It's the most common Medicare surprise: Original Medicare leaves out routine dental, vision, and hearing. Here's what is and isn't covered in 2026, and how to fill the gap.
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover routine dental care — no cleanings, fillings, dentures, or most extractions. It covers dental only in narrow cases tied to a covered medical procedure (for example, a dental exam before certain surgeries). Routine vision and hearing aids are also not covered.
Most Medicare Advantage plans include dental, vision, and hearing as extra benefits — typically cleanings, exams, and an annual allowance for additional work. Coverage varies a lot by plan and county, and these allowances were trimmed for 2026 at many carriers, so read the specific plan's benefit summary.
If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, a D-SNP plan often adds dental at $0. Otherwise you can buy a stand-alone dental plan or pay out of pocket. An agent can compare what's actually available where you live.
These free tools handle one client at a time. Our Excel + Google Sheets toolkits run your whole book — client CRM, 60-day renewal radar, IRMAA appeals, commission & chargeback tracking, and compliance logs. Built for agents, instant download, no monthly fee.
New here? Start for $7.49 →No. Original Medicare does not cover routine dental care, vision exams, or hearing aids, except in narrow cases tied to a covered medical procedure.
Most Medicare Advantage plans include dental, vision, and hearing benefits. You can also buy a stand-alone dental plan. Coverage and allowances vary by plan and were reduced at many carriers for 2026.
Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids. Many Medicare Advantage plans include a hearing benefit with an allowance toward devices.
Figures on this page are verified against U.S. government primary sources: