As people age, they become more vulnerable to various health issues, which require them to have access to quality health care services.

Fortunately, there are numerous health coverage plans available in the market that cater to the needs of senior citizens. However, it is vital to understand what these plans cover and what they don’t. In this article, we will discuss some of the critical aspects of health coverage for people over 60 and what’s not included.

Medicare Coverage

Medicare is the primary health insurance program for people over 65. It is also available for people under 65 with certain disabilities or chronic conditions.

Medicare covers a wide range of medical services, including hospitalization, doctor’s visits, preventive services, and prescription drugs. However, there are some services that Medicare doesn’t cover, such as:.

Vision and Dental Care

Medicare doesn’t cover routine vision and dental care services such as dentures, routine eye exams, eyeglasses, and hearing aids. These services require different coverage plans, such as Medicare Advantage and Medigap.

Long-Term Care

Medicare doesn’t cover long-term care services such as nursing home and home health care, which are not considered medically necessary. Seniors who require these services have to pay out of pocket, or they opt for Medicaid coverage.

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that covers long-term care services.

Cosmetic Surgery

Medicare doesn’t cover cosmetic surgeries and procedures such as breast implants, Botox, and liposuction, which are not considered medically necessary. These services require additional coverage plans or payment out of pocket.

Travel Insurance

Medicare doesn’t cover medical services outside the United States. If seniors travel outside the country, they need travel insurance to cover their medical expenses in case of an accident or illness.

Prescription Drug Coverage

Medicare covers prescription drugs under Part D, which is optional coverage seniors can purchase separately. However, the coverage may have limitations, such as only certain drugs being covered and limits on the amount of drugs seniors can receive.

Seniors who require expensive medications may need additional coverage plans to pay for their drugs.

Medigap Coverage

Medigap is a supplemental insurance plan that seniors can purchase to cover the gaps in their Medicare coverage. However, Medigap doesn’t cover all the services that Medicare doesn’t, such as:.

Hearing Aids

Medigap plans don’t cover hearing aids, which require separate coverage plans or payment out of pocket.

Vision and Dental Care

Medigap plans don’t cover routine vision and dental care services such as dentures, routine eye exams, eyeglasses, and hearing aids. These services require different coverage plans.

Long-Term Care

Medigap plans don’t cover long-term care services such as nursing home and home health care, which are not considered medically necessary. Seniors who require these services have to pay out of pocket or opt for Medicaid coverage.

Conclusion

Understanding health coverage for people over 60 is crucial to ensure that seniors have access to quality health care services. While various plans cater to their needs, it is essential to understand what these plans cover and what they don’t.

Seniors need to assess their health care needs and choose the coverage that best meets their requirements and budget.