As people sign up for Medicare, many beneficiaries forget to make a note of the insurance plan`s limitations. While Original Medicare helps pay for medically necessary care, it is a different story when it comes to covering dental, vision, and hearing procedures (DVH). Dental, vision, and hearing care are not viewed as necessary, medically.
Original Medicare doesn’t cover eye exams, dental exams, hearing tests, or other related services. It is important to understand your options, so you are prepared when your dentist or doctor schedules procedures or prescribes a procedure. Here is how to get dental, vision, and hearing coverage with Medicare.
Medicare Coverage of Dental Care
Medicare does not cover routine dental care. However, there are certain circumstances where Medicare can cover dental services. Medicare may cover your dental care service if they are an important part of another Medicare-covered procedure. For instance, if, as a Medicare beneficiary, you hurt your jaw in an accident, you may be covered by Medicare for jaw reconstruction if it is medically required to treat your injury.
Another way to get dental coverage under Medicare is to enroll in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan that offers dental benefits. Medicare Advantage is another way to get your Original Medicare benefits from a private insurer approved by Medicare. Some Advantage plans include benefits that are beyond what Original Medicare offers, including routine dental services. However, Medicare Advantage plans vary in terms of dental benefits offered, so check with the plan`s provider about what dental services are actually covered.
Medicare Coverage of Hearing Care
If you have Original Medicare, you will pay 100% of the cost. However, with the Medicare Advantage plan, you can get coverage for hearing care. Some of the hearing insurance Medicare Advantage plans can add to seniors’ benefits like hearing tests, hearing exams, hearing aid fittings, hearing aids, and treatment for hearing problems.
Medicare Advantage plans can help cover hearing aid costs such as tests, exams, and fittings. However, not all Advantage plans will cover all brands of hearing aids. Carefully look at the options provided by the network provider before selecting any plan. Some private insurers may also give recommendations.
Medicare Coverage of Vision care
In general, Medicare doesn’t cover contact lenses or eyeglasses. However, Part B may cover corrective lenses after a beneficiary has cataract surgery for intraocular lens implants. Medicare covers you for either contact lenses or a set of glasses following your surgery if you get these things from a medical supplier approved by Medicare.
That said, you will pay any extra costs if you upgrade your glass frames. In some other circumstances, beneficiaries will pay the entire cost for contact lenses and eyeglasses. In addition, some Medicare Advantage plans offer coverage for routine services such as contact lenses or glasses.
The Bottom Line
Regular dental, vision, and hearing care are important for maintaining overall health. It is crucial to research your options and find a plan that offers what best suits your needs. For more information, contact Temmen Insurance; our insurance agents are available to offer valuable help.