04/23/2026
WHAT MEDICARE DOES NOT COVER:
Original Medicare (Part A and B) does not cover all healthcare costs, with significant gaps in routine and long-term care. Key items generally not covered include long-term/custodial care, most dental care, routine eye exams/glasses, hearing aids, and care outside the U.S..
Here are 5 key things Medicare does not cover:
Long-Term Care (Custodial Care): Medicare does not pay for custodial care (help with bathing, dressing, eating) or long-term stays in nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
Most Dental Care: Routine dental exams, cleanings, fillings, dentures, and tooth extractions are generally not covered.
Routine Vision Care: Medicare does not cover eye exams for prescribing glasses, eyeglasses, or contact lenses, except following cataract surgery.
Hearing Aids and Exams: Routine hearing exams and fittings for hearing aids are not covered.
International Care: Health care services received outside of the United States are typically not covered.
Other Non-Covered Items:
Cosmetic Surgery: Generally excluded.
Routine Foot Care: Such as cutting or removing corns/calluses.
Alternative Medicine: Acupuncture (with some exceptions) and chiropractic care (beyond manipulation of the spine).
To cover these gaps, you can purchase Supplemental Coverage or look into private Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, which often include vision, dental, and hearing coverage.
