Original Medicare (Parts A & B) helps pay for “medically necessary” care. This means care that’s required to diagnose or treat an illness or condition.
Does Medicare cover dental care?
Dental care is not seen as medically necessary by Medicare. Original Medicare generally doesn’t cover dental exams, procedures or supplies. Part A, however, may help with certain dental services while you’re in the hospital.
Does Medicare cover vision care?
Vision care is not seen as medically necessary, so Original Medicare doesn’t cover eye exams, eyeglasses or other related vision services.
However, Medicare Part B may cover some things for vision including preventive or diagnostic eye exams, including glaucoma tests, yearly eye exams to test for diabetic retinopathy and eye tests for macular degeneration, cataract surgery and prescription lenses or eyeglasses in certain situations.
But fear not, you have options if you have Medicare and want some help with the cost of dental and vision care. Learn how to get dental, vision and hearing care covered when choosing Medicare in the video below.
Getting Medicare coverage for dental, vision & hearing
White text appears over a blue background.
ON SCREEN TEXT: How to Get Dental, Vision & Hearing
Coverage?
One by one, graphics of a toothbrush with toothpaste spread across the bristles, a human ear, and an eye examination poster, appear alongside each other.
NARRATOR: How can I get coverage for dental, vision, and hearing with Medicare?
Two icons appear. One of a hospital bed is labelled “Medicare Part A.” The second icon is of a stethoscope and labelled “Medicare Part B.”
NARRATOR: Medicare Part A and part B do not provide coverage for dental, vision and hearing.
The icons of the toothbrush, eye exam, and human ear appear. All three of them have a red X marked overtop of them.
A sheet of paper with text and a checkmark appears beside them.
ON SCREEN TEXT: Medicare
Advantage
NARRATOR: Fortunately, Medicare Advantage plans may offer coverage for these things.
Against a blue background, icons of a pill bottle, a cell phone with a stethoscope on the screen, a car, a medal, workout equipment, and a house with a plus sign labeled on the side, appear.
NARRATOR: Many Medicare Advantage plans may also provide prescription drug coverage, telehealth, transportation benefits, healthy member rewards, fitness memberships and more.
Text appears above icons of a stethoscope, a pill bottle, a heart, a plus sign, and an H.
ON SCREEN TEXT: Benefits will vary by plan and provider
NARRATOR: Be aware that covered benefits and costs will vary by plan and provider, so review your options carefully.
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ON SCREEN TEXT: Medicare Made Clear
brought to you by UnitedHealthcare
<©2021> United Healthcare Services, Inc. All rights reserved. Medicare Made Clear® by UnitedHealthcare® Y0066_MedicareDentalVision_C
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ON SCREEN TEXT: United
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Do Medicare Advantage plans cover dental and vision?
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans can offer coverage for dental and vision health items in addition to also offering the same coverage as Original Medicare. Most also include prescription drug coverage as well as other benefits such as hearing health coverage and gym memberships.
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies. The plans available to you depend on where you live. What specific dental and vision items are covered and how much they cost will vary from plan to plan.
Do D-SNP plans cover dental and vision?
A Dual-Eligible Special Needs plan (D-SNP) is a type of Medicare Advantage plan for people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid coverage. Like Medicare Advantage plans, D-SNPs offer coverage that Original Medicare does not. This often includes dental and vision coverage.
As with other Medicare Advantage plans, D-SNP plan costs and coverage will vary from plan to plan.
Find plans in your area
You can search and compare available Medicare plans with dental and vision coverage in your area using this simple tool. Just enter your ZIP code, and the tool will generate a list of plans offered where you live.
You may choose plans from the list to learn about and compare. Estimated annual costs and plan ratings for each plan may help you find a plan that may help you meet your needs.
The insurance companies offering plans in your area may be able to provide more information and answer your questions. Just contact them directly.
Regular dental and vision exams are important for maintaining overall health. It’s important to research your options and to find a plan that provides the services you want and need.
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Medicare Made Clear brought to you by UnitedHealthcare provides Medicare education so you can make informed decisions about your health and Medicare coverage.