Retirement Expenses Medicare Will Not Cover

Medicare recipients receive medical care coverage for most of their healthcare needs. However, there are many services not covered by the program, which leaves you responsible for the cost. The good news is there are options if you need healthcare services not covered by Medicare.

What Medicare Will Not Cover

Inpatient mental health after 190 days
Immunization besides flu or pneumonia
Dental care including dentures
Long-term nursing home care
Some medical testing
Custodial care from someone not certified by Medicare
Acupuncture
Routine physical exams
Foot care and orthopedic shoes
Eye exams or eyeglasses
Hearing aides
Cosmetic surgery
Healthcare outside of the United States

Supplemental Health Insurance

Many states have a Medigap program available so you can receive assistance with the services not covered by Medicare. Each state is different in the services they cover and you can learn more about it from your Social Services office.

Medicare managed care plans provide the same benefits before the reform. However, this has many additional benefits if you are willing to see doctors and providers in the plan’s network. If you choose this alternative form of Medicare, you will have monthly premiums. The benefit is you will not need a program like Medigap.

Medicaid is available for individuals with low income. This program will pay for some of the services not covered by Medicare. Seniors who are unable to pay for deductibles or premiums can receive some assistance with this as well.

Some seniors will purchase supplemental private healthcare insurance to cover the out-of-pocket expenses Medicare does not cover. Those who are not eligible for Medicaid but need services not covered such as, foot care or orthopedic shoes due to diabetes can find assistance through some of these private healthcare insurance providers.