Figuring out what Medicare covers can feel like wandering through the White Mountains without a trail map. Some things are covered, some aren’t, and some require a little extra planning. At Woodpecker Insurance, we help New Hampshire residents make sense of it all — so you don’t end up pecking around for answers on your own.
Here’s a breakdown of some common areas where coverage can be surprising:
1. Vision Services
Traditional Medicare will cover cataract surgery or glaucoma treatment, but it does not cover routine eye exams, glasses, or contacts. Some Medicare Advantage plans do offer vision coverage, so it’s worth checking your current benefits. For others, an individual vision plan can help offset the costs of eye exams or glasses. Keep in mind, most vision plans have an annual maximum benefit, often around $150–$200 per year. It’s like finding a few extra loonies in your snow boot after a winter hike — every little bit helps!
2. Hearing Aids
Medicare covers ear-related medical conditions, but routine hearing tests and hearing aids are not covered by Traditional Medicare. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, check to see if it includes hearing benefits. Otherwise, a hearing discount plan can help reduce the costs of hearing aids. Think of it as tuning your own loon call to keep the conversation flowing.
3. Dental
Medicare does not cover dental exams or dental work. Some Medicare Advantage plans include dental benefits, or you can purchase a stand-alone dental plan or a dental discount plan. Dental, vision, and hearing combo plans are becoming more popular to help cover larger expenses in all three areas. Missing a dental check-up shouldn’t feel like stepping on a hidden pine cone during a hike!
4. Full Routine Annual Physical Exam
Medicare doesn’t cover a full routine annual physical exam with bloodwork. It does cover the Medicare Wellness Exam, which is a pared-down version. To avoid unexpected bills, make sure your doctor knows you’re requesting the “Annual Medicare Wellness Exam,” not a full physical. If you want a full exam with labs, you may be responsible for some or all of the cost.
Interestingly, the medical community has questioned the need for full annual exams, citing overtesting, false positives, and unnecessary costs — sometimes less really is more. Kind of like knowing you don’t need to shovel the whole driveway after only a dusting of snow.
5. Long-Term Care or Nursing Homes
Medicare does not cover long-term care or custodial care in nursing homes. It only covers a limited stay in a skilled nursing facility. If you need long-term custodial care, planning ahead is essential. A long-term care plan or Medicaid (for those with limited income) can help fill the gaps. Think of it as building your own snow fort — a little preparation makes life much easier down the line.
Medicare can be tricky to navigate, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Woodpecker Insurance, we help folks across New Hampshire every day — whether you’re in Concord, Manchester, Nashua, or anywhere else in the state — figure out what’s covered, what’s not, and how to plan ahead.
If you have questions or need guidance, reach out to us anytime. We’re here to help you avoid surprises and keep your health coverage solid.