Individual Dental and Vision Plans
Individual Dental and Vision (IDV) Plans are separate plans that provide coverage for dental and vision services. These plans are available to Medicare beneficiaries who want additional coverage for dental and vision care, which Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) typically does not cover, except in very specific circumstances.
Dental Coverage
- Original Medicare does not cover routine dental care, such as cleanings, fillings, dentures, or tooth extractions, except in rare situations (for example, if dental care is needed as part of a covered medical procedure).
- Individual Dental Plans provide coverage for:
- Preventive care (cleanings, exams, and X-rays)
- Restorative care (fillings, crowns, and root canals)
- Major procedures (dentures, bridges, etc.)
- Plans typically have a network of dentists that beneficiaries need to use to get the most affordable coverage, though some plans offer out-of-network options with higher costs.
Vision Coverage
- Similar to dental care, Original Medicare does not cover routine eye care (like eye exams, glasses, or contacts) except for specific medical situations (like post-surgery or treatment for certain conditions).
- Individual Vision Plans help cover:
- Eye exams for glasses or contact lenses
- Eyeglasses or contact lenses
- Discounts or coverage for LASIK surgery (sometimes)
- These plans typically have a network of eye care professionals that can help keep costs down.