What isn't covered by Medicare?

Medicare is a federally funded health insurance program for individuals over the age of 65 and those with certain disabilities or chronic conditions. While Medicare covers a wide range of medical expenses, there are still several things that are not covered. In this article, we will explore what Medicare does not cover and what options individuals have to fill those gaps.Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

Long-term care
One of the most significant expenses not covered by Medicare is long-term care. This includes services such as nursing home care, assisted living facilities, and in-home care. While Medicare will cover short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility or home health care, it does not cover long-term care for chronic conditions.

Dental, vision, and hearing
Medicare does not cover routine dental, vision, or hearing care. This includes services such as eye exams, hearing aids, and routine dental cleanings. However, some Medicare Advantage plans may offer coverage for these services.

Cosmetic procedures
Medicare does not cover cosmetic procedures such as plastic surgery or procedures performed solely for cosmetic reasons. Exceptions may be made if the procedure is medically necessary, such as reconstructive surgery following an injury or mastectomy.

Prescription drugs
While Medicare does cover some prescription drugs, it does not cover all of them. Medicare Part D is a prescription drug plan that can be added to Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan to help cover the cost of prescription drugs. It's important to note that not all medications are covered under Medicare Part D, and some may require prior authorization or step therapy.

Overseas care
Medicare does not typically cover medical care received outside of the United States, except in limited circumstances. However, some Medicare Advantage plans offer coverage for emergency care received while traveling abroad.

Acupuncture
Medicare does not cover acupuncture, although some Medicare Advantage plans may offer coverage for acupuncture or other alternative therapies.

Cosmetic dentistry
Medicare does not cover cosmetic dentistry such as teeth whitening, veneers, or other cosmetic dental procedures.

In conclusion, while Medicare does provide substantial coverage for medical expenses, there are still many things it does not cover. It's important to understand what is covered by Medicare and what is not to avoid unexpected expenses. If you need coverage for the services not covered by Medicare, you may consider purchasing supplemental insurance or enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan that offers additional benefits.