Does Medicare cover dental, vision and hearing?
Dental: what Original Medicare covers and doesn't
Original Medicare doesn't cover most dental care, including routine cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, dentures and implants. Medigap policies generally don't cover it either.
Medicare may cover some dental services that are closely tied to a covered medical treatment. Examples include:
- An oral exam and dental treatment before a heart valve replacement or organ transplant
- Pulling a tooth to treat a mouth infection before cancer treatment
- Dental exams and treatment of infections for people with end-stage kidney disease getting dialysis
- Some dental services during a hospital stay because of a medical condition or the seriousness of the procedure
For covered Part B dental services, you generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible.
Vision: eye exams and eyeglasses
Original Medicare doesn't cover routine eye exams for glasses or contacts, and it generally doesn't pay for eyeglasses or contact lenses.
- After cataract surgery: Part B covers one pair of eyeglasses with standard frames, or one set of contact lenses, after each cataract surgery that implants a lens. You pay 20% after the Part B deductible, plus any cost for upgraded frames, and the supplier must be enrolled in Medicare.
- Diabetes: Medicare covers one eye exam per year for diabetic eye disease.
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Find licensed care near youHearing: exams and hearing aids
Original Medicare doesn't cover hearing aids or exams to fit them. Part B does cover diagnostic hearing and balance exams when a doctor orders them to check whether your parent needs medical treatment. Your parent can also see an audiologist once every 12 months without an order for gradual hearing loss.
Over-the-counter hearing aids are another option. The FDA allows adults 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss to buy them in stores or online without a prescription or exam. They aren't meant for severe hearing loss, so a hearing test is still a good idea.
Medicare Advantage and other ways to get coverage
- Medicare Advantage: Many plans include some dental, vision and hearing benefits. Coverage differs by plan, and you may need to use the plan's network, so read what's included. See Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare.
- Medicaid: Adult dental coverage varies by state. Some states cover a lot, others very little.
- Separate policies: Some people buy stand-alone dental or vision insurance or discount plans. Check any waiting periods, yearly limits and which providers you can use.
Use Open Enrollment to compare
Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, and changes take effect January 1. If dental, vision or hearing matter to your parent, compare how each plan covers them, and make sure their dentist and eye doctor are in the network. Our Open Enrollment checklist walks through the rest. A free State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselor can also help.
seniorcare.si can show licensed home care near your ZIP code if hearing or vision changes are making daily life harder.
Common questions
Does Medicare pay for dentures?
Original Medicare doesn't cover dentures. Some Medicare Advantage plans include dental benefits that may help, but coverage and limits vary by plan.
Will Medicare pay for glasses after cataract surgery?
Yes. Part B covers one pair of eyeglasses with standard frames, or one set of contacts, after each cataract surgery that implants a lens. You pay 20% after the Part B deductible.
Does Medigap cover dental, vision or hearing?
Generally no. Medigap helps pay costs in Original Medicare but usually doesn't cover eye care, dental care, eyeglasses or hearing aids.
Can my parent buy hearing aids without a prescription?
Yes, if they're 18 or older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. Over-the-counter hearing aids are sold in stores and online, but Original Medicare won't pay for them.