Medicare is a comprehensive health insurance plan that helps people aged 65 and older and people with certain disabilities to pay for some or all of their health care costs. Medicare insurance also helps pay for some preventative services to help maintain your health and avoid costly medical interventions in the future. Like other medical covers, the UTC Medicare plan also enables vulnerable populations to access the healthcare they need, but it does not cover everything. Here are six things Medicare does not cover:

1. Dental exams and dentures

Medicare does not cover routine dental exams, cleanings, fillings, or tooth extractions. Medicare will also not pay for dentures or dental plates. One has to purchase separate dental insurance or pay out-of-pocket for these services. Despite this, Medicare may cover certain dental services if they are needed to treat a medical condition. For example, Medicare may cover the cost of certain tooth extractions before undergoing radiation treatment for cancer.

2. Long term home care

Our seniors often require long-term care for help with everyday activities such as dressing, bathing, and eating. Medicare is responsible for the cost of these services in a nursing home or assisted living facility. However, at home, patients or caregivers must purchase a separate insurance plan, pay out-of-pocket, or rely on Medicaid for coverage for help with daily living activities for an extended period, as this is not considered a short-term or acute medical need.

3. Regular eye exams and check ups

This health insurance premium does not cover routine eye exams for vision correction. These are elective procedures, and you will be responsible for paying out-of-pocket or through a separate vision insurance plan. Also, Medicare won’t be responsible for the cost of prescription glasses or contact lenses. Patients have to pay out of pocket for vision aids.

4. Prescription medications

Medicare Part A and Part B do not cover most prescription drugs. This is because Medicare considers prescription drugs a healthcare cost that can be managed through preventative care and monitoring. However, there is an option to add a separate prescription drug plan, known as Medicare Part D, to your coverage. This plan helps cover the cost of medications prescribed by your doctor and taken on an ongoing basis for a chronic condition. Also, Medicare Part B may cover certain drugs administered as part of a medical procedure or service, such as chemotherapy drugs for cancer treatment.

5. Out of U.S. health coverage

If you endure health care costs when traveling outside of the U.S., Medicare will not cover these out of country costs. This means that if you have a health issue while abroad, you will be responsible for the cost of treatment. It is important to consider purchasing a separate travel insurance plan to provide medical care coverage abroad.

6. Hearing aids

Medicare doesn’t take care of the price of hearing aids or exams for fitting them. Medicare considers such aids a personal convenience item, not medically necessary. However, it may cover the certain diagnostic hearing and balance exams. For example, if a doctor orders a diagnostic hearing exam to determine the underlying cause of hearing loss, Medicare may cover the cost. But, it is essential to remember that Medicare won’t cover any follow-up care, such as fitting and adjustment of hearing aids.

It is important to be aware of Medicare coverage’s limitations and plan accordingly. Make sure to discuss any questions or concerns about coverage with your healthcare provider and the insurance company. This can help ensure you have the necessary coverage for your healthcare needs.