Does Medicare Cover Dental, Vision, and Hearing? What to Know
Dental, vision, and hearing care are important parts of staying healthy as you get older, but many people are surprised to learn that Original Medicare does not routinely cover most dental, vision, or hearing services.
That doesn't necessarily mean you'll have no coverage. Medicare Advantage plans may include additional benefits, and Original Medicare does cover certain services when they're medically necessary.
Here's a closer look at how each type of care works.
Does Medicare Cover Dental Care?
Original Medicare generally does not cover routine dental care.
That typically means you would pay out of pocket for services such as:
- Routine dental exams
- Cleanings
- Fillings
- Tooth extractions
- Dentures
- Crowns and bridges
- Most other routine dental procedures
There are limited situations where Medicare may cover dental services when they're directly related to certain covered medical treatments.
For everyday dental care, however, you'll usually need another source of coverage.
What About Medicare Advantage?
Many Medicare Advantage plans include some type of dental benefit.
Depending on the plan, coverage may include services such as:
- Preventive exams
- Cleanings
- X-rays
- Fillings
- Extractions
- Crowns
- Dentures
The important thing to remember is that dental benefits can vary significantly from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
A plan may have an annual allowance, copays, provider-network requirements, or limits on certain procedures.
Don't look only at whether a plan says it includes "dental." Look at what the benefit actually provides.
Does Medicare Cover Vision Care?
Original Medicare generally does not cover routine eye exams for glasses or contact lenses.
However, Medicare may cover certain eye-related services connected to medical conditions.
Depending on your situation, Medicare may help cover services related to conditions such as:
- Diabetes
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Certain eye diseases or injuries
Medicare may also cover corrective lenses following certain cataract surgeries.
Vision Benefits Through Medicare Advantage
Many Medicare Advantage plans offer additional routine vision benefits.
These benefits may include:
- Routine eye exams
- Allowances toward eyeglasses
- Contact lens benefits
- Discounts or allowances for frames and lenses
Again, benefits vary by plan.
If you wear glasses or contacts regularly, it's worth comparing the actual allowance and provider network instead of choosing a plan simply because it advertises vision coverage.
Does Medicare Cover Hearing Care?
Original Medicare generally does not cover routine hearing aids or exams performed specifically for fitting hearing aids.
Medicare may cover certain diagnostic hearing and balance examinations when they're medically necessary.
Hearing Benefits Through Medicare Advantage
Many Medicare Advantage plans now offer some level of hearing coverage.
Depending on the plan, you may receive benefits for:
- Routine hearing exams
- Hearing aid fittings
- Hearing aids
- Hearing aid copays or allowances
Some plans require you to use a specific hearing provider or hearing-aid network.
This is another area where it's important to look beyond the words "hearing benefit" and find out exactly what is covered.
Don't Compare Plans Based on Extra Benefits Alone
Dental, vision, and hearing benefits can be valuable, but they shouldn't be the only reason you choose a Medicare plan.
Your overall coverage matters more.
When reviewing a Medicare Advantage plan, also consider:
- Whether your doctors are in network
- Prescription drug coverage
- Hospital and specialist costs
- Maximum out-of-pocket limits
- Preferred pharmacies
- Other benefits you regularly use
A plan with a large dental allowance may not be a good fit if your doctors aren't in its network or your prescriptions are more expensive.
The goal is to find coverage that works well as a whole.
Review Your Benefits Each Year
Medicare Advantage benefits can change from year to year.
Even if your current plan includes strong dental, vision, or hearing coverage today, the amounts, copays, provider networks, or rules may be different next year.
That's one reason reviewing your Annual Notice of Change and your Medicare options each year can be so important.
Want to Learn More?
I have a more detailed guide on my website explaining how Medicare dental, vision, and hearing coverage works and what to consider when comparing plans.
Read the complete Medicare dental, vision, and hearing guide:
If you'd like help reviewing your Medicare coverage and comparing the dental, vision, hearing, prescription, and medical benefits available to you, you can also schedule a time with me.
Schedule a Medicare review:
https://shawnrayinsurance.com/calendar
Medicare benefits can look similar at first glance, but the details matter. Taking a few minutes to compare those details can help you choose coverage that better fits the care you actually use.
