What to Expect When You First Enroll in Medicare

Understanding Your Medicare Benefits

Medicare provides important health coverage for seniors, but many people don’t realize that not everything is covered under Original Medicare. Here’s a breakdown of what Medicare does and doesn’t cover, so you can plan ahead and avoid unexpected costs.

What Medicare Covers

✅ Doctor Visits & Preventive Care – Medicare Part B covers doctor visits, screenings, and preventive services like flu shots.

✅ Hospital Stays – Medicare Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing care, and hospice care.

✅ Emergency & Urgent Care – Medicare covers emergency room visits and urgent care treatment.

✅ Some Home Health Care Services – If you need home care after an injury or illness, Medicare may help cover costs.

What Medicare Does NOT Cover

❌ Dental Care – Medicare does not cover routine cleanings, fillings, dentures, or extractions.

❌ Vision Services – Eye exams, glasses, and contacts are not covered unless related to a medical condition.

❌ Hearing Aids & Exams – Medicare does not pay for hearing aids or routine hearing exams.

❌ Long-Term Care (Nursing Homes & Assisted Living) – Medicare does not cover long-term custodial care.

❌ Prescription Drugs – You need a Part D plan or Medicare Advantage plan to cover medications.

How to Get Additional Coverage

To avoid high out-of-pocket costs, many people enroll in:

✔ Medicare Advantage plans that include extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing

✔ Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans that help pay for out-of-pocket costs like copays and deductibles

✔ Medicare Part D for prescription drug coverage

📞 Need help finding a plan that covers your needs? Call 727-513-1000 for personalized Medicare assistance!