without paying for taxis. You must book these rides through the plan’s dispatch number, not the app directly.
6. Home Support Hours (Papa/CareLinx)
To combat loneliness and assist with chores, plans offer “In-Home Support” hours. A vetted “pal” comes to your house to help with light cleaning, meal prep, or simply to chat and play cards. In 2026, this benefit is expanding to include “technology help,” where the aide teaches you how to use your smartphone or telehealth tablet. It provides respite for family caregivers and practical help for those living alone.
7. Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS)
The “I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up” button is a standard benefit on most D-SNP plans. You receive the PERS device (necklace or wristband) and the monthly monitoring service for free, a value of roughly $30 to $50 a month. Modern units include GPS tracking, allowing you to be safe even when you leave the house. You must order this through the plan’s medical equipment vendor.
8. Dental “Flex” Allowances
While Medicaid covers basic dental, D-SNP plans offer a “Flex Card” with an annual limit (e.g., $2,000) that can be used for major work like dentures, crowns, or implants. In 2026, the flexibility of these cards has improved, allowing you to see almost any dentist who accepts credit cards. This covers the expensive restorative work that state Medicaid often denies. It is critical for maintaining nutrition and heart health.
9. Hearing Aid Coverage
Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids, but D-SNP plans do. You can typically get a pair of mid-to-high level hearing aids for a $0 copay once a year or every two years. In 2026, plans are offering rechargeable models with Bluetooth connectivity as standard options. This saves you the $3,000 to $5,000 out-of-pocket cost of buying them retail.
10. Fitness Membership (SilverSneakers+)
Beyond the standard gym membership, many plans now include “brain health” subscriptions (like BrainHQ) and home fitness kits. In 2026, some plans even offer a free Fitbit or tracker to monitor your steps and heart rate. Participating in these programs can sometimes earn you extra rewards dollars on your OTC card. It pays you to stay active.
Verify Your “Chronic” Status
These extra benefits are not just marketing perks; they are essential financial tools designed to keep you healthy and independent at home. However, accessing the full value of your D-SNP plan in 2026 requires active management of the new “chronic condition” verification rules. You must work closely with your doctor to complete the necessary paperwork that unlocks your healthy food allowance before the benefit period expires. Leaving these funds on the table is effectively throwing away hundreds of dollars in free groceries and utility payments every month. Navigating these requirements is the only way to ensure you are getting every dollar of support you are entitled to.
Did you get a utility allowance on your card this year? Leave a comment below—tell us how much it pays!
You May Also Like…
- Medicaid Waiver Slots Are Opening in Several States
- 6 Medicaid Support Programs That Reset Eligibility This Time of Year
- Medicaid Eligibility Reviews Are Unlocking Coverage for New Applicants
- 5 Medicaid Look-Back Traps Families Need to Know
- Medicaid Asset Limit Clarifications Are Affecting Middle-Income Boomers
