Medicare is a federally funded health insurance program for people aged 65 or older, usually provided by the government. Health care changes yearly, but Medicare sticks to the same rules. As a result, it doesn’t always cover the same number of services or treatments. We’ve compiled a list of what Medicare doesn’t cover, so make sure you’re aware of these restrictions before taking advantage of this great coverage:

1. Eye exams and surgeries
Medicare doesn’t cover routine eye exams if you’re already seeing an ophthalmologist or optometrist. If you want to be evaluated by an eye doctor, and your regular doctor hasn’t seen you in more than a year, try to get one before you go. If your eye problem is discovered early enough, they can recommend changes to help prevent blindness. Medicare doesn’t cover cataract surgery. Every year, you must schedule an eye exam to determine if your cataracts would affect your health or your vision. If they are found to be present and make more than minor vision changes, they’ll be removed without any Medicare help.

2. Hearing aids
Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids. Remember that Medicare covers hearing exams but won’t pay for treatment if you find out you need a hearing aid. You’ll have to buy it yourself and then submit a claim to your Medicare plan to get reimbursed. However, diagnostic services provided by hearing experts and your insurance company are usually covered. You may also be able to use a Medigap or Medicare Supplemental plan to help pay for the related costs.

3. Dental Checkups, exams and dentures
Medicare doesn’t cover routine dental exams and dentures. However, it covers dental procedures like tooth extractions, crowns, fillings, and root canals if they’re considered necessary to treat an illness or disease. So if you already have a full set of teeth, go through your dentist before having any other work done.

4. Long term care
In institutional patient assistance programs, Medicare isn’t designed to pay for medical care. Under the current law, you’ll need to stay in a skilled nursing facility for at least three days before Medicare will pay for up to 100 days of treatment. If you move into a nursing home, you may be responsible for paying some of the costs. You’ll also have the option of enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan enrollment that can cover some or all of your nursing home costs.

5. Out of country health coverage
Medicare certificates or insurance identification cards aren’t valid in non-U.S. facilities that accept Medicare patients. In addition, if you choose to receive care overseas, Medicare will not pay for any related charges or bills you incur overseas, including foreign hospital and doctor fees, tests, and medicine. However, other providers like Aetna Health Insurance are more flexible with these parameters.

6. Prescription medications
Medicare Part D, the prescription drug plan, is voluntary and not required by law. However, you’ll have to pay full price for your medications if you don’t sign up for a prescription drug plan. The basic Part D benefit plan includes coverage for only a few drugs, including insulin and oral cancer treatment. You’ll need to purchase a United HealthCare Medicare plan for proper coverage.

Medicare covers many healthcare services, and you’ll want to review your plan benefits and find out what they will and won’t cover. If you live in a state with a high Medicare enrollment rate, you may also have additional options to help pay for your care. But, again, you’ll want to compare Medicare plans and find affordable coverage that includes the necessary services.