Dental, Hearing & Vision Coverage for those on Medicare

Does Original Medicare Cover Dental, Hearing or Vision Expenses?

The answer is actually yes and no, but mostly no. We will expand upon that here in the following sections from information directly from medicare.gov:

Dental

Let’s start with dental needs under Original Medicare (Part A or Part B). Medicare does not cover most dental care, dental procedures, or supplies, like cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, dentures, dental plates, or other dental devices. However; Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) will pay for certain dental services that you get when you’re in a hospital. Part A can pay for inpatient hospital care if you need to have emergency or complicated dental procedures, even though it doesn’t cover dental care. Under Original Medicare you will pay 100 percent for non-covered services, including most dental care. 1

Hearing

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers diagnostic hearing and balance exams if your doctor or other health care provider orders them to see if you need medical treatment. Under Original Medicare you will pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount and the Part B deductible applies. If in a hospital outpatient setting you also pay the hospital a copayment.²

What about hearing aids? Original Medicare does not cover expenses related to hearing aids or fitment exams. Under Original Medicare you will pay 100% for hearing aids and exams. ³

Vision

Routine eye exams are not covered under Original Medicare ⁴; however Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers eye exams for diabetic retinopathy once each year if you have diabetes. You will pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for diabetic retinopathy exams for your doctor’s services, and the Part B deductible applies. In a hospital outpatient setting, you pay a copayment.⁵

What about eyeglasses and contact lenses? Medicare doesn’t usually cover eyeglasses or contact lenses. However, Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) helps pay for corrective lenses if you have cataract surgery to implant an intraocular lens. Corrective lenses include one pair of eyeglasses with standard frames or one set of contact lenses. Under Original Medicare you will pay 100% for non-covered services, including most eyeglasses or contact lenses. You pay 20 percent of the Medicare-approved amount for corrective lenses after each cataract surgery with an intraocular lens, and the Part B deductible applies. You pay any additional costs for upgraded frames. Medicare will only pay for contact lenses or eyeglasses from a supplier enrolled in Medicare, no matter if you or your supplier submits the claim. ⁶

How can I be sure to get Dental, Hearing and Vision Expenses Covered if I’m on Medicare?

That is where Medicare Advantage Plans come into play. With the proper Medicare Advantage Plan you may get the extended coverage for dental, hearing and vision needs. Getting the right coverage is important, that is why we recommend you speak to an experienced and trusted Licensed Medicare Broker.

CSG Medicare Pros, Licensed, Experienced and Trusted Medicare Brokers in Arizona

Let CSG Medicare Pros assist you in finding the right coverage with a Medicare Advantage Plan in Arizona. CSG Medicare Pros are licensed, qualified and experienced Medicare agents specializing in Medicare Health Insurance providing Medicare (parts A and B), Medicare Supplemental Insurance, Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Medicare Prescription (Part D) plans. We serve Medicare recipients in every county in Arizona including in the cities of Phoenix, Mesa, Tempe, Chandler, Apache Junction, Gilbert, Tucson, Kingman, Bullhead City, Prescott, Flagstaff, Yuma, Sierra Vista and more. CSG Medicare Insurance Agents are independent, licensed and appointed with multiple insurance carriers to give you a wide variety of choice. For more information, call (480) 635-4050 or (928) 263-8500.