Does Medicare Cover...?
Straight answers to the coverage questions seniors actually ask — what Original Medicare pays for, what it doesn't, and the conditions in between. Each answer links to the page that explains it in full.
Dental, Vision & Hearing
Does Medicare Cover Dental Care?
Generally no. Original Medicare does not cover routine dental care — cleanings, fillings, extractions, or dentures. Narrow exceptions exist when dental work is medically tied to a covered treatment, such as an exam before an organ transplant.
Does Medicare Cover Dentures?
No. Original Medicare does not cover dentures — not the fitting, not the dentures themselves, and not repairs or relines. Under Original Medicare you pay the full cost yourself, unless you have separate dental coverage.
Does Medicare Cover Routine Eye Exams and Glasses?
Generally no. Original Medicare does not cover routine eye exams for glasses or contacts, and it doesn't cover glasses themselves — with one exception: one pair after cataract surgery. Medical eye care, like glaucoma and diabetic eye exams, is covered.
Does Medicare Cover Cataract Surgery?
Yes. Medicare Part B covers cataract surgery, including implanting a standard intraocular lens, when your doctor determines it's medically necessary. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible; premium lens upgrades cost extra.
Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?
No. Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or exams for fitting hearing aids — you pay 100% of the cost. It does cover diagnostic hearing exams your doctor orders for a medical reason.
Does Medicare Cover Hearing Exams?
It depends on why you're getting one. Medicare Part B covers diagnostic hearing and balance exams your doctor orders to evaluate a medical problem. Routine hearing checkups and exams for fitting hearing aids are not covered.
Does Medicare Cover Eyeglasses After Cataract Surgery?
Yes — this is Medicare's one glasses exception. After each cataract surgery that implants an intraocular lens, Part B covers one pair of corrective eyeglasses with standard frames, or one set of contact lenses, from a Medicare-enrolled supplier.
Everyday Care
Does Medicare Cover Chiropractic Care?
Partly. Medicare Part B covers one chiropractic service: manual manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation, when medically necessary. It does not cover X-rays, massage therapy, or other tests and treatments a chiropractor orders.
Does Medicare Cover Physical Therapy?
Yes. Medicare Part B covers medically necessary outpatient physical therapy ordered under a treatment plan, with no yearly dollar cap. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible.
Does Medicare Cover Podiatry and Foot Care?
It depends. Part B covers medically necessary podiatrist care — foot injuries, infections, hammer toe, heel spurs — but not routine care like nail trimming, unless diabetes or another condition makes routine foot care medically necessary.
Does Medicare Cover Mental Health Therapy and Counseling?
Yes. Medicare Part B covers outpatient mental health care — therapy, psychiatric evaluation, and medication management — from professionals who accept Medicare. A yearly depression screening costs nothing in a primary care setting when the provider accepts assignment.
Does Medicare Cover an Annual Physical?
No — Medicare does not pay for a traditional head-to-toe annual physical. It covers two different visits instead: a one-time "Welcome to Medicare" visit in your first 12 months of Part B, then a yearly Annual Wellness Visit.
Does Medicare Cover Ambulance Rides?
Yes, for emergencies. Part B covers ground ambulance transport when travel any other way could endanger your health, to the nearest appropriate facility. Non-emergency rides are covered only in limited cases with a doctor's written order.
Does Medicare Cover Wheelchairs and Walkers?
Yes. Part B covers walkers, wheelchairs, and other durable medical equipment when a doctor orders it as medically necessary for use in your home — and both the doctor and the supplier are enrolled in Medicare.
Serious Illness & Facility Care
Does Medicare Cover Home Health Care?
Yes, with conditions. Medicare covers part-time skilled care at home — nursing, physical therapy, speech therapy — when a doctor certifies you're homebound and need it, through a Medicare-certified agency. It does not cover 24-hour care or purely custodial help.
Does Medicare Cover Nursing Home or Long-Term Care?
Mostly no. Medicare pays for short-term skilled nursing care after a qualifying hospital stay — up to 100 days — but not for long-term nursing home stays, which are custodial care. Medicaid is the usual payer for those.
Does Medicare Cover Assisted Living?
No. Medicare does not pay for assisted living — room, board, or help with daily activities. It still covers your regular medical care while you live there: doctor visits, hospital stays, and covered equipment.
Does Medicare Cover Hospice Care?
Yes. Part A covers hospice almost entirely — the care team, medications for symptom relief, equipment, and family support — when a doctor certifies a life expectancy of six months or less and you choose comfort-focused care over curative treatment.
Prescriptions & Equipment
Does Medicare Cover Transportation to Medical Appointments?
Mostly no. Original Medicare covers emergency ambulance service, and non-emergency ambulance only when a doctor certifies it's medically necessary. It does not pay for rides to routine doctor visits. Some Medicare Advantage plans include a transportation benefit.
Does Medicare Cover Insulin?
Yes. Insulin through a Medicare drug plan is capped at $35 for a month's supply of each covered insulin, with no deductible. Insulin used in a traditional pump is covered under Part B at the same cap.
Does Medicare Cover the Shingles Vaccine and Other Vaccines?
Yes. With a Medicare drug plan, the shingles vaccine costs you nothing, and Part B covers flu, COVID-19, and pneumonia shots at no cost. Without Part D, Medicare does not pay for the shingles shot.
Updated August 21, 2026.