Dental & Vision Coverage
Original Medicare doesn't cover routine dental or vision care. Here's how to get the coverage you need.
What Medicare doesn't cover
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) does not cover routine dental care, eyeglasses, contact lenses, or hearing aids. These are significant expenses for most seniors — and many are surprised to discover this gap when they first enroll in Medicare.
There are two main ways to get dental and vision coverage as a Medicare beneficiary: through a Medicare Advantage plan that includes these benefits, or through a standalone dental and/or vision plan.
Option 1: Medicare Advantage
Many Medicare Advantage plans include dental and vision benefits at no additional premium. Coverage varies by plan but may include:
- Annual dental cleanings and X-rays
- Basic restorative care (fillings, extractions)
- Major dental (crowns, dentures) on some plans
- Annual eye exams
- Allowance for eyeglasses or contacts
- Hearing exams and hearing aid allowance
Option 2: Standalone Plans
If you have Original Medicare or a Medicare Supplement plan, you can purchase standalone dental and vision coverage:
- Standalone dental plans from $20–$50/month
- Coverage for preventive, basic, and major dental
- Standalone vision plans from $10–$20/month
- Eye exam coverage + eyewear allowance
- Available from multiple carriers
- No network restrictions on some plans
Common questions about filling Medicare's routine-care gaps
If you are deciding between bundled extra benefits and standalone coverage, these are the practical questions to answer first.
No. Original Medicare generally does not cover routine cleanings, fillings, dentures, eyeglasses, contact lenses, or routine eye exams. Those needs are usually handled through Medicare Advantage benefits or separate standalone plans.
Find dental and vision coverage that fits your budget
Deborah will compare dental and vision options and help you find the best coverage at the best price.