Why isn't dental, vision, and hearing covered by Original Medicare?

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) was designed in 1965 to cover hospital and physician services, not routine dental, vision, or hearing. The omission was deliberate. Medicare Advantage plans often add limited DVH benefits; Medicare Supplement plans never do. Stand-alone DVH plans fill that gap.

Dental · Vision · Hearing (DVH) Plans — Northbrook Senior, Asheville NC

Q: Is the dental coverage in my Medicare Advantage plan enough?

It depends. Many MA plans include $1,000–$3,000 annual dental allowances, which covers cleanings and basic services. Major work (crowns, implants, dentures) often hits the annual maximum quickly. We compare your MA plan's DVH benefit against a stand-alone plan during the appointment.

Q: When should I add a stand-alone DVH plan?

Usually when you have a Medicare Supplement (which never includes DVH), or when your Medicare Advantage plan's DVH allowance is genuinely inadequate for upcoming dental work. We help clients decide based on planned dental and hearing-aid needs, not generic 'should I have insurance' framing.

Original Medicare — Part A and Part B from the federal government — does not cover routine dental cleanings, eyeglasses, or hearing aids. The omission has been there since Medicare was designed in 1965 and Congress has not closed it. For most beneficiaries this is the single biggest "wait, what?" moment of the transition to Medicare.

There are three ways to handle the gap. First, many Medicare Advantage plans bundle limited dental, vision, and hearing benefits — a $1,000–$3,000 annual dental allowance, an annual vision exam plus a frames-or-contacts allowance, an annual hearing exam plus a hearing-aid benefit. Second, if you're on Medicare Supplement (which never includes DVH), you can buy a stand-alone DVH plan. Third, you can pay out of pocket and absorb the cost — which works fine for clients whose dental and vision needs are minimal and whose hearing is currently good.

We help clients decide based on planned dental work and hearing-aid plans, not generic insurance framing. If you know you need a crown next year and a partial denture the year after, the stand-alone DVH math is easy. If you've had clean checkups for fifteen years and don't wear glasses, a stand-alone DVH plan may be premium-paid-for-nothing.

What stand-alone DVH plans typically include

Dental Coverage: Two cleanings + exams per year (100% covered on most plans); X-rays (100% covered, frequency limits); Basic services — fillings, extractions (50–80% after waiting period); Major services — crowns, bridges, dentures, root canals (50% after 12-month waiting period); Annual maximum: typically $1,000–$2,500 per year

Vision Coverage: Annual eye exam (100% in-network); Frames allowance: $100–$200 per 12 or 24 months; Lenses (single vision or progressive) covered with copay; Contact lens allowance as alternative to frames

Hearing Coverage: Annual hearing exam (100% in-network); Hearing aid benefit: typically $500–$2,000 per ear every 2–3 years; Hearing aid fittings + follow-up visits

Most of our Medicare Supplement clients carry a stand-alone DVH plan. Most of our Medicare Advantage clients do not — their MA plan's bundled DVH benefit is usually adequate. There are exceptions to both rules. We work through them with you.

Carriers we use for DVH

Aetna DVH. Strong dental network in NC, particularly in Buncombe and Henderson counties. Two cleanings covered at 100%, $1,500 annual maximum on most plans.

Humana DVH (Bright + Loyalty Plus). Higher annual maximums available ($2,500 on Loyalty Plus), good hearing benefit. Pairs well with Humana Medicare Advantage clients who want enhanced coverage.

Cigna Healthspring DVH. Mid-range premiums, broad national network. Strong for clients who travel.

Mutual of Omaha DVH. Most-purchased stand-alone DVH among Northbrook clients. Stable rate history, large dental network in NC.

Manhattan Life DVH. Specialty DVH carrier with competitive premiums on the basic-coverage tier. Good fit for clients who want low-cost coverage focused on cleanings and basic services.

Frequently asked questions

Why isn't DVH covered by Original Medicare?

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) was designed in 1965 to cover hospital and physician services, not routine dental, vision, or hearing. Congress has not closed the gap. Medicare Advantage plans often add limited DVH benefits; Supplements never do.

How much do DVH plans cost?

Stand-alone DVH plans for Medicare-age clients in NC typically run $30–$75 per month, depending on carrier, benefit levels, and whether hearing is bundled or separate.

Is the DVH coverage in my Medicare Advantage plan enough?

It depends on your planned needs. Many MA plans include $1,000–$3,000 annual dental allowances, which covers routine care. Major work (crowns, implants, dentures) often hits the annual maximum. We compare your MA plan's DVH against a stand-alone plan during the appointment.

When should I add a stand-alone DVH plan?

When you have a Medicare Supplement (which never includes DVH), or when your MA plan's allowance is inadequate for upcoming dental or hearing-aid work. We help decide based on planned needs, not generic framing.

DVH plans — what Medicare doesn't cover.