What Medicare Doesn't Cover: Dental, Vision and Hearing
Original Medicare does not cover most routine dental, vision and hearing care. Learn about the gaps and the options available to help with these costs.
The short version
- Original Medicare generally does not cover routine dental, vision exams for glasses, or hearing aids.
- Many Medicare Advantage plans include some coverage, but limits vary widely.
- Standalone plans, discount programs, community clinics and over-the-counter hearing aids are other options.
In this guide
Many people are surprised to learn that Original Medicare does not cover several types of care that become more important with age. Knowing about these gaps ahead of time helps you plan and choose coverage that fits your needs.
Dental care
Not generally covered by Original Medicare:
- Routine checkups and cleanings
- Fillings
- Tooth extractions
- Dentures
Medicare may pay for some dental services that are closely linked to other covered medical care, such as certain dental exams before an organ transplant or heart valve surgery. Coverage in these situations is limited.
Options to consider:
- Medicare Advantage plans with dental benefits. Check annual maximums and which services are covered.
- Standalone dental insurance, which often has waiting periods for major work.
- Dental discount plans, which provide reduced rates at participating dentists.
- Dental schools, which offer supervised care at lower cost.
- Community health centers with sliding fee scales.
- State Medicaid programs, which cover some adult dental services in many states.
Vision care
Not generally covered by Original Medicare:
- Routine eye exams for glasses or contact lenses
- Eyeglasses and contact lenses
Covered in some situations:
- Yearly glaucoma tests for people at high risk
- Yearly diabetic eye exams for people with diabetes
- Certain diagnostic tests and treatment for eye conditions
- One pair of eyeglasses or contacts after cataract surgery with an intraocular lens
Options to consider:
- Medicare Advantage plans with vision benefits
- Standalone vision plans
- Discounts through retailers and membership organizations
- Nonprofit programs that provide eye care to eligible individuals
Hearing care
Not generally covered by Original Medicare:
- Routine hearing exams
- Hearing aids and fittings
Medicare may cover diagnostic hearing and balance exams if your doctor orders them to help diagnose or treat a medical condition.
Options to consider:
- Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, available since 2022 for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. They are sold without a prescription and often cost less than prescription devices.
- Medicare Advantage plans with hearing benefits.
- Discount programs through membership organizations.
- State programs and nonprofits that help with hearing aid costs.
Other services Original Medicare generally does not cover
- Long-term custodial care, such as help with bathing and dressing in a nursing home or at home
- Most care outside the United States
- Cosmetic surgery
- Routine foot care, except in certain medical situations
Comparing plans for extra benefits
If dental, vision or hearing coverage is important to you, compare Medicare Advantage plans carefully:
- What services are covered, and how often?
- What is the annual maximum for dental?
- Are there allowances for glasses or hearing aids, and how much?
- Which providers are in the network?
Remember to weigh these extras against other factors, such as doctor networks and overall costs.
Budget for it
Setting aside a small amount each month for dental, vision and hearing expenses can make these costs more manageable. A health savings account (HSA) funded before you enrolled in Medicare can also be used for many of these expenses.
Terrameritavi is an independent publication and is not affiliated with Medicare or any government agency.
