Most Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans offer coverage for dental, vision, and hearing care in addition to also providing the same benefits as Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B). Also, most Medicare Advantage plans provide coverage for prescription drugs as well as other benefits such as gym memberships.
Medicare Advantage plans are provided by private health insurance companies approved by Medicare. What specific dental, vision, and hearing items are covered, and the pricing will vary from one Medicare Advantage plan to another.
Here are the things you need to know about Medicare Advantage coverage for dental, hearing, and vision care.
Medicare Advantage Dental Coverage
Medicare Part A and B will generally provide some dental coverage if you receive any dental services that are deemed medically necessary. For instance, Medicare may cover a tooth extraction procedure that is medically required for your jaw treatment. Or, if you are admitted with several mouth injuries and require emergency care, Medicare may offer limited coverage.
However, a Medicare Advantage plan with dental coverage may provide dental benefits that could include:
- Crowns
- Dental X-rays
- Routine dental exams
- Fillings
- Routine teeth cleanings
- Tooth extractions
- Gum disease treatment
- Root canals
- Bridges
- Dentures
- Dental implants
Keep in mind that the specific dental coverage provided by your Medicare Advantage plan may not offer all of the dental benefits listed above, so you may want to contact your Medicare Advantage plan carrier to know more about the dental coverage offered.
Medicare Advantage Hearing Coverage
Original Medicare may provide coverage for hearing treatment or a hearing-related health condition but it won’t cover devices required to improve hearing or exams to fit them. Medicare beneficiaries are responsible for 100% of these costs. In contrast, some Medicare Advantage plans provide coverage for hearing aids, and may also include coverage for fittings.
Medicare Advantage Vision Coverage
Original Medicare also provides limited coverage for vision. It doesn’t cover routine eye exams for glasses or contact lenses. Medicare Part B may cover diagnostic or preventive eye exams, which include glaucoma tests or annual eye exams.
Medicare Advantage will not only cover what Original Medicare does, but can also provide coverage for:
- Routine eye exams
- Upgraded frames
- Preventive exams
- Contact lenses and eyeglasses
Do keep in mind that not all Medicare Advantage plans will provide the same coverage, so it’s important that you compare each plan in your area and understand the coverage provided by each to determine which one will provide you with the coverage you need.
Contact Advocate Health Advisors today for more information about dental, vision, and hearing coverage through Medicare!
