Can the Saving MEDICARE Act Close the Dental, Vision & Hearing Gap?
If you or someone you love is on Traditional Medicare, you may have discovered an uncomfortable truth: routine dental exams, vision checkups, and hearing aids are not covered. That gap affects millions of beneficiaries — and a new piece of federal legislation may finally address it.
On July 1, 2026, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-TX), Ranking Member of the House Ways & Means Health Subcommittee, introduced the Saving Medicare Enrollees from Deceptive Insurers and Creating Ample Resources for Everyone (Saving MEDICARE) Act. The bill, co-sponsored by 44 House Democrats, aims to reduce overpayments to Medicare Advantage (MA) insurers and redirect those savings toward strengthening Traditional Medicare — including potential expansion of dental, vision, and hearing benefits.
Here is what that could mean for you and your family.
What Does Traditional Medicare Cover for Dental, Vision, and Hearing?
The short answer: almost nothing for routine care.
Original Medicare — Parts A and B — covers a broad range of hospital and medical services, but it was designed in 1965 with a narrow definition of “medical necessity.” Routine dental cleanings, fillings, extractions, eyeglasses, and hearing aids have never been part of that definition.
There are narrow exceptions. Part B may cover dental services that are medically necessary in connection with a covered procedure — for example, a dental exam before a heart valve replacement. Part B also covers certain diagnostic vision tests like glaucoma screenings and diabetic eye exams. And if a doctor orders hearing tests, those may be covered.
But for the day-to-day care that keeps people healthy — the cleaning every six months, the new prescription lenses, the hearing aid fitting — Traditional Medicare beneficiaries have historically paid out of pocket or gone without.
Why Does This Gap Matter More Than People Expect?
Dental, vision, and hearing health are not “extras.” They are connected to overall health in ways that research consistently supports.
- Oral health and systemic health. Periodontal disease has been linked to heart disease, diabetes complications, and respiratory infections. Skipping dental care because of cost can create bigger medical problems down the road.
- Vision changes and fall risk. Untreated vision problems are a leading contributor to falls among older adults. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death in people 65 and over, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
- Hearing loss and cognitive decline. Studies from Johns Hopkins and other institutions have found associations between untreated hearing loss and accelerated cognitive decline, including dementia risk.
When Traditional Medicare does not cover these services, the gap is not just a budget inconvenience. It can affect long-term health outcomes.
What Does the Saving MEDICARE Act Propose?
The bill takes a two-pronged approach:
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Reining in Medicare Advantage overpayments. The legislation targets billing practices that have allowed MA insurers to collect more from taxpayers than Traditional Medicare would have paid for the same beneficiaries. A 10-year savings estimate from Brown University’s Center for Advancing Health Policy through Research projects $2.5 trillion in potential savings from these reforms.
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Redirecting resources to Traditional Medicare. Supporters of the bill — including the Center for Medicare Advocacy, Public Citizen, and Families USA — have said those savings could fund expanded coverage in Traditional Medicare, including dental, hearing, and vision benefits, as well as out-of-pocket cost caps.
It is important to note that the bill is a proposal, not law. It has been introduced in the House and has not yet passed committee. Legislative timelines are uncertain, and any expansion of Traditional Medicare benefits would likely face significant debate.
What Options Do Medicare Beneficiaries Have Right Now?
Whether or not the Saving MEDICARE Act advances, there are steps you can take today to address the dental, vision, and hearing gap.
Medicare Advantage Plans
Most Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include extra benefits that Traditional Medicare does not — and dental, vision, and hearing coverage are among the most common. If you are enrolled in an MA plan, check your Evidence of Coverage document to see exactly what is included. These benefits can vary widely from plan to plan, and they may change from year to year.
Standalone Dental, Vision, and Hearing Plans
You can purchase separate insurance plans for dental, vision, or hearing coverage. These are not Medicare products — they are private insurance policies. A licensed agent can help you compare options based on your needs and budget.
Medigap (Medicare Supplement) Plans
Medigap plans help cover out-of-pocket costs in Traditional Medicare, such as copayments and deductibles. However, standard Medigap plans do not cover dental, vision, or hearing services. If you are on Medigap and want DVH coverage, you will need a separate plan.
Health Savings and Discount Plans
Some beneficiaries use dental discount plans or set aside funds in a health savings account (if eligible) to cover routine care. These are not insurance, but they may reduce costs at participating providers.
How Can You Prepare for Potential Changes?
Whether the Saving MEDICARE Act passes, stalls, or evolves into a different proposal, staying informed puts you in a stronger position.
- Review your current coverage annually. During the Medicare Open Enrollment Period (October 15 through December 7), compare your plan’s benefits, including any dental, vision, and hearing extras.
- Ask your plan directly. If you are unsure what your plan covers, call the number on the back of your Medicare card or contact your plan’s member services.
- Talk to a licensed agent. An independent insurance agent who works with multiple carriers can help you understand your options across Traditional Medicare, Medigap, and Medicare Advantage — and identify any gaps worth addressing.
The Bottom Line
Traditional Medicare’s exclusion of routine dental, vision, and hearing coverage is a gap that affects real people’s health and finances. The Saving MEDICARE Act represents one potential path toward closing that gap, but it is still working its way through Congress.
In the meantime, understanding your current coverage — and knowing what options exist — is the most practical step you can take.
If you have questions about your Medicare options or want to review your coverage with a licensed agent, Trek Insurance Solutions is here to help. Contact us at 888-960-0442 or visit trekis.net to schedule a consultation.