According to Medicare.gov, Medicare doesn't cover most dental care, dental procedures, or supplies, like cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, dentures, dental plates, or other dental devices.
What type of Medicare covers dental?
Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called Part C, combine Original Medicare Part A and Part B into one complete plan. These plans are offered through private insurance companies approved by the government Medicare program. These plans may also offer extra programs and services not covered by Original Medicare, such as dental coverage. Some plans may also include Part D prescription drug coverage and vision.
Medicare Advantage Plans work similarly to traditional health plans in cost and coverage. For example, there are HMOs, PPOs, POS plans, and more. They can include deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. But not all Medicare Advantage Plans cover dental. So before you sign up, make sure to read the details of what the plan covers. If you want dental coverage under Medicare, then make sure the Medicare Advantage Plan you choose includes the dental coverage that fits your needs and budget.
The best way to navigate your Medicare plan options is via a licensed and certified Medicare agent.
Schedule a Medicare Consultation
What dental services are covered by Medicare?
When it comes to Medicare and dental coverage, only Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) may offer dental coverage and not all of them do. This coverage is typically basic and could include:
- Teeth cleaning
- Routine X-rays
- Extractions
- Fillings
- And possibly more
Make sure to review all details of any Medicare Advantage Plan before you enroll. Plans may differ based on the insurance company and even your location. Dental coverage often comes with limits on how many services are covered in a plan year, maximum cost allowances, and more.
Dental coverage under Medicare: Comparison table
In summary, here are the types of Medicare, what they cover, and if dental coverage is available:
| Type of Medicare | What’s Covered | Dental Coverage Available? |
|---|---|---|
|
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) |
|
No |
|
Medicare Advantage (Part C) |
May also include:
|
Yes |
|
Medicare Supplement Insurance |
Costs not covered by Original Medicare (copays, deductibles, coinsurance) |
No |
How do you get dental coverage if Medicare doesn’t include it?
If you’re on a Medicare plan that’s working for you and doesn’t offer dental coverage, there are other options you may consider:
- Buy a separate or standalone dental plan from a private insurance company. There are many types of dental plans to choose from, usually with affordable monthly premiums. Basic dental plans may offer you coverage for preventive dental care with lower monthly premiums. Other plans may provide more dental coverage for a little higher premium. Standalone dental plans usually include deductibles, copays, and coinsurance.
Comments
0 comments
Please sign in to leave a comment.