7 Things Medicare Won’t Cover
After decades of paying taxes and preparing for retirement, you might assume that Medicare will pay for all of the medical care you need after age 65. But in reality, the program does have its limits. It’s important to understand what Medicare does and does not cover, so that you can plan to pay for some services another way.
Dental care. You might be surprised to learn that Original Medicare doesn’t actually pay for routine dental exams and services like filling cavities. It also will not cover the cost of dentures. But some Medicare Advantage plans do include dental coverage. A supplemental plan might also offer you another option.
Cosmetic surgery. If you need reconstructive cosmetic surgery due to an illness or accident, Medicare might cover it. But it won’t pay for any type of cosmetic surgery that is considered “optional.”
Podiatry. This one might surprise you. Not all podiatry services are covered by Medicare, so you should make a plan to potentially spend out of pocket for healthy feet. Of course, consulting with your podiatrist will help you understand what your plan does and does not cover.
Hearing aids. Medicare does offer coverage for treatment of medical problems concerning the ears. But the cost of hearing aids is not included. Luckily, many types of hearing aid are sold over the counter now, making them much more affordable for everyone.
Vision care. If you sustain an injury or an illness in your eye, Medicare will cover the treatment. But routine vision screenings, along with corrective lenses, are not covered by Original Medicare.
Long-term nursing care. Only short-term stays in rehabilitative facilities are covered by Medicare. For long-term nursing care, such as within a nursing home or assisted living facility, you should plan to self pay or enroll in long-term care insurance before you retire.
Care in other countries. Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare are both limited to the United States. So if you need medical care while traveling abroad, you might end up self-paying. A Medigap policy is often the solution for those who spend time out of the country frequently.
Since medical care can get expensive, we want you to feel familiar with your Medicare plan. And if you aren’t satisfied with the coverage, we can help you investigate other types of Medicare plan or supplemental plans. Just give us a call to schedule a free appointment, and take advantage to speak with a knowledgeable licensed agent.
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