In most cases, Original Medicare doesn't cover routine dental care, routine eye exams for glasses, eyeglasses, hearing aids, or exams for fitting hearing aids, so you pay all costs. There are limited exceptions: Medicare may cover some dental care linked to certain medical treatments, one pair of standard glasses or contacts after cataract surgery with an implanted lens, and diagnostic hearing and balance exams ordered by your doctor. Many Medicare Advantage plans offer extra dental, vision, or hearing benefits, but the details vary by plan.
Does Original Medicare cover dental care?
Medicare.gov says that in most cases, Medicare doesn't cover dental services like routine cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, or items like dentures and implants.
Medicare may cover some dental services when they're linked to the success of a covered medical treatment. Medicare.gov's examples include:
- An oral exam and dental treatment before a heart valve replacement or a bone marrow, organ, or kidney transplant.
- Dental or oral exams before and during Medicare-covered dialysis if you have End-Stage Renal Disease.
- Some dental services you get when admitted to the hospital for a dental procedure because of an underlying condition or the severity of the procedure.
For dental services covered under Part B, Medicare.gov says you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible.
Does Original Medicare cover vision care?
Routine eye exams: Medicare.gov says Medicare doesn't cover routine eye exams (also called eye refractions) for eyeglasses or contact lenses. You pay all costs.
Glasses and contacts: Medicare Part B doesn't usually cover them. The exception: Part B covers one pair of eyeglasses with standard frames, or one set of contact lenses, after each cataract surgery that implants an intraocular lens. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible. Medicare.gov says Medicare will only pay if the supplier participates in Medicare.
Medicare does cover some eye care tied to medical conditions. Check Medicare.gov's coverage pages for the specific test you're billed for.
Does Original Medicare cover hearing care?
Hearing aids: Medicare.gov says Medicare doesn't cover hearing aids or exams for fitting hearing aids. You pay all costs.
Hearing and balance exams: Part B covers diagnostic hearing and balance exams if your doctor orders them to find out if you need medical treatment. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible. Medicare.gov adds that you can see an audiologist once every 12 months without an order, but only for certain conditions, like hearing loss that develops over many years.
What about Medicare Advantage extra benefits?
Medicare.gov notes that Medicare Advantage plans may offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn't cover, like some vision, hearing, and dental services. Before you assume you're covered, check your plan's Evidence of Coverage for:
- Annual dollar limits. Many plans cap what they'll pay each year.
- Covered services. Some cover only cleanings and exams. Others include fillings or dentures.
- Networks. Dental and vision benefits often use a separate network.
- Copays and coinsurance.
- Waiting periods or frequency limits, like one exam a year.