Medicare FAQ's

Have you ever had a question about what Medicare is and how it works? You are not alone! We’ve gathered some of the most popular Medicare concerns and we’re sharing the answers in one convenient location.

Medicare Basics

What Does Medicare Cover?

Medicare covers health-related costs for those 65 and older, or younger with a qualifying illness such as renal failure. Through the two main parts of Original Medicare, you can have coverage for in-patient care, as well as doctor visits and preventive screenings.

What Are the Four Parts of Medicare?

There are four parts of Medicare: Part A (for inpatient care), Part B (for outpatient services), Part C (Medicare Advantage plans) and Part D (for prescription drugs). Read this article on our Learning Center to learn more.

What Does Medicare Part A Cover?

Medicare Part A covers inpatient care at a hospital, skilled nursing facility or rehabilitation center. It does not cover outpatient services, even if administered in a hospital. Part A is typically paid for by income taxes and is considered to be the minimum acceptable coverage for seniors in the United States.

What Does Medicare Part B Cover?

Medicare Part B is for outpatient services, such as doctor visits and medical screenings. Additionally, durable medical equipment and certain doctor-administered medications may be covered through your Part B plan. Part A and Part B together make up Original Medicare.

What is Medicare Part C?

Medicare Part C is another term used to describe Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare Advantage plans offer additional coverage beyond Original Medicare and are sold by private insurance companies. All Medicare plans, whether through the government or privately purchased, must cover the same basic medical items. Some Medicare Advantage plans aim to offer additional coverage for services not included in Original Medicare, such as dental or prescription coverage.

How Does Medicare Part D Work?

Medicare Part D is Medicare’s prescription drug program. It, like all supplemental coverage, is purchased from private insurance companies during applicable enrollment periods. Once purchased, it works like traditional prescription coverage, offering lowered costs for covered drugs at participating pharmacies.

Does Medicare Cover Dental?

Original Medicare does not cover dental, hearing or vision services. Instead, like with prescription drug plans, this additional coverage option is available to purchase from private insurers. Some Medicare Advantage plans may also offer dental coverage.

What Is a Medigap Plan?

Medigap is another name for Medicare Supplement plans. They’re intended, as both names suggest, to help bridge and supplement Original Medicare coverage. These plans only supplement health services covered by Original Medicare, so they do not include things like dental or prescriptions. Medicare Supplements are standardized and sold as lettered plans. To learn more about the differences between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans, click here.

Medicare Covered Services

Will Medicare Pay for a Wheelchair?

Medicare Part B helps cover power-operated scooters, walkers and wheelchairs as Durable Medical Equipment (DME). You must have limited mobility and meet all the eligibility criteria. Power wheelchairs require additional authorization before purchase can be completed.

Will Medicare Pay for Hearing Aids?

Medicare does not cover the cost of hearing aids or fittings for hearing aids. However, it was announced that in 2023, there will be an over-the-counter hearing aid option available thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, which aims to help mitigate growing health care costs facing seniors.

Will Medicare Pay for Dental Implants?

Medicare does not cover any dental services, including dental implants. Dental implant coverage can be purchased through a dental, vision and hearing plan, or may be included in some Medicare Advantage plans.

Will Medicare Pay for a Chair Lift?

For those who qualify, Medicare Part B covers up to 80% of the cost for a chair lift after you’ve met your Part B deductible. This is because chair lifts are considered Durable Medical Equipment.

Will Medicare Pay for Home Health Care?

Medicare Part A and/or Part B may assist with some home health care services. They provide restorative services, which help with rehabilitation after health events, or services like injectable treatments that need a provider to administer them. They do not cover long-term services, such as nursing care.

Will Medicare Pay for Assisted Living?

Medicare does not cover assisted living or any other long-term care. Medicare only helps with short-term needs. Some low-income seniors can become eligible for Medicaid long-term care assistance, but the qualification criteria is strict. Discover more about Medicare vs. Medicaid here.

What Medicare Does Not Cover

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) covers medical needs, but it does not cover many key areas. Dental, vision, hearing and prescription services are not covered as part of Original Medicare, although these coverage areas can be purchased through supplementary coverage options. Many plans will not cover cosmetic procedures and services that fall into the category of “alternative medicine,” although specifics will vary by plan. Learn more about what Medicare does not cover here.

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