Coverage gaps
Many older adults need glasses, hearing aids and dental work, but Medicare typically won’t pay for any of these services. And if your health deteriorates to the point where you need extensive long-term care, Medicare will pick up the tab for only a very limited amount of time and under specific circumstances. Here’s a look at some commonly needed medical services that Medicare doesn’t pay for.
Dental care
Medicare doesn’t pay for routine dental cleanings and fillings. Dentures and other types of dental devices aren’t covered either. Medicare Part A might pay for certain dental services received while hospitalized during an emergency.
Hearing aids
Medicare won’t pay for a hearing aid or the exam required to select and fit an appropriate device. However, Medicare could cover a hearing and balance exam if your doctor determines it’s necessary.
Routine eye examinations
Vision checks for the purpose of prescribing glasses and contact lenses are not covered by Medicare. However, eye exams and tests may be covered by Medicare Part B for people with specific conditions, such as an annual glaucoma test for high-risk retirees, a yearly eye exam for diabetic retinopathy and tests and treatments for age-related macular degeneration.
Glasses and contacts
Many older people need corrective lenses to see clearly, but Medicare typically doesn’t cover the cost of glasses or contact lenses. However, if you receive cataract surgery that implants an intraocular lens, Medicare will cover one pair of eyeglasses or one set of contact lenses provided by a Medicare-approved supplier.
Cosmetic surgery
Medicare won’t cover most types of cosmetic surgery. However, if the surgery is due to an injury or deformity, Medicare might pay for it. For example, Medicare will cover a breast prosthesis for breast cancer survivors.
Routine foot care
Medicare Part B will cover medically necessary podiatrist services for foot injuries, including hammer toes, bunions and heel spurs. However, Medicare won’t cover routine foot care such as the removal of corns and calluses, nail maintenance or foot cleaning. Foot exams and treatments could be covered for those with diabetes or other specific conditions.
Acupuncture
This Chinese medicine procedure involves inserting needles into the skin at specific places on the body and is thought to relieve various ailments. However, Medicare won’t pay for acupuncture treatments.
Care received outside the U.S.
Medicare typically won’t cover health care received in another country. However, there are a couple of rare instances when Medicare will pay, such as if a foreign hospital is closer than the nearest U.S. hospital for a retiree injured in the U.S. or if you receive emergency medical services in Canada while traveling between Alaska and the continental U.S.
Personal care
If you need to hire help for bathing, dressing or getting out of bed, Medicare typically won’t cover the cost. Medicare also generally won’t pay for housekeeping services, such as help with shopping, meals delivered to your home or 24-hour assistance at home.
Long-term care
Medicare will pay for a short-term stay at a nursing facility if it follows a hospital stay of three or more days. While there’s no cost-sharing requirements for the first 20 days of care, you’ll owe $161 per day for days 21 through 100. Medicare won’t pay out benefits on nursing home stays that exceed 100 days.
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10 Medical Services Medicare Doesn’t Cover originally appeared on usnews.com
