When most people hit 65, Medicare becomes the safety net they rely on for health coverage. It helps with hospital visits, doctor appointments, and prescription drugs, which can protect your savings in retirement. But here is the part many people do not realize until later: Medicare does not cover everything. In fact, three major areas of care are completely left out, and those expenses can add up to tens of thousands of dollars a year if you are not prepared.
Does Medicare cover dental care
The short answer is no. Medicare does not cover routine dental care. That means things like cleanings, fillings, dentures, and even major procedures like root canals come out of your own pocket.
To give you an idea of the cost:
- A basic dental cleaning without insurance usually runs between $75 and $200.
- A cavity filling costs anywhere from $50 to $250, depending on the type of filling.
- A root canal averages about $1,165, and dentures can range from $350 to $12,450.
If you need frequent dental care or major work, these numbers can seriously drain your retirement budget. This is why many people choose to buy a private dental plan or set aside money in a Health Savings Account (HSA) or retirement account to cover these bills.
Does Medicare pay for vision care
Just like dental, Medicare does not cover routine vision care. If you need glasses or just a yearly eye exam, you are on your own unless you have separate vision insurance.
Here are some average costs without coverage:
- A standard eye exam is about $136 on average. Some retail chains like Walmart and Sam’s Club offer lower-cost exams, starting at $45–$75.
- Prescription eyeglasses cost about $350 on average, though the price depends heavily on the type of frames and lenses you pick.
If your eyesight changes often, the expenses for new exams and glasses can add up quickly. Planning ahead by either buying vision insurance or setting aside money for eye care is a smart move.
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Does Medicare cover long-term care
This is the biggest gap. Medicare does not cover long-term care at all. That includes having a home health aide, moving into assisted living, or staying in a nursing home. Because these are considered personal care services rather than medical treatment, Medicare does not pay for them.
According to CareScout, here is what you could be paying each year:
- $77,796 for a home health aide.
- $70,800 for assisted living.
- $111,324 for a shared nursing home room.
- $127,750 for a private nursing home room.
Those numbers are high, and they can easily eat through your savings if you are not prepared. This is why many people look into long-term care insurance or make sure they build extra savings specifically for these costs.
How you can prepare for these costs
Knowing that Medicare will not cover dental, vision, or long-term care, the best thing you can do is plan ahead. Here are some steps you might take:
- Use an HSA if you qualify: You can contribute tax-free money now and use it later in retirement for these expenses. In 2025, the contribution limit is $4,300 for individuals and $8,550 for families, with an extra $1,000 allowed if you are over 55.
- Explore private insurance: Dental and vision plans are widely available, and long-term care insurance can protect you from those very large bills later on.
- Boost your retirement savings: Even if you cannot use an HSA, increasing your 401(k) or IRA contributions can give you more room to cover out-of-pocket health costs.
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