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.
Medicare does not cover most routine dental care.
Some dental services are covered when closely linked to covered medical treatment.
Ask your plan or provider about coverage for the specific service before treatment.
Official source: dental (as of 2026-10-12).
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 obtain a stand-alone dental plan or pay out of pocket. An agent can compare what's actually available where you live.
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New here? Start free →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 obtain 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: