What costs/services does Medicare cover?What major health costs aren't covered by Medicare that you think should be?

Medicare is a federal program that provides health coverage if you are 65 or older or have a severe disability, no matter your income. It covers a broad range of health services, including:

1. Hospital Insurance (Part A): This covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.

2. Medical Insurance (Part B): This covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.

3. Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D): This helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. Some people with Medicare get their drug coverage from a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) instead of getting Medicare prescription drug coverage.

However, there are some major health costs that Medicare does not cover. These include:

1. Long-term care: Medicare does not cover long-term care (also called custodial care), if that's the only care you need. Most nursing home care is custodial care.

2. Most dental care: Medicare does not cover most dental care, dental procedures, or supplies, like cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, dentures, dental plates, or other dental devices.

3. Eye Examinations: Routine eye exams for prescribing glasses are not covered.

4. Cosmetic surgery: Medicare does not cover cosmetic surgery unless it's needed because of accidental injury or to improve the function of a malformed body part.

5. Acupuncture: Medicare does not cover acupuncture.

6. Hearing aids and exams for fitting them: These are not covered by Medicare.

In my opinion, some of these services, such as long-term care, dental care, and hearing aids, are essential for the elderly and should be covered by Medicare. These services can be quite expensive and can significantly impact the quality of life of older adults.