What isn't covered by
Medicare Part A and Part B?
Medicare doesn't cover everything. Items and services that aren't covered include, but aren't limited to the following:- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic services (except as listed under Part B Helps Cover...)
- Cosmetic surgery
- Custodial care (help with bathing, dressing, using the bathroom, and eating) at home or in a nursing home
- Deductibles, Coinsurance, or Copayments when you get certain health care services (starting with Your 2026 Monthly Premiums for Medicare) (People with limited income or resources may get help paying these costs, see Help for People with Limited Income and Resources.)
- Dental care and dentures (with only a few exceptions)
- Diabetic supplies (some, like syringes or insulin, unless the insulin is used with an insulin pump or unless you get Medicare coverage for prescription drugs [Part D])
- Eye care (routine exam), eye refractions and most eyeglasses
- Foot care (routine) such as cutting of corns or calluses (with only a few exceptions)
- Hearing aids and hearing exams for the purpose of fitting a hearing aid
- Hearing tests that haven't been ordered by your doctor
- Laboratory tests (screening) except those listed under Part B Helps Cover...
- Long-term Care, such as custodial care in a nursing home
- Orthopedic shoes (with only a few exceptions)
- Physical exams (routine or yearly) (Medicare will cover a one-time physical exam within the first six months you have Part B.)
- Prescription drugs--most prescription drugs aren't covered by Medicare Part A or Part B. See Section What is Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
for information about adding Medicare coverage for prescription drugs (Part D).
- Shots (preventive vaccinations) except those listed under Part B Helps Cover...
- Tests (screening) except as listed under Part B Helps Cover...
- Travel (Health care you get while traveling outside of the United States, except as listed under Part B Helps Cover....)
(Primary Source: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services - Medicare and You Handbook. This content may have been enhanced by this site to include further examples, explanations, and links.)