Dental Coverage Under Original Medicare
Original Medicare generally does not cover routine dental care. Cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, dentures, dental plates, and other dental devices are excluded. This is one of the most frequently cited gaps in Medicare coverage.
There are narrow exceptions. Medicare Part A may cover dental services that are an integral part of a covered procedure — for example, reconstruction of the jaw following accidental injury, or dental exams required before certain medical procedures (such as a kidney transplant or heart valve replacement). But these are medical contexts, not routine dental care.
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Vision Coverage Under Original Medicare
Original Medicare does not cover routine eye exams for eyeglasses or contact lenses, nor does it pay for the eyeglasses or contacts themselves. However, Medicare does cover certain medically necessary eye care:
- Annual eye exams for diabetic retinopathy (for people with diabetes)
- Glaucoma tests (for people at high risk)
- Macular degeneration treatment
- Cataract surgery — including one pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses after surgery with an implant
Hearing Coverage Under Original Medicare
Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or routine hearing exams for the purpose of fitting hearing aids. Medicare Part B may cover diagnostic hearing and balance exams if ordered by a doctor to determine if you need medical treatment — but the distinction between a "diagnostic" exam and a "routine" hearing test matters for coverage purposes.
Hearing aids can cost from several hundred to several thousand dollars per ear. For retirees with age-related hearing loss, this can be a meaningful out-of-pocket expense.
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How to Fill the Gaps
Several options exist for covering dental, vision, and hearing services that Original Medicare excludes:
Medicare Advantage plans: Many Medicare Advantage plans include dental, vision, and hearing benefits as part of their package. Coverage levels, provider networks, and annual benefit limits vary significantly between plans. Some plans offer comprehensive coverage; others provide basic preventive services only. Review the specific Summary of Benefits before enrolling.
Standalone dental and vision insurance: Private dental and vision plans are available outside of Medicare. These typically have monthly premiums, annual benefit maximums, and waiting periods for certain procedures. They are an option for people who stay with Original Medicare and want dental or vision coverage.
Discount programs: Some organizations and dental schools offer reduced-rate dental services. Over-the-counter hearing aids (available since 2022 for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss) have also expanded access at lower price points.
Important note: Medigap plans do not cover dental, vision, or hearing services. Medigap covers the cost-sharing gaps in Original Medicare — but since Original Medicare does not cover these services, there is no gap for Medigap to fill.
"Dental, vision, and hearing are not extras in retirement — they are essentials. Plan for them separately from your Medicare coverage."
Looking for plans that include dental, vision, and hearing?
Compare Medicare plans with extra benefits in your state →This article is for educational purposes only. Coverage varies by plan, insurer, and location. Verify options at Medicare.gov and with your plan's Summary of Benefits.
