Dental, Vision & Hearing Plans
Here at Pro Insurance Resources, we help you plan for all your health needs.
Why Medicare Beneficiaries Need Dental, Vision, and Hearing Coverage
Original Medicare offers excellent hospital and medical coverage — but routine dental, vision, and hearing (DVH) care are not included.
Here’s what’s not covered by Original Medicare:
- Dental cleanings, exams, fillings, dentures
- Vision exams, glasses, contact lenses
- Hearing exams or hearing aids
Medicare Part A may cover dental work, but only when it’s linked to a covered inpatient procedure. Medicare Part B covers limited vision services related to medical conditions (e.g., cataract surgery), but not routine care.
Options for Dental, Vision & Hearing Coverage
There are three common ways to get DVH benefits when you’re on Medicare:
- Bundled Health Insurance Plans: Some plans include DVH benefits like routine cleanings, eye exams, glasses, or even hearing aids. Talk to us about details and options.
- Standalone DVH Plans: Separate insurance can be purchased for dental, vision, and hearing. These plans are flexible and available for enrollment year-round.
- Discount Plans (Non-Insurance): Discount networks offer reduced rates for services, but don’t provide coverage or financial protection. You pay the provider directly at a discounted rate.
Choosing a Dental, Vision & Hearing Plan
Here are some things to consider when comparing DVH plans:
- Your Health Needs: Consider any known or likely care needs (e.g., dentures or implants, hearing aids, cataract care), as well as routine services.
- Benefits & Services: Check for preferred providers, frequency limits, and maximum benefits.
- Costs & Budget: Compare premiums, copays, and annual benefit maximums. Some standalone DVH plans have generous coverage but higher premiums, while others trade off coverage for lower monthly costs.
Enrolling in DVH Plans
Standalone DVH plans are often open to enrollment year-round, with no need to wait for a specific enrollment period. Confirm availability windows with specific carriers in your region. (We can help with this!)
Dental, Vision & Hearing Frequently Asked Questions
Is dental, vision, or hearing coverage included in Medicare?
No, Original Medicare does not cover routine DVH care.Can I buy a dental, vision, and hearing plan without changing my Medicare coverage?
Yes, you can purchase a standalone DVH policy separately from Medicare.Does DVH coverage include hearing aids?
Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids, but some DVH plans do. Check the plan’s summary of benefits.
Dental & Vision Plans for Medicare Beneficiaries
Medicare plans provide extensive coverage for many health-related needs. However, dental and vision coverage can be more limited. For example, Original Medicare does not offer routine dental coverage. This gap means that services such as routine cleanings, exams, x-rays, fillings, extractions, and dentures are not covered. Medicare Part A (hospital) may cover specific dental services if they are required for a covered procedure.
Similarly, routine vision care, including eye exams and the cost of glasses or contact lenses, is not covered under Original Medicare. Medicare Part B (medical) does cover certain vision services related to specific medical conditions, like:
Eye exams for diabetic retinopathy
Eye exams for glaucoma
Cataract surgery
Options for Additional Dental & Vision Coverage
Dental and vision coverage is essential for seniors. There are generally three options for Medicare beneficiaries who want ancillary coverage:
Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage): Many Medicare Advantage plans include dental and vision benefits. These plans can include coverage for routine dental care (i.e., cleanings and exams) and vision care (i.e., eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses).
Standalone Dental & Vision Plans: Standalone plans can be purchased separately from other Medicare coverage and include a wide range of coverage options.
Dental & Vision Discount Plans: These are not insurance plans, but they can offer reduced rates on dental and vision services through a network of participating providers. Discount plans can provide savings on routine care and treatments, although they do not offer insurance coverage or financial protection.
When to Enroll in Dental & Vision Plans
You can review, change, add, or remove dental and vision coverage during any Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which runs annually from October 15th to December 7th.
What to Consider When Choosing a Dental & Vision Plan
Similar to other coverage, weighing your options and comparing plans to find your best fit is crucial. Here are some things to consider:
Evaluate Your Needs: Assess your dental and vision care needs based on your current health conditions, existing dental and vision problems, and future care requirements.
Review Benefits: Whether you’re considering a Medicare Advantage plan with dental and vision benefits or standalone insurance plans, compare them thoroughly. Ensure that the plan you choose includes the services you need and that you have access to your preferred providers.
Review Costs: Understand the costs associated with each option, including premiums, copayments, and out-of-pocket expenses. Consider how these costs fit into your overall healthcare budget.