Dental, Vision, Hearing
The biggest Medicare gap
Dental, vision, hearing — the gap, explained.
Three ways seniors fill the routine-care gap that Original Medicare leaves wide open.
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. |