Medicare is a federal health insurance program for Americans over the age of 65, as well as some people under the age of 65 if they have specific disabilities. Medicare can assist you financially with a variety of healthcare options, including the AETNA Medicare Assist Plan, drug plans for seniors, Mutual of Omaha Medicare supplement insurance, or you can purchase Medicare supplement insurance. There are 3 parts of medicare: Part A which covers hospital stays, Part B which covers different doctor services, and Medicare drug Part D that covers the cost of prescription drugs and some vaccines. However, before you sign up for Medicare, you must understand that there are some things that the insurance plan does not cover. If you are considering Medicare to financially help for any of the below mentioned purposes, you should probably think twice:

1. Routine eye exams

Medicare does not provide coverage for standard eye exams related to eyeglasses or contact lenses, meaning you are responsible for bearing the full cost of such routine examinations. However, if you have diabetes or face a heightened risk of glaucoma, Medicare will extend coverage for routine eye exams administered by a state-authorized physician. Additionally, in the event of specific chronic eye conditions like glaucoma or cataracts, Medicare may include expenses for surgeries, eyeglasses, contact lenses, or diagnostic eye examinations.

2. Routine dental appointments

Medicare Part A includes coverage for hospital stays necessitated by emergency dental problems. However, it does not cover the majority of dental care expenses, including various procedures and supplies, such as cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, dentures, dental plates, and other dental appliances. The reason for this omission is mainly due to the limited evolution of Medicare since its inception in 1965—the addition of dental care into the program would be costly.

3. Hearing aids

Medicare does not include coverage for both hearing aids and assessments related to hearing aid fittings. On occasion, Medicare might extend coverage for diagnostic hearing evaluations, but only if it’s suggested by your primary care physician or another qualified medical professional to determine the necessity. The rationale behind the lack of coverage for hearing aids is based on the assumption that they are generally considered routine and have a relatively low cost, thus placing the expectation on consumers to cover these expenses.

4. Long term care

Long-term care encompasses a variety of services and assistance aimed at fulfilling the personal care needs of individuals coping with particular chronic illnesses or disabilities. This form of care primarily addresses fundamental daily activities, such as dressing, using the restroom, and bathing. Long-term care can be received in various settings, including one’s own home, within the community, in an assisted living facility, or in a nursing home. The majority of these services are typically not covered by Medicare.

5. Dentures

As noted, Medicare’s coverage does not extend to dental care, and unfortunately dentures are also not included in the coverage. The expenses associated with dentures can fluctuate significantly, contingent on factors such as the material used, the type of dentures, and your geographical location. Hence, it’s advisable to thoroughly explore cost-effective options when seeking dentures.