Does Medicare Cover It?
Straight answers on what Medicare does and doesn't cover, based on official CMS coverage rules — and what to do when Original Medicare falls short. Updated for 2026.
Does Medicare cover a CPAP machine?
Yes. Original Medicare (Part B) covers CPAP therapy for obstructive sleep apnea, typically starting with a 12-week trial after a qualifying sleep study.
Does Medicare cover acupuncture?
Only for chronic low back pain. Original Medicare covers acupuncture solely for chronic low back pain — up to 12 visits in 90 days, with more if you improve.
Does Medicare cover a colonoscopy?
Yes. Medicare covers colorectal cancer screening, including screening colonoscopies — often at no cost to you when used for screening.
Does Medicare cover a wheelchair or scooter?
Yes, when medically necessary. Original Medicare (Part B) covers wheelchairs, power chairs, and scooters as durable medical equipment when needed for use in your home.
Does Medicare cover cardiac rehabilitation?
Yes, for qualifying heart conditions. Medicare covers cardiac rehabilitation and intensive cardiac rehabilitation for patients with certain conditions, such as a recent heart attack, heart failure, or bypass surgery.
Does Medicare cover bariatric (weight-loss) surgery?
Yes, for qualifying patients. Medicare covers certain bariatric surgeries for people with morbid obesity who also have related health conditions and meet specific criteria.
Does Medicare cover a PET scan?
Yes, for many conditions. Medicare covers PET scans for a range of oncologic (cancer) conditions and certain other medically necessary indications.
Does Medicare cover cochlear implants?
Yes. Unlike routine hearing aids, cochlear implants are covered by Original Medicare as a prosthetic device when you meet the clinical criteria.
Does Medicare cover diabetes care?
Yes. Medicare covers diabetes self-management training and a range of diabetes supplies and services for people who qualify.
Does Medicare cover dental care?
Not usually under Original Medicare. Original Medicare (Parts A & B) does not cover most routine dental care — but many Medicare Advantage plans do.
Does Medicare cover hearing aids?
Not under Original Medicare. Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or the exams to fit them — but many Medicare Advantage plans include a hearing benefit.
Does Medicare cover eyeglasses and vision care?
Mostly not under Original Medicare. Original Medicare does not cover routine eye exams or eyeglasses, with one notable exception after cataract surgery.
Does Medicare cover a lung cancer screening?
Yes, for higher-risk adults. Medicare covers an annual low-dose CT scan to screen for lung cancer for people who meet age and smoking-history criteria.
Does Medicare cover a prostate cancer screening (PSA)?
Yes. Medicare covers prostate cancer screening, including an annual PSA blood test for men over 50.
Does Medicare cover a depression screening?
Yes. Medicare covers an annual depression screening, plus a range of outpatient and inpatient mental health services.
Does Medicare cover a gym membership (SilverSneakers)?
Not under Original Medicare. Original Medicare doesn't pay for gym memberships — but most Medicare Advantage plans include a fitness benefit like SilverSneakers.
Does Medicare cover long-term care (nursing home)?
Mostly no — this is the biggest Medicare myth. Original Medicare does not pay for long-term custodial care (ongoing help with daily living). It only covers limited, short-term skilled care.
Does Medicare cover weight-loss medication (Ozempic, Wegovy)?
Usually not for weight loss alone. By law, Medicare drug plans generally cannot cover drugs used only for weight loss — but the same drug may be covered when prescribed for an approved condition.
Does Medicare cover medical care while traveling abroad?
Rarely. Original Medicare generally does not cover health care you get outside the United States, with only narrow exceptions.
Questions about your Medicare coverage?
A licensed Florida agent can tell you exactly what your plan covers — and find a better one if it doesn't.