Having Medicare coverage might be the deciding factor for many retirees between receiving adequate medical care and going without. Medicare is the primary health insurance for more than 64 million Americans. Medicare Advantage is a supplement to Original Medicare Parts A and B that allows the 22 million people who qualify to pay for medical care that is not covered by the basic plan. Wondering what Medicare doesn’t cover? Let’s find it out!

The original Medicare program only pay for Medicare-approved medically required services and supplies. Medicare will only pay for treatment that has been deemed “medically necessary” by your doctor.

You may be researching Medicare plans if you’re getting near the Medicare eligibility age of 65. To know what is and is not covered by Original Medicare is often just as important. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to decide whether or not you’d be better off with Original Medicare benefits plus a Medicare Advantage or Medicare supplement plan.

Original Medicare (Parts A & B) usually provides several medical and hospital facilities. Many people are shocked to hear that Original Medicare does not cover prescription medications. You can buy prescription coverage through Part D of Medicare, but Part A or Part B doesn’t provide it.

Any other facilities not protected by Original Medicare are included in the list below. If you have a different policy that covers them, you will have to pay for these services yourself. Some proposals for Medicare Advantage (Part C) can also cover some of these programs. 

What Medicare Doesn’t Cover?

Initial (Parts A & B) Medicare does not cover: 

  • Dental regular examinations, most dental care or dentures
  • Face tests, eyeglasses, or contacts regularly. 
  • Hearing aids or associated tests or facilities 
  • Most care while moving beyond the U.S. 
  • Bathing, dressing, dining, etc. help (custodial care) 
  • Comfort things such as a phone from a hospital, a TV, or a private room 
  • Long Term Treatment 
  • Cosmetic Surgery 
  • Most facilities in chiropractic
  • Acupuncture or such other natural therapies 
  • Foot Treatment Routine

Original Medicare does not cover anything about your health you may like or need. To deal with certain expenses that Medicare doesn’t cover, you can opt to add Medicare replacement insurance. Or you may want to search for a Medicare Advantage (Part C) package that offers the above forms of benefits while still covering Sections A, B, and Part D prescription drugs.

All in all, self-administered prescription drugs are not covered by Original Medicare unless you have a separate Part D policy. Part A will cover the cost of any prescription medications you need while a hospital inpatient. Part B covers medications you receive from your doctor or other medical professionals while in their care.

Reach out Today at NewMedicare.