Lesson 11 of 15
Dental, vision, and hearing
Quick answer
Neither Original Medicare nor TFL covers routine dental, vision, or hearing care. Veterans typically fill these gaps in one of three ways: a FEDVIP dental/vision plan through BENEFEDS, a Medicare Advantage plan that includes these benefits, or paying out of pocket.
Key takeaways
- Original Medicare does not cover routine dental, vision exams for glasses, or hearing aids.
- TFL also does not cover these services routinely.
- FEDVIP plans (BENEFEDS) offer stand-alone dental and vision coverage to retired military.
- Many veteran-focused Medicare Advantage plans bundle dental, vision, and hearing at no extra premium.
Detailed explanation
The three approaches
- FEDVIP — Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program, available to retired uniformed services members through BENEFEDS. Stand-alone dental and vision plans you pay for monthly.
- Medicare Advantage with extras — Some MA plans for veterans include dental, vision, hearing, OTC allowances, and fitness benefits. The plan becomes primary; TFL drops to secondary.
- Pay out of pocket — Especially for occasional needs.
There is no single right answer. The right choice depends on your situation, location, and existing providers.
Frequently asked questions
Does TFL cover any dental?
Only narrowly — for example, dental work tied to a covered medical condition. Routine cleanings, fillings, and crowns are not covered.
Does Medicare cover hearing aids?
Original Medicare covers diagnostic hearing exams ordered by a doctor but does not cover routine exams for fitting hearing aids or the hearing aids themselves.
Official government resources
Official Medicare and TRICARE publications are the definitive source. This page is an independent educational summary; always confirm specifics against the resources above.