Did you knowMedicaredoesnt cover all your health care costs?
So what does Medicare not cover, exactly?
When Insurance Falls Short…
Unfortunately, insurance doesnt covereverything.These resourcescan help you manage those unexpected expenses.
However, theamountof coverage for these services varies from plan to plan and can be limited.
What does Medicare not cover?
For the most part, it doesnt include dental care, hearing aids,eyeglassesor prescription medications.
Here are four smart ways to save money on dental care with Medicare without sacrificing that dazzling smile.
Federally funded community health clinics provide reduced-cost or free dental care services to people with low incomes.
Many operate on a sliding scale system while others offer flexible payment plans.
it’s possible for you to find a community health clinic in your area by usingthis search tool.
Heres how it works.
First, you pay an annual fee for the dental savings plan.
Then, you get a 10% to 60% discount on most dental services.
To be clear: Youre still paying out of pocket for those services.
But the idea is that you wont payas muchas you would without insurance.
Crunch the numbers and see if it makes sense to try a dental savings plan.
It might be cheaper to use other discounts instead.
Dental schools across the country offer quality work at a fraction of the price.
you’re able to save big by letting a dental student clean your teeth.
Licensed dental instructors help students every step of the way, so youll be in good hands.
Check this directory for yourlocal dental hygiene programor look through thislist of dental schools.
Theres no guarantee that a dental program in your area currently offers free or reduced dental care.
Youll need to contact each program directly to see whats available.
When you call, ensure to ask about any fees up front.
If youre trying to save money on dental care, check out discounts and coupons on sites likeGrouponandValpak.
Several offices offered 35% off tooth extractions and dentures.
Its also smart to ask if your current dentist offers any discounts.
Ask if you’re able to receive a discount for referring a friend or paying with cash.
Or see if theyll reduce their rate if you leave a positiveonline review.
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Hearing Aids and Exams
Hearing aids are expensive and Original Medicare doesnt cover them.
These devices can cost upwards of $2,000 per ear.
These FDA-approved devices are equipped with the same basic technology as traditional hearing aids.
However, OTC devices are available without a fitting or hearing exam.
OTC hearing aids are available to adults with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Theyre not meant for everyone or every situation, kind of like drugstore reading glasses.
you might find over-the-counter hearing aids online, at pharmacies and in retail stores.
Costcos wholesale pricing on prescription hearing aids is hard to beat.
Free hearing tests are also available.
Not every Costco location has on-site audiologists or hearing specialists, and youll need an appointment.
Youll also need to sign up for a Costco membership, which starts at $65 a year.
The Miracle-Ear Foundations Gift of Sound program provides hearing aids for adults with hearing loss.
you should probably contact your local Miracle-Ear store before starting an tool.
Supporting documentation from a hearing care professional and an system fee of $150 is required.
For more information about the Gift of Sound program along with eligibility requirements,click here.
But thats not the case for routine eye exams and glasses.
Youll be responsible for these out-of-pocket costs, so its important to find significant savings.
Here are three smart ways tosave money on Medicare vision coverage.
Some online retailers, likeZenni Optical, offer single prescription glasses starting at just $7.
We compiled a list of thebest places to score cheap eyeglasses onlineto get you started.
Most Costco and Walmart locations have optical centers with affordable pricing on eye exams and glasses.
At Walmart, eye exams average about $75, but prices vary by location.
Both stores also offer a wide selection of lenses and frames.
you could usually snag a pair of single-vision lenses with generic frames for less than $50.
Prescription Drugs
Prescription drugs can be pricey, and Medicare does not automatically cover them.
GoodRxis a popular app that helps people save money on prescriptions.
Then present the GoodRx coupon on your phone to receive the discount.
Patient assistance programs which are administered by pharmaceutical companies can offer free or discounted medications to those who qualify.
Medicare has an online tool you’ve got the option to use tofind pharmaceutical assistance programs.
Eligibility for each program is based on several factors including your income, medical insurance status and location.
The best way to find a drug plan that fits your needs is to use Medicare.govsPlan Finder Tool.
Why is it important to review your Medicare coverage every year or so?
Private plan providers can adjust costs from year to year.
They can raise your deductible or tweak the pricing tiers of specific medications.
They are federally funded programs staffed by trained nonprofit volunteers.
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Rachel Christian is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance and a senior writer for The Penny Hoarder.
