Original Medicare consists of Medicare Part A and Part B. While this coverage includes most medical treatments, its coverage is limited when it comes to vision, dental, and hearing. Despite this, you still have options when getting vision, dental, and hearing coverage.
What Vision Coverage Does Original Medicare Offer?
Medicare won’t cover routine eye exams, but there are certain procedures and devices it will cover. Any coverage related to vision has to be tied to a medical condition. Medicare Part B offers coverage for the vision treatments and services covered under Medicare.
Part B covers:
- Cataract surgery
- Annual glaucoma screenings for at-risk individuals
- Diabetic retinopathy screenings once per year for individuals with diabetes
- Diagnostic tests for age-related macular degeneration, as well as certain treatments with injectable medications for this condition
Part B also covers eyeglasses and corrective lenses, but only if it’s for cataract surgery involving implanted lenses. The cataract surgery either has to be done with standard or laser techniques.
What Dental Services Does Medicare Cover?
Dental coverage is limited to emergency situations. Routine visits, cleanings, extractions, and fillings do not fall under Medicare’s coverage. But the Part responsible for dental coverage in certain situations is Medicare Part A.
Medicare Part A covers emergency oral surgeries and exceptionally complicated dental procedures. Part A offers coverage within the inpatient setting, so this type of covered dental care will have to take place in a hospital or other inpatient facility.
Medicare Part B does not have any role in dental coverage, and it also will not cover dentures as part of its durable medical equipment coverage.
What Hearing Services Will Original Medicare Cover?
Medicare won’t cover any routine hearing exams or hearing aids. Medicare Part B will cover any hearing-related services covered under Medicare.
Medicare Part B only covers hearing or balance exams that are ordered by your physician or other healthcare professional. Medicare won’t cover hearing services if you seek them on your own.
How Much Will I Pay For Vision, Dental, And Hearing?
For services covered under Part A, your treatments will be fully covered after you meet a $1,556 deductible.
For Part B-covered services, you will only pay 20% out-of-pocket after meeting a $233 deductible, plus the facility’s separate copayment costs.
Can I Expand My Coverage?
If you want more coverage for vision, dental, and hearing, you may want to enroll in Medicare Advantage (Part C). This covers everything Original Medicare does, plus the routine vision, dental, and hearing services Original Medicare doesn’t cover.
This is only available through private insurance, and you must have Original Medicare before enrolling. You can enroll in Medicare Advantage during the Annual Enrollment Period, which lasts from October 15 to December 7.
Get The Coverage You Need Today
At Medicare With Jake, we will help you find a policy that meets your medical needs. If you’re ready to learn more about your dental, vision, and hearing coverage options, call us today at (833) NOW-JAKE.
