Original Medicare covers dental, vision, and hearing only when it is linked with inpatient or outpatient medical needs. We’ll explain what Medicare covers and what you’ll have to buy additional coverage for, should you need it. If you need additional coverage, we can help!
Medicare has restricted dental coverage that protects your overall health so that another Medicare-covered health service can run smoothly. It does not cover teeth cleanings, fillings, dentures (full or partial), routine checkups, or most tooth extractions. You can only gain this type of coverage through a standalone dental insurance plan or through a Medicare Advantage plan that offers these benefits.
Most of the time, Original Medicare does not cover eyeglasses, routine eye exams, or contact lenses. It will often pay for these things after cataract surgery that implants an intraocular lens. As you can tell, this is a very specific surgery.
Following the surgery, Medicare Part B will help cover corrective lenses, one pair of eyeglasses, or one set of contact lenses that an ophthalmologist provides.
But there is a disadvantage — this benefit will only be offered once per lifetime and they just pay for a standard pair of eyeglasses. If you need upgraded frames, you would be responsible for the cost.
Glaucoma is a group of conditions that can cause blindness. Part B also covers a glaucoma screening every year, but only if you are at high risk for it. This coverage includes people with a family history of glaucoma, people with diabetes, African Americans who are 50 or older, and Hispanic Americans who are 65 or older.
An ocular prosthesis, artificial eye, or glass eye is covered for patients with absence or shrinkage of an eye due to trauma, birth defects, or surgical removal. It also covers a replacement, which is usually every 3-5 years.
Part B will cover various diagnostic tests and treatment of eye diseases and conditions. If you want routine eye exams and multiple pairs of eyeglasses or contacts (or an upgrade to the standard frames), an inexpensive, independent vision plan is probably your best option. Certain Medicare Advantage plans can include suitable coverage, too. But, you should talk to a licensed Medicare insurance agent to confer the details of the plan.
If you just have Original Medicare, hearing aids are not covered. Part B covers some hearing tests, like diagnostic hearing and balance exams. You must go through your primary care provider for your inaugural screenings. Once they suggest additional treatment, your Part B coverage will pay for a percentage of the costs.
While Medicare Supplements can help a little bit, its coverage only activates after Original Medicare pays first. So, sadly, it will probably not cover hearing aids either.
An independent dental, vision, and hearing plan will help cover the expenses of hearing aids and other services, such as routine exams. Also, a Medicare Advantage plan with additional hearing benefits might offer coverage. But before you commit, consult a licensed Medicare agent to discuss the specifics of the plan.
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