Summary
Medicare provides health insurance to many Americans aged 65 and older and certain younger individuals with disabilities. However, it does not cover all medical costs, including dental care, weight-loss medications, long-term care, and most vision-related expenses. People need to find other ways to pay for these services.
Key Facts
- Medicare is a government health insurance program for people 65 and older, as well as some younger individuals with specific disabilities or conditions.
- Medicare does not cover services that are not medically necessary, such as cosmetic surgery.
- The program does not provide for long-term care or most dental services.
- Original Medicare does not cover major dental procedures like dentures and root canals.
- Weight-loss medications are not covered by Medicare unless they treat a specific health condition.
- Medicare does not cover most vision care, including eyeglasses and routine eye exams.
- People can look into other options like dental savings plans, health savings accounts (HSAs), or long-term care insurance to help cover costs not included by Medicare.
