Medicare Explained

Medicare and dental insurance

Medicare has very limited dental coverage that is only meant to protect your general health in order for another Medicare-covered health service to go smoothly. It does not cover routine checkups, cleanings, fillings, dentures (full or partial), or most tooth extractions.
The only way you can gain this kind of coverage is through a Medicare Advantage plan that includes these benefits or through a standalone dental insurance plan.

Vision, Dental, & Hearing

Original Medicare only covers dental, vision, and hearing when it is related to inpatient or outpatient medical needs. In each section, we will detail what Medicare covers and then what you will need to purchase additional coverage for, should you need it. Should you need additional coverage, the good news is we can help!

Does Medicare include vision insurance?

In most cases, Original Medicare does not include coverage for routine eye exams, eyeglasses, or contact lenses.
One of the most common ways it will pay for them is following cataract surgery that implants an intraocular lens. Following that specific surgery, Medicare Part B will help pay for corrective lenses, one pair of eyeglasses or one set of contact lenses provided by an ophthalmologist.
However, the downside is it will only offer this benefit once per lifetime and they only pay for a standard pair of eyeglasses. You would be responsible for the cost of the upgraded frames.

Part B also covers a glaucoma screening every 12 months but only for people at high risk for it. This includes people with diabetes, people with a family history of glaucoma, African Americans who are 50+, and Hispanic Americans who are 65+. Eye prostheses are covered for patients with absence or shrinkage of an eye due to birth defects, trauma or surgical removal. It also covers replacement, typically every five years.
Part B will cover certain diagnostic testing and treatment of diseases and conditions of the eye.

If you are wanting routine eye exams and more than one pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses (or better than the standard frames), an inexpensive standalone vision plan is likely your best bet. Some Medicare Advantage plans may include appropriate coverage as well. However; you will need to consult a licensed Medicare insurance agent to discuss the plans in detail.