Medicare (Original Parts A & B) generally does not cover routine dental, vision (eyeglasses/contacts), hearing aids, cosmetic surgery, most long-term care (custodial care like help with bathing/dressing), acupuncture, or non-prescription drugs, plus it has limited coverage outside the U.S. and for some prescription drugs. Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans can fill some gaps, offering benefits like vision, dental, and hearing, but they have their own rules and costs.
Generally, most vision, dental and hearing services are not covered by Medicare Parts A and B. Other services not covered by Medicare Parts A and B include: Routine physical exams. Cosmetic surgery.
It's important to know that Medicare won't cover any blood test if it isn't medically necessary. If you seek a blood test on your own, it's unlikely you'll get it covered. Tests not covered may include those for employment purposes, wellness screenings, or routine monitoring without medical necessity.
Part A is free if you worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. You may also be eligible because of your current or former spouse's work.
Your CalPERS health coverage will automatically be canceled the first day of the month after you turn 65. Review Cancellation of CalPERS Health Coverage for information on reinstating your health coverage.
Regular eye exams and teeth cleanings can help you stay healthy by catching issues and illnesses early. However, Original Medicare‡ does not cover routine dental and vision care. This means you'll have to pay out of pocket for routine teeth cleanings and eye exams, as well as more costly procedures and services.
For services listed on the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), Medicare covers some or all of the costs of: CT scans. nuclear medicine scans. MRI scans.
The answer depends on the reason for your blood work. Medicare covers blood work and lab tests as long as they're medically necessary to diagnose or monitor a health condition. Medicare won't cover routine blood work at an annual physical, but you may be eligible for regular screenings for specific conditions.
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Still, it's worth knowing about these 18 things Medicare provides for free.
Medicare changes for 2026 focus on lowering prescription drug costs, capping out-of-pocket spending for Part D drugs at $2,100, and improving Medicare Advantage (MA) benefits, including better behavioral health cost-sharing and provider network transparency. Key cost adjustments include a higher Part B deductible ($283) and increased Part A hospital deductibles, though many beneficiaries see higher Social Security COLA offsetting premium hikes, with continued $35 insulin caps and new digital tools for managing plans.
Coverage details
If you initially have a Medicare-covered, non-invasive stool-based colorectal cancer screening test (fecal occult blood test or multi-target stool DNA test) or a blood-based biomarker screening test and get a positive result, Medicare also covers a follow-up colonoscopy as a screening test.
If you have an MRI during a hospital stay, once you have paid your deductible, Original Medicare's Part A will cover eligible costs in full during the first 60 days. If you have an MRI as an outpatient and have paid the deductible, Original Medicare's Part B covers 80% of the costs.
The cost of radiation therapy varies but a full course of treatment can range from $4,500 to $50,000, which typically includes multiple sessions.
The "best" Medicare plan for seniors depends on individual needs, but top-rated providers for Medicare Advantage (Part C) in 2026 include Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), offering nationwide coverage, large networks, $0 premium options, and extra benefits like dental/vision, while Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans like Plan F provide comprehensive Original Medicare cost coverage. Key factors are your doctors, prescriptions, budget, and preference for network flexibility (MA) or broad coverage (Medigap).
No, Original Medicare (Parts A & B) does not cover hearing aids or exams for fitting them, but Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans often offer coverage for these as extra benefits, and Part B may cover diagnostic hearing/balance exams if medically necessary. Coverage varies greatly with Part C plans, so checking your specific plan details is crucial, as benefits, copays, and limits differ significantly between providers.
Supplemental insurance is advisable for those with Medicare to help cover out-of-pocket costs and gaps in coverage, offering financial protection for deductibles, coinsurance, and other medical expenses not fully covered by Medicare.
Some pathology tests don't qualify for a Medicare benefit and the patient must pay the full fee. Examples include elective cosmetic surgery, insurance testing and some genetic tests.