– Deductibles and coinsurance – If you opt for Original Medicare, both Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) require out-of-pocket spending in the form of deductibles and coinsurance. If you have medical needs, this can get pricey, and there’s no out-of-pocket cap on Original Medicare spending. – Routine dental care – Although Medicare Part A covers some dental services you may get as part of a hospital stay, basic dental care like cleanings, X-rays and fillings aren’t covered. If you want coverage, you’ll have to purchase a separate dental policy. – Eye exams – Medicare doesn’t cover eye exams for glasses or contacts, or the eyeglasses or contacts themselves. Medicare Part B does cover one pair of glasses or contacts if you have cataract surgery. – Hearing aids – Medicare also doesn’t cover hearing aids or the exams required for hearing aids. – Prescription drugs – Original Medicare Parts A and B don’t offer coverage for prescription drugs. If you want prescription drug coverage, you must buy a Medicare Part D plan from a private insurance company or get prescription drug coverage from a Medicare Advantage plan that includes it. – Long-term care – Medicare does cover skilled nursing facility care if your doctor recommends it after a qualifying three-day inpatient hospital stay. In these circumstances, Medicare covers the first 100 days of care along with a daily coinsurance charge.
