Seniorlifeinsights Updated Aug 27, 2026
Answer from Seniorlifeinsights

Original Medicare generally covers medically necessary services but has significant gaps, excluding most routine dental care, hearing aids and exams, routine vision care, and long-term care.

While Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) covers many essential medical services, it leaves several common healthcare needs without coverage. These typically include routine dental checkups and procedures, hearing aids and the exams needed to fit them, and routine eye exams for glasses or contact lenses. Long-term care, such as nursing home care or custodial care, is also generally not covered. Understanding these exclusions is key to planning for potential out-of-pocket costs.

This information is for educational purposes and does not guarantee coverage for specific services; always verify with your plan and provider.

Does Medicare cover the cost of hearing aids?

Seniorlifeinsights

Original Medicare does not cover routine hearing aids or the exams to fit them. It may cover diagnostic hearing and balance tests if your doctor orders them to diagnose a condition, but not the devices themselves.