Medicare is meant to cover the basics of senior health care, but many seniors are surprised it doesn’t cover a few basic services. We’ve listed 4 services that aren’t covered by Medicare, that you might have thought you may have been covered.

Medicare doesn’t Cover Rx Coverage

Most health insurance plans prior to turning 65 include drug coverage, and it may be surprising to learn that prescription drug coverage is not covered by Medicare. Yes, there are limited drugs covered under Medicare Part B such as: nebulizers, injectible and infused drugs, vaccinations, and immunosuppressive drugs, but the greater majority of prescription drugs not be covered. You will either be paid completely out of pocket or you can get Medicare Part D to help with Rx costs.

Medicare doesn’t Cover Hearing Aids

While Original Medicare does cover hearing tests your doctor orders, it does not cover hearing aids or exams for fitting hearing aids. Hearing tests are still subject to coinsurance and deductible.

Medicare doesn’t Cover Dental

This one is actually not that surprising, unless you got dental and medical through work. But Medicare doesn’t offer dental, however you can get a stand-alone senior dental plan.

Medicare Doesn’t Cover Vision For Most Seniors

Medicare Part B offers limited vision coverage. For instance, if you have cataract surgery that implants an intraocular lens, Medicare Part B will cover one set of eyeglasses or contact lenses. You are still responsible for your deductible and coinsurance. However, most seniors will find that their vision needs will not be covered by Medicare.

Ways to Cover Services that Medicare Doesn’t

There are a few ways to get coverage for the Medicare services described above. You can get stand-alone plans for dental, Rx coverage, vision, and/or hearing. Another way is Medicare Advantage. Many MA plans cover dental, vision, Rx, and may include hearing aids.

Some Medigap insurers may choose to aid dental, vision, and hearing aid coverage to your standardized plan, as well as Medigap plans will cover the cost of your Part B coinsurance, and more comprehensive plans will cover your Part B deductible, for the above services. But you will not be able to get a new Medigap plan that offers prescription drug coverage.

Remember to ask if these services are included in your plan by calling the number above or contacting Senior65.com.