Core Insights - Many individuals choose to retire at 65 when Medicare coverage begins, as it helps protect retirement savings from high medical costs [1] Healthcare Expenses Not Covered by Medicare - Common healthcare expenses that Medicare does not cover include routine dental care, vision exams, and long-term care [2][3] Dental Care - Routine dental care is not covered by Medicare, leading to potential unexpected costs for older Americans [3] - Average costs for dental services without insurance include: - Dental cleaning: $75 to $200 [4] - Filling for cavities: $50 to $150 for dental amalgam, $90 to $250 for composite resin or glass ionomer [4] - Root canal: approximately $1,165 [5] - Dentures: range from $350 to $12,450 depending on type [5] Vision Care - Medicare does not cover vision care, which can be expensive; average costs for routine eye exams are about $136 without insurance [6] - Retail chains offer lower prices, with Walmart Vision Centers starting at $75 and Sam's Club exams as low as $45 [6] - Average cost of prescription eyeglasses without insurance is around $350, varying based on frames and lenses [7] Long-term Care - Medicare does not cover long-term care costs, which may include home health aides, assisted living, or nursing homes, as these are not classified as medical services [7]