--- title: "Does Medicare Cover Dental, Vision, and Hearing? | Medicare Blog" description: "Original Medicare doesn't cover routine dental, vision, or hearing. Here are your options for getting that coverage in 2026." lang: en json-ld: | [ { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "@id": "https://dalton-insuranceagency.com/blog/does-medicare-cover-dental-vision-hearing#article", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://dalton-insuranceagency.com/blog/does-medicare-cover-dental-vision-hearing" }, "headline": "Does Medicare Cover Dental, Vision, and Hearing?", "alternativeHeadline": "Does Medicare Cover Dental, Vision, and Hearing?", "description": "Original Medicare doesn't cover routine dental, vision, or hearing. Here are your options for getting that coverage in 2026.", "image": [ "https://dalton-insuranceagency.com/favicon-dia-preview.png" ], "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Tyler Dalton", "jobTitle": "Licensed Medicare Advisor", "telephone": "+1-334-489-3624", "url": "https://dalton-insuranceagency.com/tyler-dalton-author", "affiliation": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Dalton Insurance Agency" } }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Dalton Insurance Agency", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://dalton-insuranceagency.com/favicon-dia-preview.png" }, "url": "https://dalton-insuranceagency.com" }, "datePublished": "2026-03-02T00:00:00+00:00", "dateModified": "2026-03-09T15:24:14.30205+00:00", "articleSection": "Medicare Coverage", "keywords": "Medicare Coverage, Medicare, Annual Enrollment Period, Medicare Advantage, Alabama", "inLanguage": "en", "wordCount": 1353, "articleBody": "\nUpdated for 2026. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover routine dental, vision, or hearing care. This is one of the biggest gaps in Medicare coverage and catches many new beneficiaries by surprise. Here's what's covered, what's not, and how to get the coverage you need.\n\nThe Dental, Vision, and Hearing Gap in Original Medicare", "about": [ { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Medicare Advantage", "sameAs": "https://www.medicare.gov/sign-up-change-plans/types-of-medicare-health-plans/medicare-advantage-plans" }, { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Medigap", "sameAs": "https://www.medicare.gov/supplements-other-insurance/whats-medicare-supplement-insurance-medigap" } ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "InsuranceAgency", "@id": "https://dalton-insuranceagency.com/#business", "name": "Dalton Insurance Agency", "url": "https://dalton-insuranceagency.com", "telephone": "+1-334-489-3624", "image": "https://dalton-insuranceagency.com/favicon-dia-preview.png", "description": "Independent Medicare brokerage serving Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Mississippi, South Carolina, North Carolina, Louisiana, and Illinois.", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "221 E South Street", "addressLocality": "Dadeville", "addressRegion": "AL", "postalCode": "36853", "addressCountry": "US" }, "geo": { "@type": "GeoCoordinates", "latitude": 32.8312, "longitude": -85.7636 }, "openingHoursSpecification": { "@type": "OpeningHoursSpecification", "dayOfWeek": [ "Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday", "Thursday", "Friday" ], "opens": "08:00", "closes": "17:00" }, "areaServed": [ { "@type": "State", "name": "Alabama" }, { "@type": "State", "name": "Georgia" }, { "@type": "State", "name": "Florida" }, { "@type": "State", "name": "Tennessee" }, { "@type": "State", "name": "Mississippi" }, { "@type": "State", "name": "South Carolina" }, { "@type": "State", "name": "North Carolina" }, { "@type": "State", "name": "Louisiana" }, { "@type": "State", "name": "Illinois" } ], "priceRange": "Free Consultations", "sameAs": [ "https://www.facebook.com/DALTONINSURANCEAGENCY1/", "https://www.instagram.com/drtylerdalton/", "https://x.com/drtylerdalton" ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Tyler Dalton", "honorificPrefix": "Dr.", "honorificSuffix": "PharmD", "jobTitle": "Founder and Licensed Insurance Broker", "worksFor": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Dalton Insurance Agency" }, "url": "https://dalton-insuranceagency.com/about/tyler-dalton", "image": "https://dalton-insuranceagency.com/tyler-headshot.jpg", "telephone": "+1-334-489-3624", "address": { "@type": "PostalAddress", "addressLocality": "Dadeville", "addressRegion": "AL", "addressCountry": "US" }, "hasCredential": [ { "@type": "EducationalOccupationalCredential", "credentialCategory": "degree", "name": "Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)" }, { "@type": "EducationalOccupationalCredential", "credentialCategory": "license", "name": "Licensed Insurance Broker" } ], "knowsAbout": [ "Medicare Advantage", "Medicare Supplement Plans", "Medigap", "Part D Prescription Drug Plans", "Medicare Enrollment", "Alabama Medicare" ] }, { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://dalton-insuranceagency.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Blog", "item": "https://dalton-insuranceagency.com/blog" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Medicare Coverage", "item": "https://dalton-insuranceagency.com/blog?category=Medicare Coverage" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Does Medicare Cover Dental, Vision, and Hearing?", "item": "https://dalton-insuranceagency.com/blog/does-medicare-cover-dental-vision-hearing" } ] } ] --- [Call Now: (334) 489-3624 ](tel:13344893624)Free Medicare Consultation Free Consult [ Dalton Insurance Medicare & Wealth Advisors ](/) - [Home](/) - Medicare - Retirement & Wealth - Resources - [About Us](/about) [(334) 489-3624](tel:13344893624)[Book Appointment](/appointments) 1. [Home ](/) 2. [Blog](/blog) 3. [Medicare Coverage]() 4. Does Medicare Cover Dental, Vision, and Hearing? [Back to Blog](/blog) March 2, 2026 11 min read Tyler Dalton # Does Medicare Cover Dental, Vision, and Hearing? Original Medicare doesn't cover routine dental, vision, or hearing. Here are your options for getting that coverage in 2026. Share this article [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fdalton-insuranceagency.com%2Fblog%2Fdoes-medicare-cover-dental-vision-hearing)[Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdalton-insuranceagency.com%2Fblog%2Fdoes-medicare-cover-dental-vision-hearing&description=Does%20Medicare%20Cover%20Dental%2C%20Vision%2C%20and%20Hearing%3F)[Text](sms:?body=Does%20Medicare%20Cover%20Dental%2C%20Vision%2C%20and%20Hearing%3F%0Ahttps%3A%2F%2Fdalton-insuranceagency.com%2Fblog%2Fdoes-medicare-cover-dental-vision-hearing)[Email](mailto:?subject=Does%20Medicare%20Cover%20Dental%2C%20Vision%2C%20and%20Hearing%3F&body=I%20thought%20you%20might%20find%20this%20helpful%3A%20https%3A%2F%2Fdalton-insuranceagency.com%2Fblog%2Fdoes-medicare-cover-dental-vision-hearing)Copy Link[LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdalton-insuranceagency.com%2Fblog%2Fdoes-medicare-cover-dental-vision-hearing)[](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdalton-insuranceagency.com%2Fblog%2Fdoes-medicare-cover-dental-vision-hearing&text=Does%20Medicare%20Cover%20Dental%2C%20Vision%2C%20and%20Hearing%3F) **Updated for 2026.** Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover routine dental, vision, or hearing care. This is one of the biggest gaps in Medicare coverage and catches many new beneficiaries by surprise. Here's what's covered, what's not, and how to get the coverage you need. ## The Dental, Vision, and Hearing Gap in Original Medicare When Congress created Medicare in 1965, dental, vision, and hearing were explicitly excluded from coverage. Despite decades of advocacy to add these benefits, Original Medicare still does not cover routine care in these areas as of 2026. This affects approximately **65 million Medicare beneficiaries** who must find alternative ways to cover these essential health services. This gap matters because dental, vision, and hearing problems are extremely common among seniors: - **70% of adults over 65** have some form of periodontal (gum) disease - **1 in 3 people over 65** have vision-reducing eye diseases - **Nearly 50% of adults over 75** have disabling hearing loss - Poor oral health is linked to heart disease, diabetes complications, and pneumonia - Untreated hearing loss is associated with cognitive decline and dementia ## What Original Medicare Actually Covers While Original Medicare doesn't cover routine dental, vision, and hearing, there are limited exceptions for medically necessary procedures. ### Dental: Very Limited Medicare Coverage Service Covered by Medicare? Details Routine cleanings ❌ No Not covered under any circumstance Fillings, root canals, crowns ❌ No Not covered Dentures ❌ No Not covered (even if teeth removed for medical reasons) Dental exam before heart valve surgery ✅ Yes Part A covers when integral to covered procedure Jaw reconstruction after accident ✅ Yes Part A covers as inpatient hospital procedure Tooth extraction before radiation treatment ✅ Yes Part A may cover when medically necessary **The bottom line for dental:** Unless a dental procedure is directly related to a covered medical treatment or inpatient hospital stay, Medicare will not pay for it. A simple tooth extraction or filling? Not covered. A root canal? Not covered. Dentures? Not covered — even if all your teeth need to be removed due to a medical condition. ### Vision: Mostly Not Covered Service Covered by Medicare? Details Routine eye exams ❌ No Annual vision screenings not covered Eyeglasses/contacts ❌ No Not covered (one exception below) Cataract surgery ✅ Yes Part B covers surgery + one pair of glasses or contacts after Glaucoma screening ✅ Yes Part B covers annually for high-risk individuals Diabetic eye exam ✅ Yes Part B covers annual dilated eye exam if you have diabetes Macular degeneration treatment ✅ Yes Part B covers diagnostic tests and treatment **The bottom line for vision:** Medicare covers treatment for eye diseases and conditions (cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration), but NOT routine vision care. If you just need a new glasses prescription or want contact lenses, Medicare won't help. ### Hearing: Extremely Limited Coverage Service Covered by Medicare? Details Routine hearing exams ❌ No Annual hearing tests not covered Hearing aids ❌ No Not covered (average cost $2,000-$7,000 per pair) Hearing aid fittings ❌ No Not covered Diagnostic hearing exam ✅ Yes Part B covers when ordered by a doctor to diagnose a condition Cochlear implants ✅ Yes Part B covers for severe hearing loss when medically necessary Bone-anchored hearing devices ✅ Yes Part B may cover as prosthetic device **The bottom line for hearing:** Medicare will pay for a doctor to diagnose your hearing loss, but it won't pay for hearing aids to treat it. With hearing aids averaging $2,000-$7,000 per pair and lasting 3-7 years, this is a significant out-of-pocket expense for many seniors. ## How to Get Dental, Vision, and Hearing Coverage You have several options to fill these coverage gaps: ### Option 1: Medicare Advantage Plans This is the most popular option. Many **Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans** include dental, vision, and hearing benefits as part of their package, often with $0 additional premium. Coverage varies widely by plan: - **Basic dental:** Cleanings, x-rays, fillings (most MA plans include this) - **Comprehensive dental:** Crowns, root canals, dentures, implants (fewer plans, may have separate premium) - **Vision:** Annual eye exams, $100-$300 eyewear allowance per year - **Hearing:** Annual hearing exams, $500-$3,000 hearing aid allowance every 1-3 years **Pros:** Convenient bundled coverage, often $0 premium, no separate applications **Cons:** Network restrictions, benefits may be limited, you give up Original Medicare flexibility ### Option 2: Standalone Dental, Vision, and Hearing Plans If you prefer Original Medicare + Medigap, you can buy separate dental, vision, and hearing insurance from private companies. Common options: - **Dental insurance:** $20-$50/month, covers preventive at 100%, major at 50%. Annual maximum typically $1,000-$2,000. - **Vision insurance:** $10-$25/month, covers annual exam and eyewear allowance - **Hearing plans:** Less common as standalone; some dental/vision plans bundle hearing benefits - **Bundled DVH plans:** $30-$75/month for all three, available from companies like AARP/United Healthcare, Humana, Delta Dental **Pros:** Keep Original Medicare + Medigap, choose any provider **Cons:** Additional monthly cost, annual maximums may not cover major procedures ### Option 3: Discount Dental Plans These aren't insurance — they're membership programs that give you **15-60% discounts** at participating dentists. Costs are typically $80-$200/year. **Pros:** No waiting periods, no annual maximums, immediate savings **Cons:** Must use participating dentists, you still pay out of pocket (just at a discount) ### Option 4: Community Health Centers and Dental Schools For budget-conscious seniors: - **Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs):** Offer sliding-scale dental services based on income - **Dental schools:** UAB School of Dentistry in Birmingham offers reduced-cost dental care supervised by licensed faculty - **State programs:** Alabama Medicaid covers some dental for dual-eligible individuals - **Charitable organizations:** Remote Area Medical (RAM) and Dental Lifeline Network provide free dental care at events ## Cost Comparison: What Dental, Vision, and Hearing Services Actually Cost Without coverage, here's what you can expect to pay out of pocket in Alabama: Service Average Cost Without Insurance Dental cleaning $100-$200 per visit Dental filling $150-$400 per tooth Root canal $700-$1,500 per tooth Dental crown $800-$1,500 per tooth Full dentures $1,500-$5,000 per set Dental implant $3,000-$6,000 per tooth Eye exam $75-$200 Prescription glasses $200-$600 per pair Hearing test $75-$250 Hearing aids (pair) $2,000-$7,000 ## Will Congress Add Dental, Vision, and Hearing to Medicare? There has been significant bipartisan support for adding these benefits to Medicare. The Build Back Better Act in 2021 included dental, vision, and hearing provisions, but they were ultimately removed. As of 2026: - Multiple bills have been introduced to add dental, vision, and hearing to Medicare Part B - AARP and other advocacy groups continue to push for expansion - Cost concerns ($350+ billion over 10 years) remain the primary obstacle - Some progress has been made — Medicare now covers more hearing-related services than in previous years ## Our Recommendation For most Alabama Medicare beneficiaries, we recommend one of these approaches: 1. **If you value provider freedom:** Original Medicare + Medigap Plan G + standalone Part D + standalone dental/vision plan. Total cost: approximately $350-$450/month but maximum protection and provider access. 2. **If you want convenience and savings:** Medicare Advantage plan with built-in dental, vision, and hearing. Total cost: $185/month (Part B only) but with network restrictions and copays. 3. **If you have limited income:** Check if you qualify for Medicaid (which covers dental, vision, and hearing) or Medicare Savings Programs to reduce your overall Medicare costs. ## Frequently Asked Questions If I have a Medicare Advantage plan, is dental coverage guaranteed? No. While most MA plans include some dental benefits, coverage varies significantly. Some only cover preventive care (cleanings, x-rays), while others include comprehensive dental with crowns, root canals, and dentures. Always check the plan's Summary of Benefits before enrolling. Can I buy a Medigap plan AND dental insurance? Absolutely. Medigap plans supplement Original Medicare but don't cover dental, vision, or hearing. You can buy standalone dental, vision, and hearing insurance separately. Many of our clients have Medigap Plan G plus a standalone dental plan. Do dental plans have waiting periods? Many dental insurance plans have waiting periods of 6-12 months for major services like crowns, root canals, and dentures. Preventive services (cleanings, x-rays) are usually covered immediately. Discount dental plans have no waiting periods. ### Need Help Filling Your Medicare Coverage Gaps? We'll review your dental, vision, and hearing needs and find the most cost-effective coverage options for your situation — whether that's through Medicare Advantage, standalone plans, or a combination. [Get Your Free Coverage Review](/appointments) Medicare coverage details are subject to change. Coverage for specific services may depend on medical necessity determinations and individual plan rules. Costs listed are approximate averages for Alabama and may vary by provider and location. Always verify coverage with your plan before receiving services. 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With expertise in Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D plans,Tyler provides personalized guidance to help you find the best coverage for your needs. [View Full Bio →](/about/tyler-dalton) ## Join Our Free Medicare 101 Webinar Learn everything you need to know about Medicare in our comprehensive educational webinar. Perfect for those new to Medicare or reviewing their options. [Sign Up for Free Webinar →](https://go.daltoninsurance.biz) ## Need Personalized Guidance? Our licensed Medicare advisors are here to help you navigate your coverage options. Schedule a free consultation today. [Schedule Free Consultation](/#contact) ## Get Medicare Tips Delivered to Your Inbox Join 5,000+ Alabama seniors receiving expert Medicare guidance and updates. Plus, get our free Medicare Enrollment Checklist PDF when you subscribe. Subscribe Free 🔒 We never share your information. Unsubscribe anytime. ## Continue Reading [ Feb 14, 2026 • 8 min read ### 10 Surprising Things Medicare Does NOT Cover From long-term care to dental work, these 10 Medicare coverage gaps surprise most Alabama seniors. Here's what you'll pay out-of-pocket. Read article→ ](/blog/ten-things-medicare-does-not-cover)[ Feb 17, 2026 • 8 min read ### 10 Surprising Things Medicare DOES Cover Medicare covers more than you think — from home health care to mental health services. These 10 covered benefits surprise most Alabama seniors. Read article→ ](/blog/ten-things-medicare-does-cover)[ Mar 7, 2026 • 10 min read ### Does Medicare Cover Ambulance Rides? What You'll Pay Medicare Part B covers 80% of emergency ambulance rides after your deductible. Here's what's covered, what's not, and what you'll owe. Read article→ ](/blog/does-medicare-cover-ambulance-rides) In This Article - [What Medicare Covers for Diabetes](#what-medicare-covers) - [Insulin, CGMs, and Supplies](#insulin-cgms-supplies) - [Costs and Gaps](#costs-gaps) - [How to Get Help](#get-help) Related Resources - [Medicare Supplement Plan G vs N](/blog/plan-g-vs-n-alabama) - [What Is IRMAA?](/blog/what-is-irmaa) - [Working Past 65 & Medicare](/blog/working-past-65) - [Turning 65 Checklist](/blog/turning-65-checklist) Contact Us 📞 (334) 489-3624 ✉️ tyler@daltoninsurance.biz 📍 221 E South Street, Dadeville, AL 36853 🕒 Mon–Fri: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM ⭐ Lifetime Support: Once you are our client, you are our client for life⭐ ### Dalton Insurance Your trusted Medicare & Wealth advisors. Helping families secure their health and protect their wealth for nearly 15 years. 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