Many people are surprised to learn that Original Medicare doesn’t typically cover routine dental, vision, and hearing services.
Knowing what’s included—and what isn’t—can help you prepare for future healthcare expenses.
Dental Care
Original Medicare generally doesn’t cover:
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- Routine cleanings
- Fillings
- Crowns
- Dentures
Some medically necessary dental procedures connected to hospital care may be covered.
Vision Care
Routine eye exams and prescription glasses usually aren’t covered under Original Medicare.
However, Medicare may cover certain medically necessary eye services, such as cataract surgery.
Hearing Services
Original Medicare generally doesn’t cover:
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- Hearing exams for hearing aids
- Hearing aids
- Hearing aid fittings
These costs can add up over time.
Additional Coverage Options
Some Medicare Advantage plans include routine dental, vision, and hearing benefits. Coverage varies by plan, so reviewing available benefits each year is important.
Planning Ahead
Understanding potential out-of-pocket costs helps you budget more effectively during retirement.
Reviewing available plan options can also help you determine whether additional benefits are important to you.