Medicare is a health insurance program run by the federal government for citizens 65 and older and those with particular diseases or disabilities. Part A covers hospitalization costs, skilled nursing facility care, surgery, hospice, and even certain home health aide services. While Medicare Part B helps pay for regular doctor visits, emergency treatment, some preventative services, and even specific medical equipment and supplies. Most people can begin the Medicare enrollment process three months before their 65th birthday. Medicare coverage is essential to keep your healthcare bills in check as you age. However, Medicare does not cover all medical expenses, such as:

1. Long term care
While Medicare will pay for some types of skilled nursing care, it will not pay for non-medical custodial care like showering, dressing, etc. However, you may get insurance to cover long-term care expenses or a policy combining the two. An annuity with a long-term care provider may also help cover the Medicare gaps in the Original Medicare.

2. Prescription drugs
It is important to note that Medicare does not pay for non-hospital prescription medicines. However, you can purchase a Medicare Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan. When you become eligible for Medicare or no longer have access to alternative medication coverage, you may enroll in Part D or Medicare Advantage to replace your previous drug coverage.

3. Routine eye exams
Although the Original Medicare coverage includes cataract surgery, unfortunately regular eye examinations, glasses, and contact lenses are not. However, certain Medicare Advantage plans cover routine eye exams and spectacles.

4. Hearing aids
While Medicare will pay for emergency medical treatment for issues connected to your ears, the basic program and Medigap policies will not cover preventative services like annual hearing exams or regular hearing aid maintenance. Knowing whether or not your Medicare Advantage plan will pay for your hearing aids if you already use them is essential. If not, or if you’re on Original Medicare, think about getting insurance or enrolling in a discount program to help pay for the price of such hearing equipment.

5. Routine dental exams
Medigap and Original Medicare do not pay for dental treatment like checkups or expensive procedures like dentures or root canals. Nevertheless, there are Medicare Advantage plans that provide dental benefits. If yours doesn’t, or if you choose Original Medicare, you may want to consider purchasing private dental insurance or a dental savings program.

6. Deductibles and coinsurance
Outpatient treatment and doctor visits are covered by Medicare Part B, whereas Medicare Part A covers inpatient care. However, you must pay for your out-of-pocket costs, like deductibles and coinsurance.

7. Overseas health care
Medicare does not pay for any medical treatment you get while traveling outside the United States. However, up to a certain maximum, emergency medical treatment outside the country may be covered by some Medigap policies. In addition, certain Medicare Advantage plans pay for medical treatment received outside the country in the event of an emergency.

8. Dentures
Medicare coverage does not pay for the cost of dentures. Medicare will not pay for dental care unless the issue involves nerves, blood vessels, mouth interior, mouth bones, or jaw.

Some top Medicare plan providers:

1.Aetna
2. United Health Care
3. Blue Cross Blue Shield
4. Cigna
5. Humana
6. Anthem
7. Mutual of Omaha

Before filling out an application, educating yourself thoroughly about your Medicare options is in your best interest. Consider your options and the coverage and advantages provided by comparing plans. Another option is to save money in a health savings account before signing up for Medicare and use the funds for medical, dental, and other expenses at any age.