Medicare Coverage, Do You Know What It Does, Does Not Cover?
Medicare coverage, contrary to what many people think, does not cover every health need of senior citizens. While it does pay for many things, nevertheless, it’s your responsibility to brush up on what is and what is not covered by the plan.
The items currently paid by Medicare are hospital care, doctor visits, lab tests and prescription drugs. Below, we list several items that Medicare does not pay for.
Medicare Coverage: Hearing Aids
Medicare covers ear-related medical conditions, but not routine hearing tests or aids.
Dental Work
Senior citizens, more so than other age groups, need to take care of their oral hygiene. Teeth and gums are more susceptible to infection as you age. Medicare does not cover dental care such as routine checkups or big-ticket items, including dentures or root canals.
You might consider a Medicare Advantage plan which does offer dental coverage. Alternatively, you can buy an individual dental insurance plan or a dental discount plan.
Podiatry and Cosmetic Surgery
Medicare does not pay for removal of calluses. This is not considered routine and therefore not covered. Nor does it cover elective cosmetic surgery, such as face-lifts or tummy tucks.
Medicare Coverage: Nursing Home Care
Medicare pays for limited stays in rehab facilities — for example, if you have a hip replacement and need inpatient physical therapy for several weeks. But if you become so frail or sick that you must move to an assisted living facility or nursing home, Medicare won’t cover your custodial costs. (Nursing homes average about $90,000 a year.)
Since the yearly cost of a skilled nursing home is about $90,000 a year, it’s a good idea to plan ahead. You need to choose and decide the best options for you. While Medicare will not cover this for you, Medicaid does offer some options. Check into that, as you might be able to use it.
