What Does Medicare Not Cover?
Medicare is a government health insurance program in the United States that provides coverage for eligible individuals 65 years or older and those with specific disabilities or medical conditions. However, even though Medicare is an essential program, it does not cover everything.
There are several health services and items that Medicare does not cover, and it is crucial to understand what they are to avoid being caught off guard by unexpected medical bills. Here are some of the things that Medicare does not cover:
Long-term care
Medicare does not cover long-term care or custodial care, which involves assisting with daily activities like bathing, dressing, and eating. If you require long-term care, you must pay for it out of pocket, through Medicaid if you meet certain income requirements, or through a long-term care insurance policy.
Routine dental care
Primary dental care, such as cleanings, fillings, and extractions, is not covered by Medicare. Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer dental coverage, but it is typically limited.
Vision Care
Medicare does not cover routine eye exams, eyeglasses, and contact lenses. However, Medicare Part B does cover an annual eye exam for people with diabetes, glaucoma, as well as certain eye conditions and diseases.
Hearing Aids
Medicare does not cover hearing aids or exams for fitting them, except in very limited circumstances.
Cosmetic Surgery
Procedures solely for cosmetic purposes are not covered by Medicare, except in cases where they are necessary for treating a medical condition.
Acupuncture
While acupuncture is becoming increasingly popular as a complementary medical treatment, Medicare does not cover it, except in certain limited circumstances.
Prescription Drugs
While Medicare does offer prescription drug coverage through Part D, it does not cover all medications. Some drugs may not be covered; others may have limited coverage or require prior authorization.
Prescription Drugs
While Medicare does cover some prescription drugs, not all drugs are covered. Medicare Part D plans vary in the drugs they cover, and not all plans cover all drugs.
Medical Care Outside of the United States
Medicare generally does not cover medical care received outside of the United States, except in very limited circumstances.
Medical Marijuana
Despite being legalized in many states, medical marijuana is still not covered by Medicare as the Federal Drug Administration does not approve it.
Routine Foot Care
Medicare does not cover routine foot care such as nail trimming, callus removal, or foot massages unless you have certain medical conditions such as diabetes.
Orthopedic Shoes
Medicare does not cover the cost of orthopedic shoes or other foot care services, such as custom-made shoe inserts or nail care.
Experimental or Investigational Treatments
Medicare does not cover the cost of experimental or investigational treatments that the FDA has not approved. This includes procedures such as stem cell therapy or experimental cancer treatments.
It is essential to remember that just because Medicare does not cover a service or item does not mean you cannot receive it. However, you must pay for it out of pocket or through a private insurance plan.
More in Life Hacks
-
`
Here’s Why Banks Are ‘Purposefully’ Making Loans Tough For Their Consumers
The global economy is like a vast, unpredictable ocean, and banks are the ships navigating its turbulent waters. In recent times,...
December 12, 2023 -
`
What Does Gen Z Look for in Movies & TV Shows?
There is something distinctly different about the way Gen Z consumes content. Their preferences on screen are more than just entertainment....
December 7, 2023 -
`
Family Wellness Escapes: Prioritizing Parents Well-being in Travel
In the hustle and bustle of family life, parents are stepping up their travel game, and it’s not just about the...
December 2, 2023 -
`
How to Turn Your Everyday Into a Special Day
Do you ever feel like your days are slipping away, blending into an unremarkable blur? We have all been there. But...
November 20, 2023 -
`
What to Do If You Can’t Afford to Pay Your Energy Bills
All of us had that moment when opening the dreaded envelope made our heart race a tad faster. That cringe-worthy moment...
November 18, 2023 -
`
Celebrity Feuds: Taylor Swift vs. Scooter Braun
Pop culture has always been flavored with a touch of intrigue – and there is nothing more riveting than a good,...
November 9, 2023 -
`
Parenting | How to Raise a Committed, Hardworking Child
Parents navigate the intricate path of supporting their children’s academic and personal growth as the new school year begins. For some...
October 31, 2023 -
`
Everything You Need to Know Apple AirTags
There is something oddly satisfying about the universe of Apple gadgets: Just when you think they have reached the peak of...
October 28, 2023 -
`
Buying a New House With $100k Salary? Here Are the Top 8 Places to Move to
So, you are raking in a cool $100k annually and have your sights set on planting roots and buying a house?...
October 19, 2023
You must be logged in to post a comment Login