Should Medicare cover dental, vision, and hearing, or would that just make it more expensive for everyone?

Question

Joshua Cooper · Accepted Answer

If Medicare covered dental, vision and hearing it would increase the cost to tax payers no doubt. These services are provided by independent practices so it is most cost effective for them to be offered through private companies such as Humana, Aetna, Manhattan life etc….

Answered by Joshua Cooper on March 31, 2025

Broker Licensed in GA, AL, FL & 10 other states

Answered by Joshua Cooper Medicare Insurance Agent

Steve and Sue Brauer · Answer

Hi. Thanks for watching. My name is Steve, and I'm the husband, half of the husband and wife Medicare team here in Arizona. So the question today is, should Medicare cover dental, vision, and hearing, or would that just make it more expensive for everyone?

There's been a lot of studies on this, and they can absolutely link dental care to your overall health. So I think they should cover dental, at least preventative visits, X-rays, and cleanings twice, if not three times a year. Yeah, it would bump up the cost for Medicare. Absolutely. But I think in the long run, more people would benefit, and you'd have a lot less medical issues on the back end for this.

Is that going to happen any time soon? There's been talk about that for years, but at the end of the day, they're not going to cover something unless they have to. So we should have them make those changes. I think it'd be fantastic. It would help everybody.

William Lawler · Answer

No. Medicare should not cover vision, dental and hearing. By enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan with a low or NO monthly premium, you can have vision, dental and hearing coverage. I would be happy to explain further. Contact me.

Answered by William Lawler on October 4, 2025

Broker Licensed in MO, FL, IA & 12 other states

Answered by William Lawler Medicare Insurance Agent

Larry Dalton · Answer

I believe Medicare should have more dental, vision, hearing, and preventive care services built into the traditional system, just like many Medicare Advantage plans offer these services within their programs.

Answered by Larry Dalton on March 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in OK & TX

Answered by Larry Dalton Medicare Insurance Agent

Christopher Boyd · Answer

Currently Medicare cannot afford to cover expenses such as Long Term Care. Dental and Hearing are extremely cost prohibited for "full coverage". Nearly all current Dental plans only cover 50-65%, on average, with a $800 - $3000 maximum benefit (restrictions apply). Leaving the patient to have co-pays and in some cases limited network restrictions.

Answered by Christopher Boyd on July 30, 2025

Agent Licensed in IN, KY, MI, OH, PA & TN

Answered by Christopher Boyd Medicare Insurance Agent

Edward Smith, ChFC, CRPS, AIF · Answer

Anytime, the government pays for more benefits it will make taxes and cost go up. Not everyone wants dental, vision and hearing benefits, therefore I believe it should be up to the individual whether or not to add that coverage. I hope that helps.

Answered by Edward Smith, ChFC, CRPS, AIF on July 7, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH, GA, IN, KY & TN

Answered by Edward Smith, ChFC, CRPS, AIF Medicare Insurance Agent

Ronnie Robinson Jr · Answer

We have many Medicare-eligible beneficiaries who don't have any teeth and would prefer other benefits instead. Some options include dental, vision, and hearing coverage, such as Medicare Advantage plans.

Answered by Ronnie Robinson Jr on December 15, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, GA & 9 other states

Answered by Ronnie Robinson Jr Medicare Insurance Agent

Ray McCauley · Answer

Their are savings to the system when Preventive Care for vision dental and hearing are utilized before the symptoms become chronic. Its a situation either  pay now or pay more to fix later

Justin Doherty · Answer

Personally, I think Medicare coverage of these services would increase the cost of Medicare for everyone. In addition, I think it would make it tougher for people to find providers that would accept the minimal amount Medicare would pay for these. Lastly, I feel the coverage options that are available from private insurance companies are vastly superior to the coverage Medicare would be able to provide.

Answered by Justin Doherty on September 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in PA, CO, CT & 11 other states

Answered by Justin Doherty Medicare Insurance Agent

Melonie Wood · Answer

Many plans already cover the additional benefits of Dental/Hearing/Vision at no additional costs.  The amounts covered vary depending on the area and the specific plan

Donnie Vermillion · Answer

Expanding Medicare benefits to cover dental, vision, and hearing would more than likely increase the cost of Medicare.

Ravi Natarajan · Answer

There are some Medicare covered Dental and vision services such as dental work following an accident or vision services such as Cataract surgery. Routine Dental, Vision and Hearing are typically not covered by original Medicare. However there are several Medicare Advantage Plans that cover these services. Including these services as part of Original Medicare would likely increase the Part B Premiums.

Answered by Ravi Natarajan on January 12, 2026

Broker Licensed in MA, AZ, CA & 12 other states

Answered by Ravi Natarajan Medicare Insurance Agent

Mark Zaruba · Answer

I think, personally that, since these things are all under the blanket of healthcare, they should include dental, vision, and hearing. However, a dentist for example needs to be able to cover his or her overhead and compensation that equals their ability for quality work. Same with vision and hearing.

Answered by Mark Zaruba on March 2, 2026

Agent Licensed in WI & IA

Answered by Mark Zaruba Medicare Insurance Agent

Jillian Bellinger-Laing · Answer

Medicare does cover eye exams and hearing exams because they are checking you for things like cataracts and glaucoma. They will not pay for the glasses or the hearing aids. If they did cover those things, it would be likely that the cost would go up.

Answered by Jillian Bellinger-Laing on May 27, 2025

Broker Licensed in PA, DE, FL & 6 other states

Answered by Jillian Bellinger-Laing Medicare Insurance Agent

Andy Fields · Answer

Everyone needs dental, vision and hearing but not everyone wants to pay the extra premium.
Medicare is individual coverage. You can buy dental, hearing and vision coverage separate from Medicare for a cost of $50-$75 per month. You could also buy just dental or just vision or a combo plan.

Steven Bleicher · Answer

Medicare basically only covers routine problems with Dental, Vision & Hearing. For example, fluoride treatment, x-rays, and cleanings are reimbursable in the area of Dental. However, there are some excellent “DVH” plans that will partially pay for a root canal, a cap, a crown, etc., that are reasonably priced. Anyone can buy this policy at any age; it is not just for seniors! Check into it.

Answered by Steven Bleicher on May 31, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Ron Cronwell · Answer

The would be nice, but Medicare law does not consider DVH a health related mater. CMS has been encouraging Medicare Advantage plans to offer DVH and many plans do offer DVH as non medical benefits.

Rick Boyd · Answer

Including dental and vision would greatly increase costs for everyone. Just look at the increase in cost for part B, every year the premium increases due to costs. Adding additional coverage will increase costs for everything.

Answered by Rick Boyd on March 31, 2026

Broker Licensed in KY, AZ, CA & OH, TN, TX & UT

Answered by Rick Boyd Medicare Insurance Agent

Thomas Magnus, RHU · Answer

This topic attracts many different opinions. And yes - providing coverage/benefits for these exposures will increase the overall cost - BUT especially with Dental, it can also ward off very debilitating and costly other health issues. So the real question may be, "How much do we value our overall health?

Answered by Thomas Magnus, RHU on March 9, 2026

Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, NV, OR & WA

Answered by Thomas Magnus, RHU Medicare Insurance Agent

Aaron Solomon · Answer

Tranditional Medicare (Part A & Part B) does not cover Dental, Hearing and Vision.

A  If you want to have these beenfits, A  supplement plan does not included dental, hearing, vision.
You would have to purchase a separate plan.

    The easliest way to get Dental, Hearing and vision is to have a MAPD.
These benfits are some the extra benefits in an MAPD plan.

Cindy Clonts · Answer

I don't think Medicare should cover dental, vision, and hearing because the costs are already expensive enough. It's $185 for most seniors on Medicare, and you have to double that if you're married, and the costs would just rise. Medical costs themselves are already expensive enough, let alone adding dental. Then I don't think you would have a lot of buy-in with the dentist, and I just really don't think that it would work very well. That's my opinion. Thank you.

Hugo Luis Mion · Answer

Medicare A and B, if they add dental, vision and hearing will be more expensive. But if you get Medicare Advantage is cover.

Bruce Kern · Answer

They can offer plans at a cost based on the amount coverage they want. 
Or they can purchase a separate stand alone dental plan

Clare Burley · Answer

Most of the Advantage plans already cover hearing, vision, and dental at zero cost to the member! So, that is an easy solution to receiving these additional perks.

Even with individual and group insurance (pre Medicare) Vision and dental are separate, so honestly this is a savings and improvement.

I personally think that if Original Medicare were to offer these benefits the cost may go up, but that’s not for me to decide.

The advantage plans are a great way to get access to these additional benefits and keep your out of pocket costs and premiums low.

Bill Zeky · Answer

Without knowing the inner workings of CMS, (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid), I can only guess that it would probably increase costs for everyone. What I do know is the teeth, eyes and ears of seniors are aging right along with all of our other body parts and should not be neglected. I encounter too many seniors that neglect these vital coverages.

Answered by Bill Zeky on May 19, 2025

Broker Licensed in PA, AL, CO & 10 other states

Answered by Bill Zeky Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Pomerantz · Answer

Medicare doesn’t cover dental, vision and hearing. They never have since 1965. We offer many options.

Shannan Pruitt · Answer

There is no way Medicare could afford to cover these extra non life threatening benefits. Medicare is medically necessary. Medicare was never meant to cover everything. Medicare does not cover LTC either. There’s simply not enough money set aside to cover these extra benefits.

Answered by Shannan Pruitt on June 23, 2025

Broker Licensed in AR, MO, OK & TX

Answered by Shannan Pruitt Medicare Insurance Agent

Fred Manas · Answer

The decision of whether or not to expand Medicare coverage for dental, vision, and hearing involves a complex trade-off between the benefits of improved health outcomes and the potential costs to the program and individual beneficiaries. While expanding coverage could offer significant benefits, it would also require addressing the challenges of increasing costs and ensuring equitable access for all beneficiaries.

Answered by Fred Manas on May 12, 2025

Agent Licensed in NY, CT, DC & 7 other states

Answered by Fred Manas Medicare Insurance Agent

Vachik Chakhbazian · Answer

Adding dental, vision, and hearing coverage to traditional Medicare would likely increase costs for some beneficiaries, but it could also improve overall health outcomes and potentially reduce healthcare spending in the long run by addressing preventative issues early. Currently, Original Medicare doesn't cover routine dental, vision, or hearing care, leading to high out-of-pocket costs for many beneficiaries and potentially delaying or forgoing necessary care.

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian on June 14, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AL, AR & 22 other states

Answered by Vachik Chakhbazian Medicare Insurance Agent

Gary Henderson · Answer

This is a complex issue. Not only we have to have the government original Medicare cover it or do what they do with prescription drug plants similar model
But the only way to make it work is to mandate. Everyone have one and that's where the problem comes in because dentists today don't have to take any insurances and you'd have to pretty much make it financially viable for a dentist to take it 
Medicare advantage plants offer limited dental vision and hearing already
If you have a Medicare supplement plan, you can purchase them separately that are widely accepted

Carol Thompson · Answer

It would be more expensive if you acquire stand alone plans with Original Medicare or Medicare Supplement. Medicare advantage plans offer dental, hearing and vision as part c.

Mike Henry · Answer

No it doesn’t u led from injury on dental. Yes it would make it more expensive. You can uh a separate policy for those

Jack Mayer · Answer

Medicare will not cover dental, vision and hearing. It is an ancillary benefit offered by insurance carriers who offer Medicare Advantage Plans. Medicare was only intended to help with Hospital and Medical care. My guess is that if these perks were added on to Medicare, a Federal Program it would drive cost through the roof.

Answered by Jack Mayer on May 8, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA & NV

Answered by Jack Mayer Medicare Insurance Agent

Deborah Webster · Answer

Medicare does not cover any of the above. Whether or not they should is irrelevant because it's not covered. Sending feedback to your congressmen or to Medicare would be a way to let them know what the public wants or needs. Medical costs are increasing, so the expense to consumers will continue to rise regardless of whether they cover any extras.

Answered by Deborah Webster on May 1, 2025

Broker Licensed in Ia & SC

Answered by Deborah Webster Medicare Insurance Agent

Karen Ansell · Answer

Yes Medicare should cover dental, vision and hearing. We all know dental issues can cause many other health issues and a person with hearing issues can feel isolated and depressed. Which both will cost more in the long run.

Answered by Karen Ansell on April 22, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, GA, KY & OH

Answered by Karen Ansell Medicare Insurance Agent

Julie Thompson · Answer

Unfortunately, I feel it would make it more expensive if they cover all three. I think the options offered in the MAPD plans and even with some of the Med Supp plans are doing a great job of getting coverage to beneficiary. There are stand-alone plans available for purchase too that I offer to clients.

Answered by Julie Thompson on October 5, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA, AZ, KY, NV & TN

Answered by Julie Thompson Medicare Insurance Agent

Gary Haft · Answer

Medicare itself does not cover, Dental, Vision or Hearing. BUT, Medicare Advantage Plans - many of them cover some of these extra benefits, but you must use their facilities, meaning you must use their dental facilities and their hearing vendors as well as their vision vendors. If you have a dentist that you wish to maintain and he or she is not on the dental provider list of the Medicare Advantage Plan, then you have to decide if you are willing to change dentists. If Medicare Supplements were to add these benefits to their plans, they would have to increase their premiums to cover some of those benefits or make them an option to add them otherwise if they are included at a higher premium, many that don't need or wish to have those benefits would end up paying for them for everyone else.

Answered by Gary Haft on May 26, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, AL, DC & 9 other states

Answered by Gary Haft Medicare Insurance Agent

William Scott · Answer

Great question! Medicare addresses the most expensive healthcare feature a person would need. 

Insurance carriers work closely with doctors and pharmacists to offer cost effective measures with ancillary benefits like dental, vision, hearing and built-in low cost prescription drug plans that will assist consumer in living healthier lives, which equates with preventing unnecessary hospital stays. 

The two work hand-in-hand in keeping Americans living healthier lives.

Bruce Resnick · Answer

No,. They should just stick with A&B because it would indeed make it more expensive for everyone. Or make those optional like Part D is now

Larry Pereiro · Answer

Most MA and MAPD Plans do cover these opportunities. There basic services provided at no cost and then there are also comprehensive services for minimal cost or cost savings. Most plans also provide optional supplemental plans if more extensive coverage is needed, however, at additional cost.

Answered by Larry Pereiro on April 28, 2025

Agent Licensed in IN

Answered by Larry Pereiro Medicare Insurance Agent

Julia Alves · Answer

Original Medicare (Parts A & B) unfortunately does not include routine dental, vision, or hearing coverage. These benefits usually come through Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, or through standalone dental/vision/hearing plans if you prefer to stay with Original Medicare + a Medigap.

Now, would adding these benefits to Original Medicare make it more expensive for everyone? Possibly, it would require changes in how Medicare is funded, but dental, vision, and hearing care actually help prevent bigger, more expensive health issues down the road, so including them could reduce LONG TERM healthcare costs. But anytime benefits are expanded, there has to be a plan for how that cost is shared. For now, the best way to get these benefits is through a Medicare Advantage plan or by adding a standalone dental, vision, and hearing plan if you stay with Original Medicare and a supplement.

Louanne Allison · Answer

Most Medicare Advantage plans and State Medicaid already cover dental, vision and hearing.  Medicare Supplements do not cover Dental, Vision and Hearing, but some carriers, like UHC, offer discounts or BCBS offers a $17 a month DVH for those on Supplements.  

As an agent, I cannot say that it would be more expensive for everyone without any data.  But, if a person takes the time and effort to get cleanings, use electric toothbrush, floss daily, work on periodontal disease and/or get dentures when their natural teeth are no longer good, they can be healthier.  Dental disease is a leading indicator of health.  If you take better care of your teeth, your health can be better overall, with less expense to you, Medicare and your insurance carrier.

Michael Turkaly · Answer

Medicare does not cover those items and I don't believe they should to keep cost down. However, Medicare Advantage plans include dental, vision and hearing coverage.

Annmarie Earehart · Answer

What Medicare Covers Now

Original Medicare (Parts A & B) does not cover routine dental, vision, or hearing.

It only covers these services if they’re tied to a medical condition (for example, dental surgery after an accident, or an eye exam for diabetes).

Many people add a standalone dental or vision plan or choose a Medicare Advantage plan that bundles these extras in.

The Case for Adding Coverage

Pro: It could make care more affordable for older adults, since things like dentures, glasses, and hearing aids are expensive.

Pro: Preventive dental and vision care may help avoid bigger (and more costly) health problems down the road.

The Trade-Off

Con: If Medicare added dental, vision, and hearing for everyone, premiums would almost certainly rise across the board to cover the extra benefits.

Con: Not everyone uses these services equally, so some people would end up paying for coverage they don’t use.

The Current Balance

Right now, Medicare keeps premiums lower by sticking to hospital and medical coverage. People who want extra dental, vision, or hearing benefits can choose a Medicare Advantage plan with those perks, or buy a separate plan. That way, the cost isn’t spread to everyone.