Medicare Advantage Extra Benefits: Dental, Vision & Hearing Coverage Explained

When you think about Medicare, you might picture hospital stays (Part A) and doctor visits (Part B). But what about your teeth, eyes, and ears? Routine checkups and preventive care can make a huge difference in your overall health, yet Original Medicare doesn’t cover most dental, vision, or hearing needs.

That’s where Medicare Advantage supplemental benefits come in. Many plans include extra coverage for exams, eyeglasses, dentures, or hearing aids—helping you stay healthy from head to toe. In this article, we’ll explain how these benefits work, what to look out for, and how to compare plans effectively.

What Medicare Advantage Extra Benefits Include

Medicare Advantage Dental Coverage

Most MA plans include routine dental coverage, which may cover:

• Preventive services: cleanings, exams, x-rays

• Basic care: fillings, extractions

• Major services (sometimes): dentures, crowns, root canals

Limitations: Many plans cap coverage with annual maximums (often $1,000–$2,000). Networks may restrict which dentists you can see.

If you’re evaluating costs, it may help to compare these extras with broader changes in Medicare pricing trends. Our breakdown of 2025 Medicare costs highlights how premiums and out-of-pocket expenses may impact your total budget.

Medicare Advantage Vision Benefits

Vision extras are common in MA plans and often include:

• Yearly eye exams

• Eyeglass frames or contacts (allowances often range from $150–$300)

• Discounts on lens upgrades (progressive, anti-glare, etc.)

Limits: Plans may restrict covered retailers or set allowance caps.

For people who split time between states, it’s important to check how your plan works across locations. Our snowbird Medicare guide explains what to watch for if you live in different places during the year.

Medicare Advantage Hearing Benefits

Hearing coverage is increasingly valuable, since hearing aids are not covered by Original Medicare. In many MA plans, you may find:

• Routine hearing exams

• Discounts or partial coverage for hearing aids (allowances from $500–$2,000 per device)

• Fitting and adjustment services

Limits: Some plans only work with certain hearing aid brands or require network audiologists.

If you’re comparing the best Medicare Advantage companies, make sure which insurers are strongest in offering supplemental benefits like hearing coverage.

Comparison Table: Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage

How to Compare Medicare Advantage Dental, Vision & Hearing Plans

Step 1: Know Your Needs

Do you expect expensive dental work, need new glasses, or suspect hearing loss? Use these needs to prioritize certain benefits.

Step 2: Read Plan Details

Look closely at:

• Annual maximums and allowances

• Provider and retailer networks

• Covered brands (especially for hearing aids)

KFF notes that in 2025, 97% or more individual Medicare Advantage plans offer some vision, dental, or hearing benefits.

Step 3: Balance Costs and Value

Sometimes paying a slightly higher premium provides greater overall savings—especially for people needing hearing aids or frequent dental care.

When comparing options, it also helps to consider whether you may eventually switch between MA and Original Medicare. Our guide on moving from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare explains what happens if your needs change.

Common Misconceptions About Extra Benefits

• “All Medicare Advantage plans include full coverage.” Not true—benefits vary widely.

• “Hearing aids are always covered.” Many plans help, but with brand or dollar limits.

• “Dental coverage means unlimited services.” Most plans cap spending each year.

• “You can always keep your current provider.” Only if they’re in the plan’s network.

It’s also worth remembering that MA plans often cover other services that Original Medicare doesn’t. For example, certain assisted living and nursing home benefits may be included, but rules vary widely.

FAQs: Medicare Advantage Dental, Vision & Hearing

Does Medicare Advantage cover hearing aids?
Yes, many MA plans offer hearing aid allowances or discounts, but coverage varies. Always confirm costs, brands, and network restrictions.

Are Medicare Advantage vision benefits worth it?
If you need annual exams or new glasses regularly, vision benefits can save you hundreds each year.

Do Medigap plans include dental or vision?
No. Medigap (Medicare Supplement) only helps cover costs from Original Medicare—it doesn’t add extra benefits like dental or hearing. For details, compare Medicare Supplement Plan G and other popular Medigap options.

Can I buy stand-alone dental or vision insurance?
Yes. If your MA plan doesn’t meet your needs, you can purchase separate coverage.

Bottom Line

Routine dental, vision, and hearing care are vital to your overall health. While Original Medicare doesn’t cover these services, many Medicare Advantage plans fill the gap with extra benefits. The key is to compare options carefully: review coverage caps, provider networks, and allowances before enrolling.

By understanding the details of Medicare Advantage dental, vision, and hearing coverage, you can choose a plan that helps protect both your health and your budget. For a broader perspective, explore our list of the top Medicare Advantage benefits to see how plans are evolving.