Dental Vision Hearing Coverage

Original Medicare only provides coverage for dental, vision benefits plans, and hearing when these services are related to inpatient or outpatient medical necessity, including hearing aid coverage.

Medicare dental coverage is very limited and primarily designed to protect your general health to ensure that other Medicare-covered health services proceed smoothly. It does not cover routine checkups, cleanings, fillings, dentures (full or partial), or most tooth extractions. Additionally, Medicare Supplements do not provide these extra benefits. However, certain Medicare Advantage plans may include additional dental benefits as part of their network-based plans, alongside other offerings like hearing aid coverage and vision benefits plans.

In most cases, Original Medicare does not include coverage for routine eye exams, eyeglasses, or contact lenses, which are essential vision benefits. Normally, Medicare will pay only if you have cataract surgery that implants an intraocular lens. After that specific surgery, Medicare Part B will help cover corrective lenses, including one pair of eyeglasses or one set of contact lenses provided by an ophthalmologist. However, the drawback 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 upgraded frames. 

Part B also covers a glaucoma screening every 12 months but only for people at high risk for it. This includes those with diabetes, a family history of glaucoma, African Americans who are 50 or older, and Hispanic Americans who are 65 or older. 

Additionally, eye prostheses are covered for patients with absence or shrinkage of an eye due to birth defects, trauma, or surgical removal, and it typically covers replacement every five years. Part B will also cover certain diagnostic tests 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), then finding a stand-alone vision benefits plan or one where vision benefits are included will be required. It’s also worthwhile to consider that many people look for options like hearing aid coverage and Medicare dental coverage, which can enhance overall health care.

If you only have Original Medicare, it does not provide hearing aid coverage, as Part B does not cover hearing aids. However, it does include some hearing tests, such as diagnostic hearing and balance exams. For your initial screenings, you will need to consult your primary care provider. Once they determine that you require additional treatment, your Part B coverage will help pay for a portion of those costs. 

After extensive research, we have found that the best option for our clients is to enroll in a stand-alone plan that combines Medicare dental coverage, vision benefits plans, and hearing benefits. The monthly premium is low and offers more comprehensive coverage than what you would typically receive with just Original Medicare.

Fill out the form below, and we will be in contact soon to discuss your hearing aid coverage, Medicare dental coverage, and vision benefits plans.