What Does Medicare Not Generally Cover?

Medicare can be complex. However, learning about Medicare coverage can be essential. 

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for those that are 65 years and older. It’s an excellent way to save money on healthcare and make sure that you have access to the medical services you need. However, Medicare is very specific about what does and doesn’t fall within its coverage. Let’s go over some of the things that generally aren’t covered.

What Medicare Does and Doesn’t Cover

Medicare typically covers things that are medically essential. If you want a procedure that’s elective and not necessary, then it’s likely that Medicare won’t cover it. You may need to pay for the procedure out-of-pocket.

If you’re enrolled in Original Medicare, then your policy won’t cover prescription drugs. If you do want this area of coverage, then you’ll need to enroll in a Part D policy. Most Medicare Advantage policies do include prescription drug coverage, though enrolling in Part D is not an option.

In most situations, Medicare doesn’t cover long-term care. If you’re going to be needing 24 hour care, seven days a week, then Medicare is most likely not going to provide the full coverage that you need.

Medicare doesn’t typically cover a wide variety of dental care. However, there are some situations in which it can be covered. If you’re not sure what dental coverage your policy provides, it’s best to speak with a professional.

Medicare doesn’t provide international coverage. If you’re planning on spending time in another country, you’ll most likely want to examine other health insurance options that will extend coverage. Many will look into Medicare Supplements, also referred to as Medigap plans. Some of these plans will provide coverage of up to 80% of foreign travel emergencies, but you will want to make sure you review the plan’s coverage thoroughly before committing.

Want to Know More About Your Coverage Options?

If you’re new to Medicare coverage, there are a lot of different things to learn. Understanding all of your different coverage options is a great way to make sure that you’re enrolled in the right policy and you’re saving as much money as possible on medical bills.

We love working with our clients to provide them with more information about their coverage and make sure that they’re on the right track. If you’re ready to discuss the coverage that Medicare provides, our professionals are here to help. Feel free to give us a call to book a time to meet with one of our experienced agents!