Medicare covers a lot, but not everything. For example, Medicare doesn’t cover most dental, vision, and hearing care, including hearing aids. It also doesn’t cover most non-emergency transportation or care outside of the United States. Even when Medicare does cover your care, there may be out-of-pocket costs left to you, like copays and coinsurances, that can really add up. Today we’ll discuss ways to add on to your Medicare to help you access these types of care.

 

Medigaps: Covering out-of-pocket costs

 Medigaps are health insurance policies that work with Original Medicare—not with Medicare Advantage. They are sold by private insurance companies.

• If you have a Medigap, it pays part or all of certain remaining costs after Original Medicare pays first. Medigaps may cover outstanding deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments.
• Medigaps may also cover health care costs that Medicare does not cover at all, like emergency care received when travelling abroad.

If you want to purchase a Medigap policy, you need to find out the best time to buy one in your state.

• In most states, insurance companies must only sell you a policy at certain times and if you meet certain requirements.
• If you miss your window of opportunity to buy a Medigap, your costs may go up, your options may be limited, or you may not be able to buy a Medigap at all.
• Even if you do not have the right to buy a Medigap in your state, you may still be able to buy a policy if a company agrees to sell you one. However, know that companies can charge you a higher price because of your health status or other reasons.

 

Medicare Advantage Plans: Supplemental benefits

Medicare Advantage Plans may cover things that Medicare can’t cover. These are called supplemental benefits. Examples of common supplemental benefits are:

• Dental care
• Vision care
• Hearing aids
• Gym memberships

Medicare Advantage Plans can also offer benefits that are not primary health-related for beneficiaries who have chronic illnesses, like meal delivery, transportation for non-medical needs, and home air cleaners.

It’s very important to read a plan’s coverage rules around its supplemental benefits. These benefits may not be as comprehensive as you assume.

 

Medicaid: For limited income and assets

• Medicaid in your state may covers dental, vision, hearing, long-term care, or transportation services. You may qualify for Medicaid if you have a low income and minimal assets. Contact your local Medicaid office to learn if you qualify.

 

Stand-alone plans: Covering what Medicare doesn’t

• You can purchase stand-alone dental, vision, or hearing plans through private insurance companies.

 

Strategies for low-cost care outside of Medicare 

• You can find low-cost care for services not covered by Medicare, in places like Federally Qualified Health Centers or Community Health Centers. School and facilities that train dentists, optometrists, and audiologists may also offer low-cost care. Students work with patients under the supervision of experienced, licensed providers.

 

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