While Medicare provides substantial healthcare coverage, it does not cover everything, leaving beneficiaries responsible for certain out-of-pocket expenses. For instance, Medicare Part A covers hospital stays but requires beneficiaries to pay deductibles and coinsurance after a specific period. Similarly, Medicare Part B covers outpatient services and medical supplies but necessitates monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and typically 20% of the cost for most doctor services, outpatient therapy, and durable medical equipment. Moreover, Medicare Part D, which covers prescription drugs, involves additional premiums, deductibles, and copayments, and not all medications are covered under every plan.

Furthermore, Medicare does not cover some essential healthcare services, such as routine dental care, vision exams, eyeglasses, hearing aids, and long-term care, which includes extended stays in nursing homes and custodial care. Beneficiaries often need to seek supplemental insurance, like Medigap or Medicare Advantage plans, to help fill these gaps in coverage. Additionally, alternative options such as Medicaid may be available for those with limited income and resources. Understanding these limitations is crucial for beneficiaries to plan adequately for their healthcare needs and to explore additional insurance options that can provide more comprehensive coverage.