Dental and Vision Coverage After 65: Closing Medicare's Biggest Gap
Original Medicare covers neither. Here are the realistic options that cost less than expected.
The gap
Original Medicare doesn't cover routine dental, vision, or hearing. A typical year of basic care (cleanings, exam, glasses) runs $800–$1,500. Major work (crowns, dentures) can be $3,000–$15,000.
Options ranked
1. Medicare Advantage with dental/vision
Most Advantage plans include basic dental and vision ($1,000–$3,000 annual allowance). If you've been on the fence about Advantage, this is a meaningful factor.
2. Standalone dental insurance
- Delta Dental, Cigna, Humana — $25–$50/month, typically $1,000–$1,500 annual benefit with deductible. Math doesn't always work — calculate before buying.
3. Dental discount plans
- Careington, Aetna Dental Access — $10–$15/month, not insurance, 20–50% off at participating dentists. Often better value than insurance for moderate users.
4. Dental schools
Major cities have dental schools where supervised students do work at 50–70% off. Quality is good but appointments take longer.
5. Pay cash and negotiate
Many dentists will discount 10–20% for cash payment. Always ask.
Vision
- Routine eye exams at Costco or Walmart Optical: $60–$80.
- Glasses from Zenni or EyeBuyDirect online: $10–$50.
- Cataract surgery is covered by Medicare (one of the few eye procedures that is).
Bottom line
For dental, most seniors are better off with a discount plan or cash + negotiation than with insurance — the premiums often exceed the benefits. For vision, online glasses + Costco/Walmart exams can keep total annual costs under $150. Don't overpay just because Medicare doesn't cover it.