Not really. Original Medicare isn’t built to handle everyday dental needs. While it might step in for serious medical situations—like dental work related to surgery—it doesn’t help with cleanings, cavities, root canals, or dentures. You’d have to pay for those out of pocket unless you have a supplemental plan. Here’s more info.

If you’re dealing with glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration, Medicare may help with certain procedures and testing. But when it comes to getting your eyes checked every year or picking out new glasses, you’re on your own. No coverage for routine eye exams or vision correction. See this ADA overview.

In short: no. Medicare won’t help pay for hearing aids, fittings, or most hearing exams. The only time it gets involved is if your primary doctor orders a diagnostic test for something like balance or hearing loss. Otherwise, you’ll need additional coverage or expect to pay out of pocket.

You can buy a standalone plan or sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan that includes these extras. Physicians Mutual, for example, offers popular dental plans in the Southeast that don’t require a network and don’t come with deductibles. It’s worth comparing what’s available in your area.

Sooner is better. Most plans make you wait a few months before they’ll pay for big-ticket procedures like crowns or dentures. If you wait until you already need care, you’ll end up footing the bill.

Yes. If you qualify for Medicaid in addition to Medicare, you may be eligible for a Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP). These plans often include coverage for dental, vision, and hearing, at little to no extra cost.

It might. Part D won’t cover cleanings or glasses, but it can cover medications your provider prescribes for dental or eye issues, like antibiotics before oral surgery or prescription eye drops.

That bill aims to expand Medicare to finally include coverage for these essential services. It hasn’t passed yet, but it’s a sign that policymakers are starting to listen to what seniors actually need.