Dental, Vision, Hearing
May 20, 2026
The biggest Medicare gap
Dental, vision, hearing — the gap, explained.
Three ways seniors fill the routine-care gap that Original Medicare leaves wide open.
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What Original Medicare does not cover
Original Medicare does not pay for most routine dental cleanings, eyeglasses, or hearing aids. Narrow exceptions exist when a service is medically necessary, but for daily preventive care, you usually pay out of pocket.
Three ways people fill the gap
- Medicare Advantage plans with DVH extras. Many include allowances, but they vary widely by ZIP and plan.
- Standalone dental, vision, or hearing policies. Sold separately. Predictable premium, predictable rules.
- Discount programs and direct-pay. Not insurance, but can save money for routine care.
What to compare side by side
| What to compare | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Annual maximum on dental | Most plans cap dental at $1,000–$2,500/year. |
| Waiting periods for major work | Crowns and dentures may wait 6–12 months. |
| Vision allowance | Frames + lenses every 12–24 months is common. |
| Hearing aid allowance | Brands and replacement schedules vary widely. |
| In-network providers | Your current dentist/optometrist may not be in-network. |