medicare

Eight Things Medicare Doesn’t Pay For

AnnaMarie Morrow, Director of Medicare

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers many medical and hospital services. But some of the things it doesn’t cover might surprise you.

Here are eight things Medicare doesn’t pay for.

#1 Opticians and eye exams

While original Medicare does cover ophthalmologic expenses such as cataract surgery, it doesn’t cover routine eye exams, glasses, or contact lenses. Nor do any Medigap plans. Some Medicare Advantage plans cover routine vision care and glasses.  

#2 Hearing aids

Medicare covers ear-related medical conditions, but original Medicare and Medigap plans don’t pay for routine hearing tests or hearing aids.

#3 Dental work

Original Medicare and Medigap policies do not cover dental care such as routine checkups or big-ticket items, including dentures and root canals.  

#4 Overseas care

Medicare usually doesn’t cover health care while you’re traveling outside the United States. There are some rare exceptions on a ship, Alaska to U.S. travel through Canada, and when you live in the U.S., and a foreign hospital is closer to your home than the nearest U.S. hospital.

Some Medigap policies cover emergency overseas medical costs. Most plans have a $50,000 lifetime limit for foreign travel emergencies.  

#5 Cosmetic surgery

Medicare doesn’t generally cover elective surgery such as facelifts or tummy tucks. It will cover cosmetic surgery in the event of an accidental injury or, if needed, after another treatment, such as reconstruction following a mastectomy.  

#6 Chiropractic care

Original Medicare does not cover most chiropractic services or tests that a chiropractor orders, including X-rays. Part B pays for one manual spinal manipulation by a chiropractor to correct a vertebral subluxation. Some Medicare Advantage plans will cover chiropractic services.  

#7 Massage therapy

Original Medicare doesn’t cover massage therapy. When it comes to pain management, Medicare does cover chiropractic care in certain limited circumstances as well as physical and occupational therapy prescribed by a doctor. Some Medicare Advantage plans cover massage therapy.  

#8 Nursing home care

Medicare pays for limited stays in rehab facilities – for example if you have hip replacement and need inpatient physical therapy for several weeks. But if you become so frail or sick that you must move to an assisted living facility, Medicare won’t cover costs.

Sources: Medicare.govAARP.org


 

Medicare Part B Premium Will Decrease in 2023

September 29th, 2022

It’s not very often that we get to tell you about the cost […]

Read More

7 Reasons People Retire Earlier Than Planned

September 22nd, 2022

For 32 years, the Employee Benefits Research Institute has been surveying Americans about retirement. […]

Read More

Long-Term Care Readiness

September 15th, 2022

Someone turning age 65 today has almost a 70% chance of needing some […]

Read More

Spousal Succession Plan

September 8th, 2022

A little planning now can go a long way when life takes unexpected […]

Read More

Medicare Annual Enrollment is Almost Here

September 1st, 2022

It’s easy to think of Medicare as a one-time thing. Three months before […]

Read More

Possible Social Security Changes for 2023

August 18th, 2022

Another big cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) could be coming for Social Security recipients in […]

Read More

Understanding Financial Designations

August 11th, 2022

On our website, TV show, podcast, or YouTube channel, you may have noticed […]

Read More

Income Tax Law Changes and Your Retirement

August 4th, 2022

Many pre-retirees and retirees are cheering as Iowa joins a growing list of […]

Read More

7 (More) Great Ways to Spend Your Time in Retirement

July 28th, 2022

Are you ready to retire but unsure what to do with all the […]

Read More

7 Great Ways to Spend Your Time in Retirement

July 21st, 2022

We often hear, “I just don’t know what I would do if I […]

Read More

Ready to take your retirement to the next level?

Let's chat! Schedule a RetireReady Call to talk with a retirement planner about your retirement vision.

Ready to take your retirement to the next level?

Let's chat! Schedule a RetireReady Call to talk with a retirement planner about your retirement vision.

Call Now Button