Does Medicare Include Dental Insurance?

Dental coverage is probably where Medicare is most lacking. Now, when we say “Medicare,” we’re talking about Original Medicare, which consists of Parts A and B

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Medicare Part B will cover dental treatment in a few instances, which are not common. For example, Part B would consider coverage in these cases:

*An oral exam needed prior to a kidney transplant

*Reconstruction of the jaw after an accident

*Tooth extractions prior to jaw radiation treatment

*Exams required before oral surgery

As you can see, many of us won’t experience these events. When it comes to other dental treatment that you’re more familiar with, like cleanings, crowns, bridges, fillings, root canals, and dentures, Medicare does not offer any coverage.

Does Medicare Include Vision Insurance?

Medicare offers vision coverage similar to how it offers dental coverage. It’ll help pay for a few more major things but doesn’t offer assistance for routine services.

First, let’s talk about eye exams, sometimes referred to as eye refractions. Medicare will not pay for routine checkups unless a more serious concern is present. For example, Medicare covers a glaucoma screening every 12 months, but only for people at high risk for it. High-risk people include those with diabetes, those with a family history of glaucoma, African Americans age 50 and older, and Hispanic Americans age 65 and older.

Medicare will also pay for certain diagnostic tests and treatment if you are diagnosed with macular degeneration.

Second, let’s look at eyeglasses and contact lenses. In most cases, these aren’t covered. However, there are some exceptions. If you have cataract surgery that includes the implantation of an intraocular lens, Medicare will pay for one pair of eyeglasses or contacts. The downside is that it will only cover this once per lifetime, and there are limitations on the kind of frames they allow.

Lastly, eye prostheses are covered for patients with the absence or shrinkage of an eye due to birth defects, trauma, or surgical removal. Medicare will cover a replacement every five years.

All these services fall under Medicare Part B. For each, the Part B deductible applies, then you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.

Medicare and Hearing Coverage

It’s time to talk about hearing exams and hearing aids.

Medicare does offer some coverage for hearing tests, as long as your doctor thinks they are medically necessary. Hearing exams used to diagnose or treat a hearing condition are allowed under Medicare.

You can also have an exam done every 12 months without your doctor’s permission if you have non-acute hearing conditions, such as hearing loss that occurs over several years, or if you need diagnostic services related to hearing loss that has been treated with a surgically-implanted hearing device.

Medicare does not cover hearing aids or the exams needed to fit the hearing aids.

Like vision services, hearing benefits also fall under Medicare Part B. Once you meet the deductible, Medicare pays 80% of approved services.

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Each person will have their own needs and budget when it comes to choosing the right dental, vision and hearing plans. Let one of our licensed Medicare agents guide you! Call us today or submit a request for a free consultation.