Medicare Dental and Vision.

Medicare is a federal health-care program open to Americans who are age 65 or older or have a disability or terminal illness. There are many components to comprehensive Medicare coverage, such as the following plans:

• Part A Medicare pays for hospital and inpatient services
• Part B Medicare pays for most clinical and outpatient services
• Part C Medicare or Medicare Advantage combines Parts A and B benefits into a private insurance plan
• Part D Medicare pays for certain prescription medications

While these plans pay for critical services like surgeries, doctors’ visits, hospice care, and necessary drugs, they do not often have benefits for dental and vision. Medicare does not usually see these services as medically necessary, except in certain circumstances.

This is not a new phenomenon; many of us pay for supplemental dental and vision coverage through our employer. Medicare dental and vision plans work in a similar way.

To get Medicare dental and vision coverage, you’ll need to sign up for a stand-alone plan that offers these benefits. Alternatively, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that has built-in dental and vision coverage.

Like dental services, Medicare does not usually see vision care as medically necessary. If you only have Original Medicare, you will not receive coverage for eyeglasses, contacts, exams, or other services.

However, Medicare Part B does cover the following services:

• Glaucoma tests
• Preventive or diagnostic eye exams
• Exams to test for diabetic retinopathy
• Exams to test for macular degeneration

Medicare Part A may also pay for surgery if you have cataracts, as well as eye prostheses under certain circumstances. For example, if you lose your eye due to an accident, you may receive benefits for the initial prosthetic, as well as polishing and replacements every five years.

If you want coverage for eye exams and other routine services, you will need to invest in a separate vision plan. Like dental services, insurers offer vision coverage as a stand-alone supplement or as part of a Medicare Advantage plan.

There are many types of Medicare vision plans available to Michigan residents. While your benefits will vary depending on your plan and provider, many insurers pay for the following services:

• Routine eye exams
• Preventive eye exams
• Eyeglass and contact lenses
• Coverage at specific retailers
• Eyeglass frames, including upgraded styles

Depending on your needs, these services can cost hundreds of dollars out of pocket. If you only have Original Medicare, you’ll be responsible for 100% of any noncovered vision services that you receive.

In these situations, supplemental vision coverage can significantly limit your out-of-pocket costs. This is especially true if you require frequent eye exams or wear contacts or glasses on a regular basis.

Contact the Medicare Experts at Sunnyside Today

Medicare dental and vision coverage is only one component of your health-care plan. When it comes to these services, different levels of coverage work for different people. You may not require vision services at all but need extensive dental care and vice versa.

The landscape can be very complex, and it can be difficult to find the best plans, premiums, and information. In these situations, it’s important to work with a licensed broker who can help you find the right coverage.

If you are enrolling in a Medicare plan, you need an expert on your side. At Sunnyside Medicare, our licensed agents can guide you through your options for free and build a custom plan that fits your unique needs.

If you’re enrolling in Medicare, you might as well get help from the best. Contact Sunnyside Medicare at (248) 277-5948 and discuss your options with one of our licensed agents.