Coverage
What Original Medicare doesn't cover
A plain checklist of what Medicare Part A and Part B don't pay for, from long-term care and dental to hearing aids and routine physicals, and how people fill the gaps.
Checked against official sources on October 27, 2026 · How we check facts
Original Medicare covers most medically necessary care, but it leaves some big gaps. Knowing them helps you choose the right extra coverage.
Not covered by Part A and Part B
- Long-term care: help with daily activities, in a nursing home or at home. See paying for long-term care.
- Most dental care: cleanings, fillings, extractions and dentures. Medicare may pay for some dental care tied to certain covered treatments, like a heart valve repair, an organ transplant, cancer treatment or dialysis.
- Eye exams for glasses or contacts, and usually the glasses themselves. One pair after cataract surgery with a lens implant is covered.
- Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.
- Routine physical exams. The yearly wellness visit is covered, but it isn't a full physical. See preventive care.
- Cosmetic surgery and massage therapy.
- Concierge care (a membership fee to a doctor's practice).
- Care from a doctor who opted out of Medicare, except in an emergency or urgent need. See doctors who don't take Medicare.
- Most care outside the U.S. See Medicare when you travel.
- Most prescriptions you take at home, which need Part D or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage.
When Medicare may not pay for something it usually covers
With Original Medicare, a doctor or supplier may give you an Advance Beneficiary Notice (ABN) if they think Medicare won't pay for a particular service. It lists the service, the estimated cost and why. If you get the service and Medicare denies it, you may have to pay, but you can still appeal.
How people fill the gaps
- Medicare Advantage plans often include some dental, vision and hearing benefits and fitness programs. See dental, vision and hearing.
- Medigap helps with Medicare's deductibles and coinsurance, but generally doesn't cover long-term care, vision, dental, hearing aids, eyeglasses or private-duty nursing.
- Medicaid, if you qualify, can cover some of these, including long-term care. See your state's programs.
- Separate dental, vision or long-term care insurance policies.
Common questions
Does Medicare cover dental care?
Original Medicare doesn't cover most dental care, like cleanings, fillings, extractions or dentures. It may pay for some dental care closely tied to certain covered treatments, like a heart valve repair, organ transplant, cancer treatment or dialysis. Many Medicare Advantage plans include some dental benefits.
Does Medicare cover hearing aids?
No. Original Medicare doesn't cover hearing aids or exams for fitting them. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer hearing benefits.
Does Medicare cover a yearly physical?
No. Medicare covers a yearly wellness visit and many screenings, but not a routine physical exam.
Does Medicare pay for nursing home care?
Not long-term care. Medicare covers a limited stay in a skilled nursing facility after a qualifying hospital stay, but not ongoing help with daily activities.
Sources
- Medicare & You 2027 handbook (what Original Medicare doesn't cover)
- Medicare.gov: What Original Medicare covers
General information, not advice about a specific plan.