Original Medicare covers the basics if you have both Medicare Part A and B, however there are still some things that Medicare doesn’t cover at all.

What Medicare Doesn’t Cover

Here’s a list of some of the items that Medicare doesn’t cover:

  • Long-Term Care
  • Most Dental
  • Vision for prescription glasses
  • Dentures
  • Foreign Emergency Care*
  • Hearing Aids/Fittings
  • Cosmetic Surgery
  • Acupuncture
  • A year of Hospitalization
  • First 3 pints of blood for a transfusion
  • Most Prescription drug coverage

*Some emergency care may be covered while traveling in Canada.

Ways to Cover What Medicare Doesn’t

There are a few ways to get some of the above covered.

1) Medicare Advantage
These budget plans can cover extras like dental, vision, and Rx. While some plans may also extend hospitalization and offer foreign emergency care. Only thing with Medicare Advantage plans is you have a very small network of doctors and hospitals, no nationwide coverage, and you are still responsible for copays, coinsurance, and deductibles.

2) Medigap
Medigap supplements Original Medicare by covering such services as the first 3 pints of blood, extends hospitalization by a full year, offers foreign emergency healthcare, and coinsurance, deductibles, and copays. These plans are more expensive than MA plans, but if you get the most comprehensive plan you shouldn’t pay anything out-of-pocket for services covered by Medicare besides the Medigap premium premium.

3) Prescription Drug Plan
If you enroll in a Medigap plan or just Original Medicare you can get a Prescription Drug Plan that will help cover your prescription drug costs. Remember to run your entire drug list through a company’s drug formulary before deciding on a plan.

4) Long-Term Care Plan
Long-Term Care plans are offered to help with the costs of custodial care. These plans can be pricey and therefore it is suggested that you enroll in one of these plans in your early 60’s.

If you would like to learn more about ways to cover items that Medicare doesn’t cover call the number above or click here to get an instant Medicare Insurance quote.