Dental, Vision & Hearing Coverage for Medicare Members in San Diego
The one thing your Medicare Supplement doesn’t cover
If you chose Original Medicare and a Medicare Supplement (Medigap), you made a smart move for freedom — any doctor, any specialist, no networks, no referrals. But there’s one gap that catches a lot of people by surprise: Original Medicare and Medigap don’t cover routine dental, vision, or hearing care. No cleanings, no fillings, no crowns. No eye exams or glasses. No hearing tests or hearing aids.
That’s not a flaw in your plan — it’s simply how Medicare is built. And it’s exactly the piece a standalone Dental, Vision & Hearing (DVH) plan is designed to fill.
I’m Ashley, a licensed independent insurance broker in San Diego County. I help Medicare members close this gap with a plan that actually fits — not a one-size-fits-all upsell. Below are the two DVH plans I work with, how they compare, and how to figure out which one is right for you.
Why a standalone DVH plan makes sense for Supplement members
Because your supplement gives you flexibility everywhere else, the last thing you want is a dental plan that locks you into a narrow network or makes you wait a year to use it. A good standalone DVH plan lets you:
- See routine dental, vision, and hearing care that Original Medicare simply won’t pay for
- Budget with a predictable monthly premium instead of surprise out-of-pocket bills
- Keep the freedom to choose your own providers
Out-of-pocket, a single crown or a set of hearing aids can run well into the thousands. A DVH plan turns that risk into a manageable monthly cost — which is the same reason you chose a Supplement in the first place.
The two plans I work with
I keep this simple on purpose: two solid options, not a confusing wall of choices. They cover a lot of the same ground, so choosing between them is more straightforward than you might expect.
Ameritas — the dental-first choice
Ameritas is built around one of the nation’s largest dental networks, where participating providers charge well below their regular rates. It’s guaranteed approval, with no waiting periods on dental and no enrollment fees. You can start with a straightforward, preventive-focused plan or step up to a comprehensive level that also includes a hearing benefit, with a vision plan available alongside it.
Manhattan Life — the all-in-one choice
Manhattan Life’s Dental, Vision & Hearing Select keeps dental, vision, and hearing under a single policy — start with dental and add the vision and hearing coverage you want. It’s guaranteed approval, and you choose your own annual maximum to size the plan to what you expect to need. You can see any provider, with an optional national dental network where your costs go further.
Enroll in a Manhattan Life plan →
Which one is right for you?
Honestly, these two have more in common than not. Both are guaranteed approval — no health questions. Both cover dental, vision, and hearing. And both let you see any provider you like, with a national dental network where your costs go further.
So for most people the deciding question is a simple one: which network includes the dentist you already see? When your dentist is in-network, you generally just pay your share at the visit. Go out-of-network and you can end up covering the full bill upfront and waiting to be reimbursed — something most people would rather avoid. Each plan’s enrollment page has a “find a provider” tool, so it’s worth a quick check on both before you decide.
Still not sure? That’s what I’m here for.
Two ways to get covered
Prefer to handle it yourself? Use the enrollment links above to review plans and sign up directly — it takes just a few minutes.
Want a second opinion first? Book a free 15-minute call and I’ll help you match your situation — your dentist, your budget, and the kind of work you expect — to the right plan. No pressure, no cost.
Frequently asked questions
Does my Medicare Supplement cover dental, vision, or hearing?
No. Original Medicare and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans don’t cover routine dental, vision, or hearing care. A standalone Dental, Vision & Hearing plan is designed specifically to fill that gap.
Do I have to have Medicare to buy one of these plans?
No, anyone can purchase this. These are standalone insurance plans, separate from Medicare.
Can I keep my own dentist?
Yes. Both plans let you use any dentist — you’re never locked in. With either one you’ll typically pay less at an in-network provider, since those dentists have agreed to discounted rates, but the choice is always yours.
Is there a waiting period before I can use my benefits?
It depends on the plan and the type of service. Preventive care is often available right away, while major services may have a waiting period or increase in coverage over the first few years.
How much do these plans cost?
Premiums depend on your age, the plan you choose, and your ZIP code, so it varies quite a bit — and it’s often more affordable than people expect. I’m happy to give you an exact quote on a quick call.
Are these Medicare plans?
No. Dental, Vision & Hearing plans are separate insurance products — they are not Medicare, not part of the federal Medicare program, and not required for Medicare enrollment.
Dental, Vision & Hearing plans are ancillary insurance products. They are not Medicare and are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. Enrollment in these plans is not required to enroll in or keep Medicare. Plan availability, benefits, and premiums vary by state.