7 medical services Medicare doesn’t cover

Medicare does not cover most dental care, including dentures, fillings and routine dental cleanings. Medicare Part A may cover certain dental services received when you're in emergency inpatient care in a hospital.

Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or exams for fitting hearing aids. However, Medicare may cover hearing and balance exams if your doctor or other health care provider order them to see if you need medical treatment.

Eye exams to get eyeglasses or contact lens prescriptions are not covered by Medicare. Glaucoma tests, however, are covered once a year for people at high risk for the eye disease.

Corrective lenses are a basic need for many older people and young people with disabilities, but Medicare does not cover their costs in most cases. If you have a cataract surgery that implants an intraocular lens, Medicare will cover one pair of eyeglasses with standard frames, or one set of contact lenses, from a Medicare provider.

Original Medicare doesn't offer a supplemental over-the-counter benefit while most Medicare Advantage plans do. This benefit includes a quarterly allowance that can be used to purchase eligible everyday health and wellness items at major participating retailers.

Medicare generally does not cover health care while you are traveling outside the U.S. There are a few rare exceptions. For example, Medicare may pay for services you get while on board a ship within the territorial waters adjoining the land areas of the U.S.

Medicare does not pay for long-term care, such as non-skilled personal assistance with everyday activities, and very few Medicare Advantage plans cover it. However, if you are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid (known as Medi-Cal in California), you may have coverage for long-term care. Visit longtermcare.gov for more information.