Dental & Vision Plans for Seniors

When you retire and transition to Original Medicare, you’ll most likely have to pay for dental and vision care out of your own pocket. Typically, Medicare does not cover these costs unless they are related to services received in a hospital. Medicare does however cover some eye care services for diabetics, such as testing and treatment for diabetic retinopathy, or glaucoma. It also covers other eye disease, such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Buying a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan that includes dental and vision coverage is the only way you’ll receive these services under Medicare. Original Medicare and Medicare Supplement plans do not include dental or vision services, however, you can buy a separate dental or vision policy and bundle it with your Medicare Supplement.

Yes. Many of the carriers we work with offer standalone dental and vision plans to seniors. If you are also purchasing a Medicare Supplement, you may be offered a discount for bundling your plans. Please browse our standalone dental and vision carriers and plans above, to the right at the top of this page.

Whether you purchase a standalone policy, or a Medicare Advantage plan that includes dental services, you can typically choose between preventative service (exams & cleanings), basic coverage (fillings or restorative work) or major coverage (root canals, crowns, dentures and bridges). Plans that have major or extensive coverage may have higher premiums. Vision insurance typically includes preventative benefits such annual exams, glasses, and contact lenses. Some vision plans with higher premiums may offer additional benefits such as eyeglass lens coatings and enhancements, or discounts on some elective vision correction surgery like LASIK and PRK.

Whether you get more value from a Medicare Advantage plan that includes dental and vision coverage, or from a separate standalone policy, really depends on the amount of services you believe you will use, and on the rates. In addition to comparing premiums, you’ll want to also compare copays and annual maximum benefits of the plan. Some plans max out benefits after a certain amount and will not pay for further treatment or services until the next year. To get started finding the best plan for you, review the carriers and plans above. If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask a question using the online form below. All standard questions are typically answered within 24-48 hours.