Let’s Talk About What Medicare Leaves Out
You signed up for Medicare—great! But before you get too comfy, it’s worth knowing this: Medicare doesn’t cover everything. And for many people, those gaps can turn into big, unexpected bills.
We’re not here to scare you. We’re here to help you stay one step ahead. So let’s break it down: what Medicare doesn’t cover, why it matters, and how supplemental insurance can keep your finances safe from those “well, that wasn’t covered” surprises.
What Medicare Doesn’t Cover
Here’s a not-so-fun fact: Medicare has some pretty noticeable blind spots. Some of the most common (and costly) include:
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Dental care – cleanings, fillings, dentures… you’re on your own unless you have separate coverage.
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Vision care – eyeglasses, eye exams, and treatment for common conditions like glaucoma.
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Hearing aids – not covered under Original Medicare.
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Prescription drug costs – without a Part D plan, you could be paying full price at the pharmacy.
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Long-term care – assisted living and most nursing home care is not included.
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Hospital stays and skilled nursing costs – Medicare helps, but deductibles and daily charges add up fast.
Real-World Example: The $5,000 Surprise
Say you slip and end up in the hospital for three nights. Medicare Part A covers part of it, but you’re still looking at a $1,600+ deductible—and maybe more depending on follow-up care. Then add prescriptions, maybe a walker or home health assistance. Suddenly, you’re $5,000 deep.
Now imagine that happens again next year. That’s the kind of financial whiplash we help our clients avoid.
How Supplemental Insurance Helps
This is where supplemental insurance—also called Medigap or indemnity plans—comes in.
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Medigap Plans help pay your Medicare Part A and B deductibles, coinsurance, and copays. Think of it as your Medicare safety net.
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Hospital Indemnity Plans pay you directly when you’re admitted, so you can cover costs Medicare skips.
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Cancer Insurance gives you a lump sum payout to help with treatment, travel, or everyday expenses after diagnosis.
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Critical Illness Coverage provides fast funds for heart attack, stroke, or other major health events.
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Dental, Vision & Hearing Plans plug the gaps where Medicare leaves off.
These plans don’t replace Medicare—they supplement it. That means more coverage, fewer surprises, and a lot more peace of mind.
How Much Does Supplemental Insurance Cost?
The good news? Many of these plans are more affordable than you might think. Some start at just a few dollars a week. And because they’re designed to cover specific scenarios, you only pay for what you actually want.
Plus, some supplemental policies—like indemnity or cancer insurance—pay cash directly to you, not a provider. That gives you flexibility to use the money however you need.
Is It Worth It? Here’s What to Ask Yourself:
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Could I afford a $2,000+ hospital bill tomorrow?
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Do I have dental or vision needs Medicare won’t touch?
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Would a cancer diagnosis derail my finances?
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Is long-term care something I want to plan ahead for?
If any of those make you pause, supplemental insurance is worth a conversation.
The Yellowfin Way: Straight Talk, Real Options
At Yellowfin Management, we believe in giving you coverage that works—not more confusion. We walk you through your risks, explain what Medicare doesn’t cover, and match you with plans that make sense for your life and budget.
We don’t sell what you don’t need. We help you understand what you might, and how to prepare for it without overpaying.
Let’s Fill in the Gaps—Together
Medicare is a great starting point, but smart coverage doesn’t end there. If you want to stay protected without surprises, we’re here to help.
Schedule a free coverage review today and let’s build a plan that covers the whole picture—not just the parts that come standard.