What does Original Medicare cover?

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, home health care, doctor visits, outpatient services, preventive care, durable medical equipment, and mental health services. It does not cover most prescription drugs, dental, vision, or hearing.

Does Medicare cover dental, vision, and hearing?

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover routine dental care, routine eye exams, eyeglasses, or hearing aids. Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans often include these benefits, though coverage varies by plan. Some standalone dental and vision plans are also available to Medicare beneficiaries.

Does Medicare cover prescription drugs?

Original Medicare does not cover most prescription drugs taken at home. To get drug coverage, you need to enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D plan or choose a Medicare Advantage plan that includes drug coverage (MAPD). Failing to enroll in Part D when first eligible can result in a permanent late enrollment penalty.

At what age does Medicare coverage start?

Medicare coverage typically starts at age 65. If you are automatically enrolled (because you receive Social Security benefits), your coverage begins the first day of your birthday month — or the first day of the prior month if your birthday falls on the 1st. If you sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period, your start date depends on when you enroll.

What does Medicare not cover?

Medicare does not cover long-term custodial care (nursing home care for daily activities), routine dental, vision, and hearing, cosmetic surgery, acupuncture (except for chronic low back pain), most care received outside the U.S., and most prescription drugs. A Medigap plan can help cover Medicare's cost-sharing gaps, but it doesn't add these excluded benefits.

Medicare Coverage

Medicare covers a wide range of medical services, but there are important gaps. Understanding what Medicare does and doesn't cover helps you choose the right supplemental coverage.

What Does Medicare Cover?

Covered by Medicare

Hospital inpatient stays (Part A)
Skilled nursing facility care (Part A)
Hospice care (Part A)
Home health care (Parts A & B)
Doctor visits and specialist care (Part B)
Outpatient surgery and procedures (Part B)
Preventive screenings and vaccines (Part B)
Durable medical equipment (Part B)
Mental health services (Part B)
Ambulance services (Part B)
Prescription drugs — with Part D plan
Chronic care management (Part B)

Not Covered by Medicare

Routine dental care and dentures
Routine vision exams and eyeglasses
Hearing aids and exams
Long-term custodial nursing home care
Most care outside the United States
Cosmetic surgery
Most prescription drugs (without Part D)
Acupuncture (except chronic low back pain)
Foot care (routine)