Insights from The Orlando Senior Help Desk: What you need to know before turning 65

Most people pay into Medicare through their payroll for their employment years, thinking that once they turn 65, the coverage will be free. Medicare has several expenses. High-income earners pay more in terms of copays, deductibles, and premiums.

Eye Examination and Optician-Original Medicare covers ophthalmologic costs like cataract surgery, but doesn’t cover contact lenses and glasses or routine eye checkups. Some people may opt to purchase a vision insurance policy, which costs several hundred dollars annually.

Hearing Aids-Medicare covers any ear-related condition but not hearing aids or r...