What Medicaid Will Give You for Free (That Most People Miss) in 2025

A lot of “Medicaid freebies” lists are hype. But this one is a real guide to the valuable no cost or low cost benefits people on Medicaid routinely leave on the table. Here’s what Medicaid must cover nationwide, what’s often included by plans (varies by state), brand-new supports states are adding, and how to actually unlock them without getting the runaround.

What Medicaid must cover everywhere (federal rules)

• Free rides to covered care (NEMT). If you have no other way to get to a doctor, dialysis, or another covered visit, your state must assure transportation, typically via a broker that schedules rides, public transit passes, or mileage reimbursement for a friend/family driver. Ask your plan for “NEMT” or “transportation assurance.” See CMS’s explainer and the 2023 Medicaid Transportation Coverage Guide. Medicaid.gov | SMD #23-006.
• Full preventive + medically necessary care for kids (EPSDT, up to age 21). This includes screenings and any follow-up care a child needs, like dental, mental health, vision, hearing, eyeglasses, hearing aids, and even replacement batteries. If your child’s provider says it’s medically necessary, EPSDT is your legal hammer. Start here: EPSDT overview and the vision/hearing page.
• Core medical benefits. States must cover hospital care, physician visits, labs/x-rays, and home health. Many add optional benefits (adult dental, eyeglasses, hearing aids, etc.), but those are state-specific. See the federal list and KFF’s state-by-state benefits database. Medicaid benefits | KFF: Medicaid Benefits.

Often-missed extras your plan may include (state/plan-dependent)

These aren’t guaranteed everywhere, but they’re common add-ons from Medicaid managed care plans. Check your plan’s Member Handbook or “Value-Added Benefits” page:

• OTC allowances. Many plans load a monthly or quarterly credit (used at CVS/OTC portals or partner stores) for non-prescription meds and health items. Examples: Aetna Better Health (FL), Aetna Better Health (PA), Aetna (OK).
• Post-discharge or medically tailored meals. Some plans ship meals after a hospital stay or during recovery. See examples in Anthem (IN) and Anthem CA materials.
• Baby & family supports. Select plans offer car seats, safe-sleep kits, diapers, or tutoring for kids. Example: Anthem Ohio Medicaid “extras”.
• Mileage reimbursement to appointments. If a friend drives you, ask the broker for the mileage reimbursement form (e.g., Modivcare/Transdev; programs differ by state). Modivcare mileage reimbursement.

Because these are plan-specific, benefits can range from $25/quarter OTC to robust bundles with meals and supplies. Always check your Evidence of Coverage (EOC) for the exact amounts and rules.

Newer supports some states now cover (housing, food, asthma remediation)

States are increasingly using Medicaid authorities to fund short-term services that keep people healthy and out of the hospital. They’re often called health-related social needs (HRSN) benefits or “Community Supports.” Depending on your state and eligibility, you may access:

• Housing-related help. Housing search/tenancy support and, in some 1115 waivers, time-limited rent/utility help during transitions (e.g., after discharge or homelessness), typically capped around six months per year.
• Nutrition supports. Medically tailored meals or pantry stocking for high-risk conditions (limits apply; e.g., up to three meals/day for up to six months in certain waivers).
• Home modifications & asthma remediation. Ramps, grab bars, allergen-reducing supplies (HEPA vacuums, mattress covers), integrated pest management, minor mold remediation when clinically appropriate and allowed by your state.

Start with CMS’s HRSN guidance and look up your state’s program. Example: California’s CalAIM Community Supports. Policy references: CMS HRSN hub and the 2024 Informational Bulletin.

Pregnancy & newborn care upgrades to know

• 12-month postpartum coverage (most states). After Congress created an option to extend from 60 days to 12 months, the majority of states adopted it. Use KFF’s tracker to see your state’s status. KFF postpartum extension tracker.
• Doula services. A fast-growing number of states now reimburse for doulas under Medicaid. See current maps and state details via Georgetown CCF and NHeLP. Georgetown CCF | NHeLP Doula Medicaid Project.
• Breast pumps & lactation help. Coverage varies by state/plan under durable medical equipment; if your plan doesn’t cover a pump, WIC can often provide one and free lactation support.

For kids: glasses, hearing aids, supplies

Under EPSDT, states must cover whatever is medically necessary to correct or ameliorate a child’s condition, including eyeglasses, hearing aids (and batteries), and other equipment or supplies. If an item is denied, ask the plan to cite the EPSDT rule and get a provider letter of medical necessity. Start with Medicaid’s vision/hearing and EPSDT pages.

Adults: dental, vision & hearing are state-by-state

Adult dental, eyeglasses and hearing aid coverage are optional Medicaid benefits, generous in some states and minimal or absent in others. Use KFF’s benefit maps to see what your state currently covers and any limits. KFF Medicaid Benefits database.

Not Medicaid, but you likely qualify if you have Medicaid

• Discounted phone/internet (Lifeline). Lifeline gives a monthly discount on phone/internet for low-income households, including many Medicaid enrollees. Apply via the FCC/USAC: Lifeline overview | Get started. Note: the separate Affordable Connectivity Program ended June 1, 2024. ACP wind-down FAQ.
• WIC for pregnant/postpartum people and kids under 5. WIC can provide a breast pump, lactation support, and monthly food benefits even if Medicaid doesn’t cover a particular item. USDA WIC breastfeeding.

How to actually get these benefits (scripts + steps)

1. Call Member Services with the right keywords. Ask: “Can you check my Value-Added Benefits or Community Supports and tell me if I have an OTC allowance, post-discharge meals, car seat/diaper benefit, or fitness?” Then ask where it’s written in your Member Handbook/EOC and how to use it (portal, card, catalog, or vendor).
2. Line up transportation the smart way. Tell them you need “non-emergency medical transportation” and whether you prefer a ride, bus pass, or mileage reimbursement for a friend/family driver. Most brokers require 2–3 business days’ notice; keep your trip number and get the driver’s sign-off on any mileage form. If denied, ask them to cite policy and escalate. See CMS’s NEMT guide. Transportation Coverage Guide.
3. For kids’ equipment/supplies, use EPSDT. Ask your clinician for a brief letter of medical necessity that states the diagnosis, how the item will “correct or ameliorate” the condition, and the expected duration. Submit with the prior auth request. If denied, appeal and reference EPSDT.
4. For HRSN services (housing/food/home fixes), ask care management. Say: “Do I qualify for Community Supports/HRSN services like medically tailored meals, housing navigation, or asthma remediation?” If the rep seems lost, ask for a supervisor or the plan’s care management team; these benefits often sit there. See the CMS HRSN page or your state’s site (e.g., CalAIM).
5. Appeal quickly and in writing. Every denial letter lists deadlines. File a fast appeal and attach any doctor notes, discharge paperwork, or photos (for home remediation). Keep copies of everything.

Short list: benefits many readers score each year

• OTC credits (monthly or quarterly) for health items.
• Home-delivered meals after a hospital stay or for certain conditions.
• Car seat/safe-sleep kit or diaper support via plan “extras.”
• Free rides or mileage reimbursement to covered care and, in many states, to the pharmacy for prescriptions tied to the visit.
• For kids: glasses, hearing aids/batteries, and medically necessary supplies under EPSDT.
• In states with HRSN/Community Supports: medically tailored meals, housing/tenancy services, asthma remediation, or small home modifications when clinically appropriate.

State differences matter. Here’s how to check yours fast

Head to KFF’s Medicaid benefits pages to see adult dental/vision/hearing coverage by state, and use their postpartum extension tracker for pregnancy coverage. KFF Medicaid Benefits | Postpartum coverage map. For doula coverage, see NHeLP’s tracker.

Bottom line

Medicaid’s must-haves (transportation; robust kids’ benefits) are federal law. The “free stuff” like OTC credits, meals, baby gear, gym/fitness, and home remediation usually lives in your plan’s extras or your state’s new HRSN menu. Use the right keywords, get it in writing, and appeal denials quickly.