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.

What is considered 'long-term care' that Medicare doesn't cover?

Seniorlifeinsights

Long-term care refers to services that help you with basic daily activities like bathing, dressing, and eating, often in a nursing home or assisted living facility. Original Medicare generally does not cover this type of custodial care, though it may cover limited skilled nursing care following a qualifying hospital stay.