Does Medicare cover dental, vision, and hearing services? The simple answer is no. Although some procedures that are considered medical are covered by Medicare Part B, most dental, eye, and hearing exams, as well as comprehensive dental and hearing aids, are not covered by Original Medicare.

No need to fret! You still may be able to get this coverage through a private insurer.

Are you (or your spouse) still working? You may be able to enroll in a stand-alone dental or vision plan through an employer. Ask your employer if they offer voluntary dental and vision.

Many Medicare Advantage Plans offer dental, vision, hearing, and wellness benefits. Some Advantage plans may even allow you to increase your dental and vision coverage amount for an additional premium. These are called optional supplemental benefits (OSB) and may be available with your Advantage Plan. Additional benefits vary by plan.

Some insurance companies offer stand-alone plans with dental, vision, hearing, or combinations of these three specifically for Medicare-eligible individuals. You may be required to enroll in the company’s Medicare Supplement Plan to enroll, but some plans are available to you with a Supplement if you are not in a Medicare Advantage Plan.

Some Medicare Supplement Plans may offer hearing or vision discounts as a part of their value-added benefits. Note that these discounts are not insurance coverage and will not cover routine examinations.

Additionally, if you have any part of Medicare, you are not eligible to enroll in any plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace, including dental plans.

By: Steven Thomas Smith

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