Medicare Dental, Vision, Hearing
The big Medicare gap
Medicare dental, vision, hearing — explained.
What Original Medicare does not cover, and the three main ways people fill the gap.
What Original Medicare does not cover
Original Medicare does not pay for most routine dental cleanings, eyeglasses, or hearing aids. Some narrow exceptions exist when a service is medically necessary, but for daily preventive care, you usually pay out of pocket.
Three paths people take
- Medicare Advantage extras. Many Advantage plans include dental/vision/hearing allowances. Amount varies widely by ZIP.
- Standalone DVH plans. Bought separately. More predictable rules; usually a separate premium.
- Discount programs or out-of-pocket. Not insurance, but can save money for routine care.