Medicare coverage is dependent on the form of Medicare you enroll in. This is especially true for dental and vision coverage, which requires joining a specific type of policy. And just as there is a specific plan that covers it, there’s also a specific time at which you can join it.
What Medicare Plans Do Not Cover Dental And Vision?
Medicare can be broken down into four individual plans:
- Part A
- Part B
- Part C
- Part D
Medicare Part A and B are considered Original Medicare. Part A is the inpatient component. Part B covers outpatient treatments, in addition to ambulance services and durable medical equipment.
Original Medicare won’t cover dental and vision treatments. And despite prescription glasses and dentures being forms of medical equipment, Part B will not cover those, either.
Part D will not offer dental and vision coverage, as its use is confined to prescription medication coverage only.
How Can I Get Dental And Vision Coverage With Medicare?
Medicare Part C, also called Medicare Advantage, is the one type of Medicare that allows for dental and vision coverage.
Medicare Advantage is unlike Original Medicare, because:
- It’s exclusively sold through private insurance
- It bundles inpatient and outpatient coverage under one plan, with drug coverage also included in some policies
- Your coverage will be within a network (policies may require paying extra for out-of-network services, or refuse to cover them at all)
- You may be required to choose a primary care physician, who you would need referrals from before you can see a specialist
With this, your plan may only cover you if you see certain dentists and optometrists in your network. Some plans, such as Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), will allow you to see specific practitioners at greater discounts than others.
This is possible because doctors within your network have a contract with your plan. This incentivizes healthcare providers to offer their services at a lower cost because it is a way for them to acquire more patients.
When Can I Get Medicare Advantage?
Enrolling requires already having Medicare Part A and B, and joining during one of these enrollment periods:
- Initial Enrollment – three months before you turn 65 to three months after you turn 65
- Special Enrollment – varies by circumstance
- Annual Enrollment – October 15 to December 7
Examples of Special Enrollment include:
- Joining Original Medicare for the first time during General Enrollment (January 1 to March 31) – lasts from April 1 to June 30
- Losing employer coverage – two full months after losing coverage
- Moving back into the US after having lived in another country – two full months after moving back
We’ll Get You A Medicare Plan With Dental And Vision Coverage
At Senior Health Solutions, we give you many insurance options to match your personal needs. From Medicare Advantage, to life insurance, to annuities, we’ve got you covered. If you’re in need of a Medicare plan that offers dental and vision coverage, don’t hesitate to call us today at (636) 244-4415.
