Medicare doesn’t cover several important healthcare services that many beneficiaries need. Understanding these gaps helps you plan for additional coverage options.
Original Medicare requires significant out-of-pocket spending through deductibles and coinsurance. Part A has a $1,736 deductible per benefit period, while Part B requires a $283 annual deductible plus 20% coinsurance for most services. There’s no annual limit on what you might pay.
Routine dental care isn’t covered, including cleanings, X-rays, fillings, and dentures. While Part A covers some dental services during a hospital stay, basic preventive dental care requires separate coverage.
Eye exams for glasses or contacts aren’t included, nor are the eyeglasses or contacts themselves. Part B only covers one pair after cataract surgery with an intraocular lens implant.
Hearing aids and related exams remain uncovered, leaving beneficiaries to pay the full cost for these often expensive devices.
Original Medicare Parts A and B don’t include prescription drug coverage. You’ll need to enroll in a separate Part D plan or choose a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage included.