Retirement often means tightening the budget, but sometimes the savings you need are already available. You just have to know where to look. Medicare, particularly Medicare Part B and certain Advantage Plans, covers more everyday items and services than many seniors realize. The problem is, countless retirees continue to buy them out-of-pocket simply because they’re unaware of the benefit or haven’t reviewed their coverage details in years.
It’s not uncommon for Medicare benefits to quietly expand or for Advantage Plans to include perks that were never part of Original Medicare. Yet, without checking your plan documents or speaking to your provider, you could be spending hundreds of dollars annually on products or services you could get for free. Below are 10 everyday purchases that might already be covered — and how to make sure you stop paying for them unnecessarily.
1. Durable Medical Equipment
Walkers, wheelchairs, blood sugar monitors, and CPAP machines are all considered “durable medical equipment” (DME). Under Medicare Part B, these items are often covered, provided they’re prescribed by a doctor and sourced from an approved supplier. Many retirees, however, go directly to retail medical supply stores and pay full price without realizing they could get the same item — or a rental — through Medicare with little to no cost.
In general you’ll need a doctors prescription for the item you want Medicare to cover and you’ll often have to pay the deductible.
The list of what is covered is here.
2. Certain Vaccinations
Flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines, and pneumonia vaccines are covered at no cost under Medicare Part B. Additionally, the shingles vaccine is covered under Medicare Part D or through some Advantage Plans. Seniors who pay for these vaccines at a retail pharmacy may be duplicating costs simply because they didn’t know to present their Medicare card first or verify their plan’s pharmacy network.
If you want more information on which vaccines are covered under which plans, UHC.com has the list here.
3. Annual Wellness Visits
While some retirees pay out-of-pocket for a “physical,” Medicare already provides an annual wellness visit at no cost. This appointment focuses on preventive care, health risk assessments, and personalized planning — and can often catch medical issues early. Many retirees skip it or pay a private provider without realizing they could schedule the Medicare-covered version with their primary care doctor.
4. Diabetes Supplies
Medicare Part B covers many diabetic testing supplies like glucose test strips, lancets, and control solutions when ordered from approved suppliers. However, retirees often pick these up at the pharmacy without checking if they can get them entirely free through mail-order programs covered by Medicare.
Other diabetes supplies are covered under Part B benefits, but you’ll have to pay the deductible before you can aces these. The full list of what is available from Medicare is here.
5. Smoking Cessation Programs
If you’re a smoker or recently quit, Medicare Part B offers free counseling sessions designed to help you stay tobacco-free. Seniors often pay for community classes, online programs, or private coaching without realizing this benefit exists. These sessions can save not only money but also long-term healthcare costs by reducing smoking-related risks.
6. Depression Screenings
Mental health services aren’t just for younger people. Medicare Part B covers annual depression screenings at no cost when performed by a qualified provider. Retirees sometimes pay for counseling or mental health check-ins privately, unaware they can access screenings and referrals without paying extra.
7. Colorectal Cancer Screenings
Colonoscopy and stool-based testing are covered under Medicare, but many retirees still pay out-of-pocket at local clinics or testing companies because they aren’t aware that their Medicare coverage applies. This oversight is especially common for at-home test kits, which can be fully covered if ordered through an approved provider.
8. Blood Pressure Monitors (for Home Use)
Medicare Advantage Plans sometimes cover at-home blood pressure monitors, especially for patients diagnosed with hypertension. Seniors who buy these monitors on their own may be missing out on getting them for free — often delivered directly to their door.
The details on blood pressure monitors is here.
9. Nutritional Counseling
If you have certain conditions like diabetes or kidney disease, Medicare Part B covers medical nutrition therapy from a registered dietitian. Many retirees pay for these services at wellness centers or private offices without realizing they could get professional, personalized dietary advice through their Medicare benefits.
10. Lab Tests and Screenings
Medicare Part B covers medically necessary clinical diagnostic lab tests, such as blood tests, urinalysis, or tissue specimen tests, when ordered by an approved provider to check for health changes or diagnose conditions. These are distinct from preventive screenings and must be deemed essential for your care. You pay nothing for the tests themselves at Medicare-approved labs.
Some retirees still pay at urgent care centers or walk-in labs simply because they didn’t attend a Medicare approved lab, or didn’t have their provider bill Medicare. You can
How to Stop Paying for Covered Items and Services
The first step is reviewing your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (EOB) to see what you’ve already used and what’s available. Call your Medicare plan provider to clarify benefits — especially if you have an Advantage Plan, as these often include extras like gym memberships, over-the-counter allowances, or dental and vision coverage.
Ask your doctor before paying for any service or equipment whether it could be covered under Medicare. Additionally, be cautious about assuming something isn’t covered because it wasn’t years ago — Medicare rules change, and benefits can expand with little public announcement.
Why Seniors Overpay for Covered Benefits
There are a few reasons retirees waste money on items Medicare already covers:
- Lack of awareness about current coverage
- Confusing or hard-to-read plan documents
- Habit — buying something the same way for years without checking coverage
- Assuming Medicare’s rules haven’t changed since first enrollment
This knowledge gap often costs seniors hundreds to thousands of dollars annually, funds that could instead go toward living expenses, travel, or other personal goals.
How Much Could You Save?
The savings potential is significant. For example, durable medical equipment like CPAP machines can cost $800–$1,500 retail, but Medicare coverage could drop that cost to a small monthly rental fee or even zero. Vaccines can range from $50–$200 each when paid out-of-pocket, while depression screenings and wellness visits could save you $100–$300 annually.
Over a decade of retirement, these overlooked benefits could amount to tens of thousands of dollars in savings.
Final Thoughts on Avoiding Wasteful Medicare Spending
Retirees often focus on cutting discretionary spending but overlook the unnecessary medical expenses hiding in plain sight. By fully understanding your Medicare benefits — and rechecking them regularly — you can stop wasting money on items and services you’re entitled to for free.
Taking advantage of these benefits not only saves money but can also improve your overall health and quality of life in retirement. The key is to be proactive: ask questions, review your plan, and make sure you’re not paying twice for something you already own through your tax dollars and premiums.
How to Maximize Medicare Benefits and Reduce Retirement Spending
If you’re still paying out-of-pocket for items Medicare covers, you’re essentially giving away money. By regularly reviewing your coverage, coordinating with your healthcare providers, and asking your plan administrators the right questions, you can stretch your retirement income much further.
The best way to get started is to call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned Medicare covers, and have you been paying for it without realizing it?
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