Medicare Part A and Part B Coverage Limitations: What to Expect

Enrolling in Medicare is an excellent way to ensure you are able to receive the vital health care you may need.  However, not all medical supplies and services will be covered by your Medicare Parts A and B.  In order to best prepare for your future, it is essential to be aware of some important coverage limitations.

For instance, Medicare doesn’t cover acupuncture, cosmetic surgery, hearing aids, hearing aid-fitting exams, and hearing tests (unless ordered by your doctor).  Medicare also won’t cover custodial care, unless you are also receiving skilled nursing care in a nursing facility, in a hospice, or at home. The majority of chiropractic services also aren’t covered, other than for subluxation.  Aside from a few exceptions, most dental care, dentures, foot care, orthopedic shoes, and eye-glasses won’t be covered either.

Although Medicare does cover a “welcome to Medicare” physical exam when you first enroll, yearly or routine exams aren’t generally covered.  Additionally, many vaccines and prescription drugs, as well as syringes or insulin not used with an insulin pump, won’t be covered by Parts A and B. If you plan to travel, be aware that most medical care won’t be covered by Medicare if you’re traveling outside of the United States. 

There are, of course, many valuable services which are covered by your Medicare Parts A and B.  Even when services are covered, though, you may be responsible for paying deductibles, coinsurance, or copayments for a number of these services.  By being cognizant of coverage limitations in services and supplies, you will be better able to plan, financially and practically, for your health care needs.