.png?width=129&height=63&name=second_logo%20(1).png "second_logo (1)")
Are you a Medicare beneficiary who wants to get the most out of your benefits? It is important to know exactly what your coverage includes – and doesn’t include. Every year, thousands of beneficiaries across the country find themselves surprised when they discover that certain medical services are not covered by their Medicare plan…or worse, faced with costly bills because treatments weren’t properly researched prior to receiving care! Whether you’re new to Medicare or have been enrolled for years, this blog post will provide an overview of 9 key things that Medicare does NOT cover – understanding these gaps in coverage can help you make informed decisions about how best to use your health insurance. By becoming aware of these uninsured services up front and developing a strategy for managing cost-sharing responsibilities ahead of time, you can rest assured knowing that all bases have been covered!
- Cosmetic procedures: Medicare does not cover cosmetic surgery or other procedures that are not medically necessary. This means that facelifts, breast implants, and other cosmetic procedures are not covered by Medicare.
- Hearing aids: Medicare does not cover routine hearing exams or hearing aids. This can be a significant cost for beneficiaries who need hearing aids, which can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per device.
- Dental care: Medicare does not cover most routine dental care, such as cleanings and fillings. This means that beneficiaries may need to pay out of pocket for dental services or purchase a separate dental insurance plan.
- Long-term care: Medicare does not cover long-term care in a nursing home or assisted living facility. This can be a major expense for beneficiaries who need long-term care, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars per year.
- Eyeglasses: Medicare does not cover routine eye exams or eyeglasses. This means that beneficiaries may need to pay out of pocket for vision services or purchase a separate vision insurance plan.
- Acupuncture: Medicare does not cover acupuncture or other alternative therapies. While some beneficiaries may find these treatments helpful, they will need to pay for them out of pocket.
- Prescription drugs: While Medicare does cover some prescription drugs, there are certain medications that it does not cover. Beneficiaries can enroll in a Medicare Part D plan to help cover prescription drug costs.
- Travel outside the U.S.: Medicare does not cover medical expenses incurred while traveling outside the United States. This means that beneficiaries who travel internationally may need to purchase travel insurance or pay for medical expenses out of pocket.
- Experimental treatments: Medicare does not cover experimental treatments or procedures that are not considered medically necessary. This means that beneficiaries who want to participate in a clinical trial or try an experimental treatment will need to pay for it themselves.
While Medicare provides important health insurance coverage for older Americans and people with disabilities, there are certain things that it does not cover. Beneficiaries should be aware of these gaps in coverage and consider purchasing additional insurance or paying for these services out of pocket if necessary. To learn more about Medicare coverage and your options, give the licensed Medicare health plan agents at Trusted Senior Specialists a call.
