One of the most common surprises for new Medicare beneficiaries is discovering that Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover routine dental, vision, or hearing care. These are among the most frequently needed healthcare services for seniors — yet they're largely excluded from the traditional Medicare program.
The good news: Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans frequently include these benefits, often at little or no additional cost beyond what you're already paying for Medicare. Here's what you need to know.
What Original Medicare Covers (and Doesn't)
Original Medicare covers dental, vision, and hearing care only in very limited circumstances:
- Dental: Medicare covers dental services only when they are directly related to a covered medical procedure — for example, dental exams before a heart valve replacement. Routine cleanings, fillings, extractions, dentures, and implants are not covered.
- Vision: Medicare covers annual eye exams for people with diabetes (to check for diabetic retinopathy) and cataract surgery. Routine eye exams, eyeglasses, and contact lenses are generally not covered.
- Hearing: Medicare covers diagnostic hearing exams ordered by a physician to determine if medical treatment is needed. Routine hearing exams and hearing aids are not covered.
The gap is significant: Americans 65 and older spend an average of $1,200+ per year out of pocket on dental care alone. Hearing aids can cost $3,000–$7,000 per pair. Vision care adds hundreds more annually.
How Medicare Advantage Fills the Gap
Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover everything Original Medicare covers — but they are also allowed to offer additional benefits beyond that baseline. In 2026, the vast majority of Medicare Advantage plans offer some level of dental, vision, and hearing coverage. Here's what you might find:
Dental Benefits
- Preventive dental: Most plans cover routine cleanings (typically 2 per year), X-rays, and oral exams at no additional cost.
- Comprehensive dental: Many plans also cover restorative services such as fillings, extractions, root canals, crowns, bridges, and dentures — though these often come with cost-sharing and annual maximums.
- Annual dental allowance: Some plans provide a set dollar amount (e.g., $1,000–$2,500) that you can use toward covered dental services each year.
Vision Benefits
- Routine eye exams: Most plans cover one comprehensive eye exam per year.
- Eyewear allowance: Many plans provide an annual allowance (e.g., $100–$300) toward eyeglass frames and lenses or contact lenses.
- Laser vision correction: Some plans offer discounts on LASIK or other procedures.
Hearing Benefits
- Hearing exams: Most plans cover one routine hearing exam per year.
- Hearing aids: Many plans provide an annual allowance (e.g., $500–$2,500 per ear) toward hearing aids. Some plans partner with hearing aid providers to offer discounts on top-of-the-line devices.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Benefits
Many Medicare Advantage plans also include an OTC benefit — a quarterly or monthly allowance (typically $25–$150) you can use to purchase approved over-the-counter health items. Eligible items often include:
- Pain relievers, cold and flu medicine
- Vitamins and supplements
- First-aid supplies
- Blood pressure monitors and blood sugar testing supplies
- Dental hygiene products (toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash)
OTC benefits are typically loaded onto a prepaid card that you use at participating pharmacies or through a mail-order catalog.
Important Caveats
Not all Medicare Advantage plans offer the same level of dental, vision, and hearing coverage. Key things to check before enrolling:
- Network restrictions: You may need to use in-network dentists, optometrists, or audiologists to receive the full benefit.
- Annual maximums: Dental benefits often have an annual dollar cap. Services exceeding that cap are your responsibility.
- Waiting periods: Some plans have waiting periods before major dental services (like crowns or implants) are covered.
- Service area: Benefits vary significantly by county and carrier. What's available in one ZIP code may not be available in another.
How to Find a Plan with These Benefits
The best way to find a Medicare Advantage plan with strong dental, vision, and hearing coverage in your area is to work with a licensed insurance agent who represents multiple carriers. At VC Health, we compare plans from Aetna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Wellcare, Healthspring, and GTL — so we can show you exactly what's available in your ZIP code and help you maximize your benefits.
Our plan comparisons are provided at no cost to you. Call us at 1 (888) 592-2613 | TTY 711 or use our online plan finder to get started.
VC Health is a licensed insurance agency. Plan availability, benefits, and costs vary by location and are subject to change. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute insurance advice. Contact a licensed agent for personalized guidance. Not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program.
