First Time on Medicare: New Beneficiary Guide
Your 65th birthday is a deadline, not just a milestone. Three months before, start learning Medicare, enroll in Part B and D, and choose a plan. Late moves cost you.
Dental, Vision, and Hearing in Medicare
Original Medicare leaves you on your own for dental, vision, and hearing. Medicare Advantage often includes these; supplemental plans can add coverage. Know your options before AEP.
What Original Medicare doesn't cover
Original Medicare (Part A + B) doesn't pay for dental cleanings, fillings, dentures, vision exams, glasses, contacts, hearing aids, or exams. These services come out of your pocket.
The only exception: if a tooth extraction or certain dental services are done as part of jaw surgery or radiation therapy for cancer, Original Medicare may help pay.
Medicare Advantage often includes them
Many Medicare Advantage plans bundle dental, vision, or hearing benefits. Cleanings may be free; exams may be free or low-cost. But coverage limits vary widely — some pay for 1 exam yearly, others 2.
Hearing aid coverage (if included) often caps at $0–$500/year, which is far less than hearing aids cost. Review the summary of benefits before enrolling.
Medigap + standalone policies
Medigap plans (supplemental) don't include dental or vision, but some insurers offer add-on dental and vision riders for extra premiums. Coverage is often modest (preventive cleaning/exam, limited restorative).
Standalone dental, vision, and hearing insurance exists but typically has waiting periods, annual maximums, and exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
Budget and plan accordingly
If you're choosing between Medicare Advantage with dental/vision and Original Medicare + Medigap, factor in out-of-pocket dental and vision costs. An Advantage plan with $50 copays but no premium might cost less than Original + Medigap if you skip dental.
If you wear glasses, need regular dental care, or use hearing aids, ask whether each plan option covers them affordably.
Frequently asked questions
Can Original Medicare ever pay for dental work?
Rarely. If a tooth extraction is part of jaw surgery or cancer treatment, Original Medicare may cover the dental surgery itself, but not routine care.
Do all Medicare Advantage plans include dental?
Most do, but not all. Review the plan's summary of benefits to see what's included and any annual maximums or waiting periods.
Are hearing aids covered by Medicare?
No, Original Medicare doesn't cover them. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer hearing aid allowances ($0–$500/year typically), which falls far short of actual hearing aid costs ($1,000–$6,000+).
Can I buy a standalone dental plan while on Medicare?
Yes, but expect waiting periods (often 6–12 months for major services) and annual maximums ($600–$1,500 typically).
General educational information only, not medical, dental, or legal advice. Medicare coverage for dental, vision, and hearing varies by plan and can change. Confirm all details directly with your plan.
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