Medicare is health insurance coverage by the federal government for persons aged 65 and above, as well as people living with certain disabilities or chronic conditions. Traditional/Original Medicare features Medicare Part A and Part B. Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) covers inpatient hospital stays, hospice care, etc., whereas, Part B (medical insurance) helps pay for some preventive services, outpatient care, etc. With that said, some things are not covered by Medicare. They include:

1. Overseas health care

Medicare does not cover healthcare or supplies if you are outside of the U.S. or in certain U.S. territories. There are exceptions, though. For example, if you have a medical emergency while passing through Canada between Alaska and another state, and a Canadian hospital is nearer than a U.S-based hospital. Otherwise, you will have to go for supplemental coverage for travel or buy health insurance in the country you plan to live in.

2. Routine eye exams

Apart from a yearly eye exam for someone with diabetes or eyeglasses after undergoing certain kinds of surgery, Medicare does not cover routine eye exams. Some Medicare Advantage plans, however, provide vision coverage. Alternatively, you can buy a separate supplemental policy, which provides vision care only or includes both vision and dental care. It is worth noting that if you set aside money in your healthcare savings account before your enrollment in Medicare, then you can use the money at any age, and without incurring any taxes. You can use the money for prescription sunglasses, contact lenses, glasses, and more.

3. Long term care

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, someone turning 65 today has a 7 out of 10 chance of needing long term care at some point in the future. Although long term care can be a huge expense, Medicare does not cover it if it is the only care you need.

4. Prescription drugs

If you want prescription drug coverage, you will have to purchase a Medicare Advantage plan with it. Alternatively, you can enjoy prescription drug coverage by purchasing a Medicare Part D plan from a private insurance firm.

5. Hearing aids

Medicare does not cover hearing aids or routine hearing exams. Hearing aid expenses can cost up to $3,250 per ear. You can, however, consider Medicare Advantage plans to cover fitting exams and hearing aid expenses. Also, there are some discount programs that provide lower-cost hearing aids. Plus, if you save money in a Health Savings Account (HSA) before your enrollment in Medicare, then you can use that money tax-free for hearing aid coverage as well as other out-of-pocket expenses.

6. Routine dental exams

Medicare Part A covers certain dental services that you may get as part of a hospital stay. Nevertheless, it does not cover basic dental care such as X-rays, fillings, and cleanings. This means you must buy a separate dental policy if you want coverage. You can also achieve that by going for a Medicare Advantage plan that includes dental benefits.

7. Dentures

Medicare does not cover dentures because they are under the category of dental services. Dental services are not part of Medicare plans. That being said, if you are a Medicare beneficiary, you should consider enrolling in a separate dental plan with denture coverage.

There are some expenses that Medicare does not cover. But this is not the end of the road since, in most cases, you can still purchase a Medical Advantage plan that covers the gaps in Original Medicare coverage.