What's not covered?
Original Medicare doesn't cover everything. If you need items or services Part A (Hospital Insurance) or Part B (Medical Insurance) don’t cover, you’ll have to pay for them yourself unless:
- You have other health coverage that will help cover the costs. Learn about how other coverage works with Medicare.
- You’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) , Medicare Cost Plan , or a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) plan that covers these services. These plans may cover some extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover, like certain vision, hearing, and dental services.
Some of the items and services Medicare doesn’t cover include:
- Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
- Long-term care
- Cosmetic surgery
- Massage therapy
- Routine physical exams
- Hearing aids and exams for fitting them
- Concierge care (also called concierge medicine, retainer-based medicine, boutique medicine, platinum practice, or direct care)
- Covered items or services you get from a doctor or other provider that has opted out of participating in Medicare (except in the case of an emergency or urgent need)
- Most dental care: In most cases, Original Medicare doesn't cover dental services like routine cleanings, filings, tooth extractions, or items like dentures. However, in some cases, Original Medicare may pay for some dental services closely related to certain services like:
- A heart valve repair or replacement
- An organ transplant
- Cancer-related treatments
Next step: Understand what Part A covers and what Part B covers
Take action: Find out if Medicare covers a test, item, or service you need
Learn more: Learn how to get care & drugs in disasters or emergencies