Dental & Vision Plans
At Midwest Division Insurance Agency, we help you protect your full health — including your teeth, eyes, and ears. Original Medicare leaves these gaps. We help you fill them.
Why Medicare Beneficiaries Need Dental, Vision & Hearing Coverage
Original Medicare offers excellent hospital and medical coverage — but routine dental, vision, and hearing (DVH) care are not included. For most seniors, these are among the most frequently used healthcare services, and the costs can add up quickly without a plan.
Dental — Not Covered
- Routine cleanings & exams
- X-rays and fillings
- Extractions
- Dentures and implants
- Crowns and bridges
Vision — Not Covered
- Routine eye exams
- Prescription eyeglasses
- Contact lenses
- Most refractive error treatment
- Routine glaucoma screenings
Hearing — Not Covered
- Routine hearing exams
- Hearing aids
- Hearing aid fittings
- Batteries and accessories
- Audiology services
Options for Dental, Vision & Hearing Coverage
There are three common ways to get DVH benefits when you're on Medicare. We'll help you identify which option — or combination — makes the most sense for your situation.
Choosing a Dental, Vision & Hearing Plan
When comparing DVH plans, a few key factors will help you find the right fit. We can walk through all of these with you — at no cost.
Your Health Needs
Consider any known or likely care needs — such as dentures or implants, hearing aids, or cataract care — as well as routine services like annual cleanings and eye exams. Your anticipated usage shapes the type and level of coverage that makes sense.
Benefits & Services
Check for preferred providers in your area, frequency limits (e.g., one cleaning per year vs. two), waiting periods, and annual benefit maximums. Understanding what's covered — and what isn't — prevents surprises at the provider.
Costs & Budget
Compare monthly premiums, copays for services, and annual benefit maximums. Some standalone DVH plans offer generous coverage at a higher premium, while others trade off coverage for lower monthly costs. We'll help you find the balance that works for your budget.
Enrolling in DVH Plans
One of the advantages of standalone DVH plans is enrollment flexibility. Unlike Medicare plans, most standalone dental, vision, and hearing plans do not require you to wait for a specific enrollment window.
Standalone DVH plans are often open to enrollment year-round.
There's no need to wait for an Annual Enrollment Period. You can apply for a standalone dental, vision, or hearing plan at any time of year — making it easy to get covered when you're ready. Availability and specific enrollment rules vary by carrier and region.
We can confirm availability and options for your specific area — just call or send us a message.Dental, Vision & Hearing FAQs
Is dental, vision, or hearing coverage included in Medicare?
No. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover routine dental, vision, or hearing care. Medicare Part A may cover dental work connected to a covered inpatient procedure, and Part B covers limited vision services related to specific medical conditions — but routine cleanings, eye exams, glasses, and hearing aids are not covered.
Can I buy a dental, vision, and hearing plan without changing my Medicare coverage?
Yes. You can purchase a standalone DVH policy separately from your Medicare coverage. Adding standalone DVH insurance does not affect your Medicare benefits, your Medigap plan, or your Part D drug coverage. These plans work alongside your existing Medicare coverage.
Does DVH coverage include hearing aids?
Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids. However, some Medicare Advantage plans and some standalone hearing insurance plans do include hearing aid benefits. Coverage limits, approved devices, and benefit amounts vary by plan. We can help you review the Summary of Benefits for any plan you're considering.
What's the difference between DVH insurance and a discount plan?
DVH insurance provides actual coverage — you pay a premium and the plan pays a portion of covered services up to your benefit maximum. A discount plan is not insurance — it gives you access to a network of providers who charge reduced rates, but you pay the full discounted amount out of pocket. Discount plans have no premiums but also provide no financial protection beyond the reduced rate.
Does a Medicare Advantage plan cover dental, vision, and hearing?
Many Medicare Advantage plans include some DVH benefits — often routine dental cleanings, annual eye exams, and an allowance toward eyewear or hearing aids. The scope of coverage varies significantly from plan to plan. We compare the DVH benefits across available plans in your area to help you find the best overall fit.
When can I enroll in a standalone DVH plan?
Unlike Medicare plans, most standalone dental, vision, and hearing plans allow year-round enrollment — you don't need to wait for a specific enrollment period. Some plans may have waiting periods before certain benefits become available (especially for major dental work). We can walk you through the details for any plan you're considering.