What Does Medicare NOT Cover?

Learn what Medicare doesn’t cover and what you can do about it

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant.

You can also find out on our site what Medicare covers, but this page specifically deals with what Medicare does not cover…. and what you can do about it.

What does Medicare not cover?

• Basically 20% of all your medical costs. (Medicare usually pays 80% so you pay 20%)
• Any deductible, copay or coinsurance
• Prescription Drugs
• Vision
• Dental
• hearing
• First 3 pints of blood
• Foreign emergency healthcare

For a more exensive list of what Medicare does not cover, scroll to chart at the bottom of this page.
It can be a worrisome list of items that Medicare coverage completely cover. Good news is that you can still get those items covered.

How to address what Medicare doesn’t cover?

Get additional coverage by enrolling in a Medigap plan, a Medicare Advantage plan, and/or a Part D Drugs plan.

💡 Note: Senior65.com does not handle Prescription Drugs, Part D. You can follow our step‑by‑step enrollment article.

Choosing a Medigap plan can feel like a big commitment—but it doesn’t have to be forever. If your plan isn’t meeting your needs, there may still be a way to change it. During your first six months on Part B, switching is guaranteed. After that, state rules like the Birthday Rule can help. Without those, you might need to pass a medical review. Want to know your odds before applying? Use our Instant Medigap Underwriting Checker or give us a call. Our help is always free.

Medicare Fee Details