Dental, vision & hearing —the gaps Original Medicare leaves.
Original Medicare generally doesn’t cover routine dental care, eye exams for glasses, or hearing aids. We help you compare the ways to fill that gap, from Medicare Advantage extra benefits to stand-alone plans.
Why so many people are surprised at 65.
Original Medicare focuses on hospital and medical care. Routine cleanings, fillings, dentures, eyeglasses, contact lenses, routine eye exams and hearing aids are generally not covered, and those costs add up quickly in retirement.
There are two main ways to cover them: a Medicare Advantage plan that includes dental, vision and hearing benefits, or stand-alone dental, vision and hearing plans paired with Original Medicare and a Medigap plan.
Generally not covered by Original Medicare
- Routine dental cleanings and fillings
- Dentures
- Routine eye exams for glasses
- Eyeglasses and contact lenses
- Hearing aids and fittings
Ways to cover dental, vision and hearing
Medicare Advantage extras
Many Medicare Advantage plans include some dental, vision and hearing benefits. Coverage levels, networks and annual maximums vary widely.
Stand-alone dental
Individual dental plans with their own premiums, waiting periods and annual maximums. Often paired with Original Medicare and Medigap.
Vision & hearing plans
Plans or discount programs for eye exams, glasses and hearing aids. We compare the options available in your area.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1–800–MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
Need dental, vision or hearing coverage?
We’ll compare the options with your doctors and budget in mind.
No cost for our help.