If you’re soon to retire or age 65 and older, you may be eligible for Medicare health insurance. Medicare is a part of the federal social insurance program in the United States that offers health insurance for people aged 65 and older. It also provides some care to younger people with disabilities or permanent kidney failure. This program is an example of how the government can ensure basic living standards, as it helps seniors maintain their independence and may reduce poverty among the elderly. However, it’s vital to be aware of what health services Medicare does and does not cover:

1. Podiatry

Medicare won’t pay for a visit to the foot doctor. Depending on how bad your condition is, you might be able to get a discount on some over-the-counter treatments, but Medicare does not cover them. Regarding conditions like bruises, ingrown nails, and athlete’s foot, Medicare will only provide payment for emergency services or treatments that can’t be treated with over-the-counter remedies.

2. Dental work

If you have a severe issue with your gums or teeth requiring extensive work, you might need to look into some dental work from an oral surgeon to get your mouth back into shape. Many people think that Medicare covers dental work, but it doesn’t. The only thing that they offer is emergency care in case of pain. So watch out for other issues to arise before you have to get a root canal or something similar done on emergency care only.

3. Nursing home care

If you need to be in a nursing home, this type of care will not be covered under Medicare. The only thing that it could cover is emergency care, but not regular day-to-day medical needs. The only concession that Medicare offers for this care is for the family members to have a say in issues related to their stay there, including who gets paid for what.

4. Chiropractic care

Specific services, such as manual manipulation of the spine to correct a subluxation (a misalignment of the vertebrae), are only partially covered by Medicare Part B. In other words, they may be covered only if they are a related procedure to another procedure previously authorized by Medicare.

5. Overseas care

If you’re retired and living abroad, don’t expect Medicare to cover anything that requires medical care from a hospital or doctor outside the United States. They will only cover emergency care outside their system for so long after your coverage expires in the United States.

6. Opticians and eye exams

Medicare does not provide any coverage for opticians and eye exams; unless you had these plans before signing up for Medicare, these must be paid for personally. Likewise, if you’re outside your Medicare plan’s service area and need a new prescription or contact lens prescription filled, it will not be covered.

7. Hearing aids

If you are beginning to lose your hearing and don’t have a hearing aid yet, look into purchasing one before the issue gets too bad. You can even do this before you’re on Medicare. However, if you are on Medicare and your hearing is declining, expect to pay for the hearing aid yourself. There is a small subsidy for hearing aids that you can use if you qualify, though.

Medicare is an essential financial lifeline for many Americans, but it isn’t perfect. If you know that one of the seven items listed above is a crucial part of your plan, maybe it’s time to re-evaluate your current arrangements and see what options are available. While it is true that these plans may include some services that are not covered under the regular Plan A, they often come with added benefits and lower premiums.