Final answer:
Original Medicare does not cover (a) most dental care, (b) hearing aids and related exams, (c) routine foot care, and
(e)eye exams for glasses. It also does not cover inpatient hospital care deductibles and copayments without supplemental coverage. Beneficiaries must enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B for hospital and outpatient services coverage, but these still leave gaps in coverage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The items and services that Original Medicare doesn't cover include the following four:
- Most dental care - which includes routine checkups, cleanings, fillings, and dentures.
- Hearing aids and examinations for fitting them - not covered, leaving beneficiaries to pay the full cost for hearing aids and related exams.
- Routine foot care - regular foot care services, including the cutting or removal of corns and calluses, are not covered.
- Eye examinations related to prescribing glasses - exams for prescription eyewear are not covered unless it's after cataract surgery.
In addition to these exclusions, Original Medicare also doesn't cover inpatient hospital care deductible charges and copayments without supplemental coverage. Participants have to pay these costs, which can be high, out-of-pocket. Furthermore, enrollment in Medicare Part A and Part B is essential to get coverage for hospitalization and outpatient services, but they do not cover all expenses, leading to potential 'gaps' in coverage.