Dental Insurance For Seniors On Medicare

Unfortunately, Original Medicare won’t offer the dental coverage you may need, but there are other options! Find out how you can get covered by Medicare Advantage plans, dental discounts cards, and more.
By
Edward Neeman
Published on
September 27, 2018
Updated on
January 22, 2024

You may already be aware of the countless benefits Medicare offers beneficiaries, but there are some gray areas that may confuse people which includes vision, long-term, and even dental care. If you’re curious as to whether or not your Medicare offers dental insurance during your senior years, which let’s face it, is an incredibly important part of your health, we’re here to shed some light on the matter. Here’s what you need to know:

Does Medicare Include Dental Benefits?

Original Medicare, Part A, and Part B, usually doesn’t offer benefits for routine dental needs. Medical coverage is the only benefit covered by Medicare. This would include things like bi-annual exams, teeth cleaning and whitening, fillings, x-rays, and crowns, but there may be some exceptions to that rule.

Dental Services Covered By Medicare Part A

There are no dental plans for Medicare Part A. However, there are plans offered at low cost if you are a recipient of Medicare Part A. There are certain emergency dental procedures that may be paid for by Medicare Part A if the recipient is admitted to the hospital for the procedure. Sometimes the coverage will be reimbursed once approved by Medicare. These instances are few and far between and it is better to get authorization before the procedure.

Are Dentures Covered?

Partial, Immediate and or Complete dentures are not a covered benefit for dental insurance for seniors on Medicare Part A. Part A is for medical issues, conditions and illnesses but typically not for dental, vision or pharmacy. These are offered as supplements to Medicare Part A.

Getting Dental Insurance With Medicare Advantage

If you’re not familiar with Medicare Advantage plans, then here’s what you need to know. Medicare Advantage, also called Medicare Part C, is a health insurance plan offered by private health insurers. Unlike Original Medicare, you pay for Advantage plans, however, they come with added benefits.

Depending on the plan you enroll in, your routine dental coverage may be fully covered by your Part C plan. If you’re looking to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, or just want to learn more about your options, you can read more about it here.

Getting Dental Care Without Insurance

If you aren’t enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, then chances are you’re going to be on your own when it comes to your dental care. Don’t worry though, there are other options for you to explore that could save you from paying hundreds or thousands of dollars out of your own pocket.

Dental Insurance

There are private health insurance companies that offer stand-alone dental plans. These plans will cost a little extra, but you will have peace of mind knowing that you’ll be covered for all your dental needs, emergency and routine. If you or your spouse is currently employed, then you may also be eligible to enroll in a group plan.

Dental Discount Cards

Dental discount cards are not offered by Medicare and aren’t part of the federal health insurance program for seniors. However, if your dentist is part of a network, then they may accept dental discount cards which can end up saving you money on your next visit.

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