Why seniors need dental vision hearing insurance

Original Medicare can help provide older Americans with health coverage, but generally it doesn’t pay for most dental, vision, or hearing insurance for seniors, which can leave you responsible for these expenses. Purchasing individual coverage for each of these services can be a convenient solution.

How maintaining dental, vision, and hearing health can help seniors

When older adults keep track of their oral, eye, and ear health, it can help ensure they have stronger teeth, prevent visual impairment and blindness, and also limit hearing loss. Unfortunately, 49% of seniors have not been to the dentist in the past year, and 65% lack dental coverage altogether.

The costs of dental, vision, or hearing services can also keep people from getting the care they need. In fact, 24% of Baby Boomers avoid medical care due to the expense. This can have a negative effect on your health and quality of life.

How can a dental, vision, and hearing plan provide coverage?

An all-in-one dental, vision, and hearing plan can make it easier to maintain regular checkups and exams, help prevent physical deterioration, and potentially keep you smiling, seeing, and hearing longer. This type of policy can provide coverage for preventive exams, routine procedures, and other important services.

Plus, it can be easier to apply for just one plan that covers multiple services than to research, manage, and apply for numerous plans.

What can Medicare cover for dental, vision, or hearing services?

There are some situations where Medicare Part A will pay dental costs, but only in the event of an emergency or for complicated procedures performed in a hospital. And Medicare Part B will cover diabetes eye exams, glaucoma tests, and macular generation services. However, Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover eye exams for glasses or contact lenses.

Bills can sometimes be high, especially on a fixed income. Medicare beneficiaries average $874 in out-of-pocket dental expenses per year, and hearing aids can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $6,000 each. Unfortunately, Medicare does not pay for these items or services.

Do seniors with Medicare Advantage need dental, vision, and hearing insurance?

Some Medicare Advantage plans come with some dental, vision and/or hearing coverage. And the coverage may not be as extensive as with a stand-alone plan. It’s recommended that you review the details of your plan carefully, or consult with a licensed insurance agent, to see if you may need additional coverage.

Find dental, vision, and hearing insurance for seniors today

Ready to review the options that are available in your area? To get more details about this kind of coverage, learn about how it works with your current Medicare plan, or even apply for a plan, call a licensed insurance agent at (800) 933-7636 today.