Medicare Part A and Part B, collectively known as Original Medicare, provide coverage for many Original Medicare covers many essential hospital and medical services, but it does not cover everything. Beneficiaries are often surprised by the gaps, which can lead to significant out-of-pocket costs.
Services Medicare Does Not Cover
- Long-term care – Custodial care such as help with bathing, dressing, or eating.
- Dental care – Routine dental, cleanings, and dentures.
- Vision care – Routine exams, glasses, and contacts (except after cataract surgery).
- Hearing aids – Devices and related exams.
- Cosmetic surgery – Unless needed due to injury or medical necessity.
- Alternative or experimental medicine – Such as acupuncture or unproven treatments.
- Non-medical services – Private rooms, canceled appointments, concierge fees.
- Routine foot care – Unless medically necessary.
- Care outside the U.S. – With limited exceptions.
Prescription Drugs
Original Medicare does not cover most prescription medications. To get drug coverage, you need either:
What You’ll Still Pay With Medicare
Even for covered services, beneficiaries pay certain costs:
- Part A (hospital) – $1,632 deductible per benefit period in 2024, plus daily coinsurance after 60 days.
- Part B (medical) – $240 annual deductible in 2024, then 20% coinsurance on most services.
How Medigap Can Help
Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) helps cover these gaps by paying for deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Some plans also cover emergency care when traveling abroad.
There are 10 standardized Medigap plans available in most states. View the Medigap comparison chart to see which plans fit your needs.
Bottom line: Knowing what Medicare does not cover is just as important as knowing what it does. A Medigap plan can help protect you from unexpected costs and provide peace of mind.