Medicare is an essential part of healthcare. It helps prevent many out-of-pocket expenses and even covers a large portion of your health expenses after a certain age. Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B are pretty comprehensive in their coverage. But, it is essential to understand that there are gaps in Medicare coverage. Read on to learn more about what exactly is not covered and how you can get coverage for these services.
Dental care
Medicare Part A does cover certain parts of dental services. But, for the most part, dental care, including X-rays, fillings, and even cleaning sessions, is not covered by Medicare. So, if you want coverage, you may opt for an extra plan.
Vision
Medicare also does not cover any eye examinations and eye care in general. This also includes the cost of contacts, eyeglasses, and more. Medicare Part B does offer some coverage for contacts and glasses only if you have had cataract surgery. But even here, the deductibles and costs may vary. If you want vision coverage, you can look into a Medicare Advantage plan.
Hearing
Hearing issues are another aspect of healthcare not covered by general Medicare. This includes hearing aids and the examinations required to test for hearing aids. But, on the bright side, Medicare does offer coverage for general diagnostic examinations if the doctors deem it necessary.
Prescription treatments
Both Medicare Part A and Part B do not provide any coverage for prescription treatments. If you do want any treatment coverage, you need to opt for Medicare Part D from a private company, or you can get prescription coverage under the Medicare Advantage Plan.
Long-term care and nursing services
Individuals with certain conditions or beyond a certain age need long-term care. This can be a massive expense, but unfortunately, it is not covered by Medicare. Medicare Advantage may offer limited benefits with in-home help. But even then, there are very few plans with a limited amount of coverage.
Healthcare abroad
Your Medicare coverage is invalid if you’re outside the U.S. or certain U.S. territories. It is safer to opt for supplemental coverage or purchase travel insurance before any trip. You can also purchase insurance in the country you’re flying to.
Deductibles
If you opt for Medicare A and Medicare B, you will still have to pay out-of-pocket for certain services. These payments are usually in the form of deductibles and coinsurance. If you have certain conditions, these payments could get very expensive. What you can instead do is opt for a Medigap plan that can help cover the out-of-pocket costs. You could also opt for a Medicare Advantage plan.
Foot care
Regular foot care, such as trimming nails, removing corns and calluses, or even treating ingrown toenails, are not covered by Medicare.
Cosmetic surgery
Medicare does not provide any coverage for surgeries and procedures that are considered to be cosmetic in nature. But, they may consider the case if the surgery has to be done due to accidental injury or to improve bodily functions.
Chiropractic and acupuncture services
Typically, Medicare does not provide any coverage for chiropractic and acupuncture services. These services may only be covered to treat back pain if the service is ordered and verified by the doctor.
Besides these services, Medicare does not cover certain healthcare supplies and equipment, which include incontinence pads, catheters, surgical facemasks, or compression leggings. In addition, there is no coverage for motorized scooters, stairway elevators, grab bars, air conditioners, and bathtub and toilet seats that are required to make daily life accessible and convenient. Also, home modifications like ramps or widened doors for better wheelchair access are not included in Medicare plans. The healthcare equipment that is used in hospitals but not suitable for home use, such as paraffin bath units and oscillating beds, are also not covered.
