Which items and services are generally not covered by Medicare?

Medicare generally does not cover routine vision care, which includes the cost of eyeglasses and contact lenses for most beneficiaries. While Medicare Part B provides coverage for certain vision-related services, such as eye exams for diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases (like glaucoma) and cataract surgery, it does not extend to the routine eye exams or the purchase of glasses and contacts. Therefore, glasses and vision care are typically out-of-pocket expenses for enrollees.

In contrast, emergency ambulance services are covered under Medicare when medically necessary, as well as durable medical equipment, which includes items like wheelchairs and oxygen equipment when prescribed. Hearing aids, while essential for many, are not covered under traditional Medicare, but there may be some limited coverage under certain Medicare Advantage plans. However, the most consistent exclusion across Medicare's coverage policies is related to routine vision care and glasses.