Medicare beneficiaries who have had low back pain for 12 weeks or more can receive up to 20 acupuncture treatments per year. Here's a breakdown of what the four parts of Medicare cover (and don't cover), plus some other things that Medicare helps pay for. Medicare generally doesn't cover routine eye exams or eyeglasses (exceptions include an annual eye exam if you have diabetes or eyeglasses after undergoing certain types of cataract surgery). However, some Medicare Advantage plans provide eye coverage, or you may be able to purchase a separate supplemental policy that provide eye care.
In addition, some Medicare Advantage plans cover emergency care abroad. Or you can buy a travel insurance policy that covers some medical expenses while you're outside the U.S. UU. It can even cover an emergency medical evacuation, whose transportation aboard a medical plane or helicopter can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Original Medicare doesn't cover 100% of your medical expenses or cover prescription drugs. To help close cost gaps, you can choose a Medigap policy or a Medicare Advantage plan. Original Medicare doesn't cover hearing aids or the hearing tests needed to prescribe and adapt hearing aids. You will pay 100% of the costs associated with the hearing aids. Original Medicare doesn't cover routine physical exams. You'll pay 100% of all uncovered cosmetic surgeries.
You will pay 100% for massage services. Original Medicare doesn't cover acupuncture services, unless they're for chronic low back pain. You'll pay 100% of the costs if you don't meet the coverage requirements. Medicare provides comprehensive coverage, but it doesn't cover everything. 5 Original Medicare, for example, doesn't cover routine dental care, dentures, routine eye care, corrective lenses, dentures, hearing aids, or long-term care in nursing homes.
