Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover routine dental care, routine eye exams, or most hearing services. However, many Medicare Advantage plans do include these benefits — and knowing the difference could save you thousands of dollars per year.
What Does Original Medicare Cover for Dental?
Original Medicare does not pay for routine dental exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions, dentures, or implants. It will cover dental services only if they are directly related to a covered medical procedure — for example, jaw reconstruction after a covered accident, or dental exams required before certain heart surgeries.
For any other dental care, you are responsible for the full cost unless you have a separate dental plan. Most Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans do offer an annual allowances towards routine dental and some comprehensive dental services.
What Does Medicare Cover for Vision?
Original Medicare does not cover routine eye exams for glasses or contact lenses. It does cover treatment for medical eye conditions — such as cataracts, glaucoma testing (for high-risk patients), and macular degeneration — when performed by a doctor.
If you need a routine refraction exam or glasses, that cost falls on you unless you have additional coverage.
Most Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans do offer an annual allowance towards vision services and may offer an allowance towards contacts and eyeglasses.
What Does Medicare Cover for Hearing?
Original Medicare does not cover routine hearing exams or hearing aids. It does cover diagnostic hearing exams ordered by a doctor to evaluate a medical condition. Hearing aids themselves — which can cost $1,000 to $5,000 or more — are not covered under original Medicare.
Most Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans do offer an annual allowance towards hearing services and may offer an allowance towards hearing aids.
How Can I Get Dental, Vision, and Hearing Coverage?
The most common route is a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, many of which include dental, vision, and hearing benefits as part of their standard package. The scope of coverage varies significantly by plan — some cover only basic preventive dental, while others include allowances toward major dental work or hearing aids.
Standalone dental and vision insurance plans are also available if you have a Medigap plan and want to add coverage.
As an independent agent/broker, I can help you compare Advantage plans in your area and evaluate whether a standalone dental or vision policy makes sense for your situation.
Call or text 315-727-4933, or email tcangemi@RetirementHPMS.com — I’m here to help you get it right the first time.
What Are the Late Enrollment Penalties?
The Part B late enrollment penalty is 10% added to your monthly Part B premium for each full 12-month period you were eligible but didn’t enroll. This penalty is permanent — it stays with you for as long as you have Part B. The Part D late penalty is similarly ongoing.
These penalties are one of the most common and costly mistakes I see people make. If you’re approaching 65 and unsure about your timing, please reach out before you miss a window.
Call or text 315-727-4933, or email tcangemi@RetirementHPMS.com — I’m here to help you get it right the first time.