Introduction
Medicare covers a wide range of essential services but not everything. If you assume Medicare takes care of all your healthcare costs, you might be surprised by what’s not included.
Let’s explore what’s missing from Original Medicare, and how to protect yourself with smart supplemental options.
🧾 What Original Medicare (Parts A & B) Does NOT Cover
- Routine dental care (cleanings, fillings, dentures)
- Vision exams or eyeglasses
- Hearing aids and hearing exams
- Long-term custodial care (nursing homes or assisted living)
- Overseas emergency care
- Most prescription drugs
💸 What This Means Financially
These exclusions can result in:
- Out-of-pocket surprises
- Delayed or skipped care
- Difficulty budgeting for future needs
💡 Options to Fill the Gaps
1. Medicare Supplement (Medigap):
- Works with Original Medicare
- Helps cover coinsurance, copayments, deductibles
- Some plans include foreign travel emergency coverage
2. Medicare Advantage (Part C):
- Replaces Original Medicare with an all-in-one plan
- Often includes dental, vision, hearing, and prescription drugs
- Network restrictions may apply
3. Standalone Dental/Vision/Hearing Plans:
- Can be added separately if your current plan lacks coverage
4. Part D Prescription Drug Plans:
- Required if you want drug coverage and are not in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes it
🧠 Planning Tip
Think about your lifestyle and health habits. Do you wear glasses, use hearing aids, or plan to travel internationally? These factors should influence which type of plan fits your needs.
Conclusion
Medicare is a strong foundation, but it’s not all-inclusive. Understanding what’s not covered helps you prepare for real-life expenses. If you’re unsure where to start, a licensed agent can walk you through the options that fill these gaps and help you feel confident in your coverage.
