Medicare Basics

10 articles

What Medicare pays for and what it leaves out, in plain English: coverage questions, enrollment dates and the choices people face at 65 and every fall. Every rule and dollar figure comes from Medicare.gov. SilverBloom Health is an independent publisher and is not connected with the federal Medicare program.

Showing 10 articles, newest first

Medicare Basics

Does Medicare Cover Cataract Surgery and Lenses?

Medicare Part B may cover cataract surgery with conventional intraocular lenses, plus one pair of glasses after. Here's what you pay and what isn't covered.
Medicare Basics

Does Medicare Cover a Bone Density Test?

Does Medicare cover bone density test costs? Part B covers bone mass measurement every 24 months for people meeting one of five conditions — see what you pay.
Medicare Basics

Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

Does Medicare cover hearing aids? Original Medicare won't pay for hearing aids or fitting exams, but Part B covers diagnostic hearing tests. Here's the rule.
Medicare Basics

Does Medicare Cover Macular Degeneration Treatment?

Does Medicare cover macular degeneration? Part B may pay for certain tests and injections — here's your 20% share, and why AREDS 2 eye vitamins are not covered.
Medicare Basics

Does Medicare Cover Vitamin D and B12 Blood Tests?

Medicare Part B covers vitamin D and B12 blood tests when they're medically necessary and your provider orders them. Here's what that means and what you pay.
Medicare Basics

Does Medicare Cover Vitamins and Supplements?

Does Medicare cover vitamins and supplements? Original Medicare and Part D don't pay for over-the-counter products. The exceptions, and where to check.
Medicare Basics

Medicare Advantage OTC Benefits: What the OTC Card Covers

What Medicare Advantage OTC benefits are, why the card's rules differ by plan, and exactly where to check what your own over-the-counter allowance covers.
Medicare Basics

Medicare Advantage vs Medigap: Pros and Cons in Plain English

Medicare Advantage vs Medigap in plain English: doctor choice, referrals, costs, out-of-pocket limits, and the one-time 6-month Medigap enrollment window.
Medicare Basics

Medicare Open Enrollment 2026: Dates, Deadline and a Simple Checklist

Medicare Open Enrollment 2026 runs October 15 to December 7, with coverage starting January 1. Here are the dates, the deadline and a simple checklist.
Medicare Basics

Turning 65: A Medicare Sign-Up Checklist

Turning 65 Medicare checklist: your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period, when coverage starts, the 6-month Medigap window, and where to get official answers.
Back to top