Because they are privately managed, Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans can cover additional benefits to Original Medicare, such as vision, hearing, and dental.

You have the option of signing up for Medicare Advantage (Part C), which is an alternative to Original Medicare (parts A and B). These plans are managed by private insurers and have to offer the same benefits as Original Medicare.

They may also offer additional benefits that Original Medicare does not cover, including vision, hearing, and dental insurance. Read on to learn about the extra benefits you can get through a Part C plan.

As of 2024, about 54% of Medicare beneficiaries were enrolled in a Part C plan. Of the available plans, more than 97% offer dental, vision, and hearing benefits. Coverage varies from plan to plan as follows:

  • Dental: Plans may cover preventive and diagnostic dental services such as routine cleanings and dental exams, as well as more comprehensive coverage such as fillings, crowns, and root canals.
  • Vision: This generally includes coverage for eye exams for glasses and coverage of prescription glasses themselves, but the extent varies. Some plans cover most glasses, others cover only certain kinds. Providers may limit optometrist visits and cover only basic frames and lenses.
  • Hearing: Hearing coverage typically includes exams and hearing aids, with some plans offering limited or comprehensive care. Coverage details vary by state and insurer.

The best Medicare Advantage plans of 2025

In 2025, Healthline ranked these Part C plans as follows:

It’s important to never assume you have coverage. Always check with your provider. Your plan may have network or other restrictions.

Generally, because Part C plans are managed privately, you’ll have different premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance depending on your plan.

According to the Centers for Medicaid & Medicare (CMS), the average monthly premium for Part C plans is around $17.00 in 2025.

In addition, to stay enrolled in a Part C plan, you still have to pay the Part B premium. That said, some Part C may cover your Part B premium.

Your coinsurance will depend not only on the plan but also on the specific service you want to get. More comprehensive services, even if offered by your plan, tend to have higher out-of-pocket costs.

That said, Medicare Advantage plans have an out-of-pocket maximum. This is the most you could pay out-of-pocket for covered medical expenses in a year.

As soon as you reach that limit, your plan will pay 100% of your covered medical and prescription costs for the rest of the year. For 2025, that amount is $9,350 for in-network services, but plans may set lower limits.

Important definitions

  • Deductible: The amount you pay beforeyour health plan begins to share the cost of covered services. This means that if your deductible is $1,500 per year, this amount is due before your health plan kicks in to cover the full cost of services. Deductibles for family coverage and individual coverage are different.
  • Coinsurance: This is the portion of the medical cost you pay after your deductible is met. Here’s an example. Say your coinsurance is 20%. If you meet your annual deductible in June but then need an MRI in September, you’ll need to pay 20% of the cost of that MRI.
  • Copayment: The fixed dollar amount you pay when receiving certain treatments. For Medicare, this usually applies to prescription drugs.

To get dental, hearing, and vision benefits through Medicare, you’ll need to enroll in a Part C plan that offers these benefits. You can explore the available plans in your area on Medicare.gov.

You’re eligible to enroll if you are eligible for Medicare. You can enroll once you fulfill the following criteria:

  • You live in the area of service of the plan you want to join
  • You’ve enrolled in Original Medicare (Parts A and B)
  • You’re a U.S. citizen or a lawful resident

When shopping for a Medicare Advantage plan, it can help to take a full inventory of your medical needs before choosing the plan that best meets your needs.

Sifting through information about health coverage can be overwhelming. If you need help deciphering complicated plan details or enrolling in a plan, you may want to consider working with a Medicare advisor.