Medicare is a government-run health insurance program that provides coverage for Americans who are 65 and older or have a disability. While Medicare covers a lot of medical expenses, there are certain things that it doesn’t cover—like cosmetic procedures, outpatient prescription drugs, and many new treatments and alternative treatments for chronic conditions, like cancer. Many policyholders choose additional coverage from well-known providers like AARP, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Cigna, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Kaiser Permanente, and Mutual of Omaha to fill the gaps left by standard health plans. Secondary or dual insurance — where one plan acts as primary and another provides backup coverage — can help reduce out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, co-pays, and services not included in the main plan. These supplemental options often extend to benefits like dental, vision, hearing, and long-term care, offering added financial protection and peace of mind when unexpected expenses arise. Even with these added protections, it’s essential to understand exactly what Medicare itself doesn’t include to avoid costly surprises later. Here are things that Medicare doesn’t cover: 1. Podiatry Medicare won’t pay for a visit to the foot doctor. Depending on how bad your condition is, you might be able to get a discount on some over-the-counter treatments, but Medicare does not cover them.