Dental coverage is important regardless of age, but when you’re facing potential tooth decay, gum disease, receding gums and oral cancer, it’s especially beneficial. And these are just four of the top dental problems experienced by older adults. Regular visits to your dentist can help with prevention and early detection, potentially saving you both pain and money in the long run. In fact, the American Dental Association recommends visiting the dentist at least once or twice a year.1
Luckily for those aged 65 and older, there are several options to protect both your oral health and wallet when it comes to getting dental coverage on Medicare.
Does Medicare cover dental?
The short answer is no, as Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn’t cover most dental services. Cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, dentures, dental plates and other dental devices are 100% the responsibility of the patient under Original Medicare.
Medicare Part A—often called hospital insurance—may cover some of your dental services if you receive care while in the hospital. However, this typically refers to emergency or complicated dental procedures.
Three Dental Coverage Options on Medicare
Some seniors choose to pay their dental expenses out of pocket and sign up for Basic Medicare. However, if you have a history of dental issues or want to better control your dental expenses, having some form of Medicare dental coverage is a smart choice. Explore your options below.
1. Medicare Advantage Plan
Medicare Advantage Plans (Medicare Part C) provide an alternative to Original Medicare, but often include additional coverage such as vision, dental, hearing and prescription drugs. With a Medicare Advantage plan, some plans have premiums as low as $0/month.2 At SelectQuote, we can help you find a Medicare dental plan for you. It’s important to look for options that cover:
- Preventative care – such as your teeth cleanings
- Basic services – like fillings and extractions
- Major services – like a root canal
As you navigate through your options for supplemental dental insurance, be sure to consider both your dental needs now and in the future. We’ll make sure you have the coverage you need at a price that works for your budget. Working with SelectQuote is free and there’s no obligation to enroll. Get a free quote today.
2. Stand-Alone Dental Insurance
Offered by a private health insurance provider, stand-alone Medicare dental insurance has you pay a monthly premium and usually requires you to see an in-network dentist to enjoy maximum benefits. The coverage you can receive from a stand-alone plan can significantly offset out-of-pocket expenses, especially helpful for high-cost procedures and services. If this plan sounds like a good fit for you, we can also help you weigh your options.
3. Dental Discount Plans
With Medicare dental discount plans, you’ll likely pay an annual or monthly membership fee entitling you to receive a discounted rate for any services received from an approved list of dentists.
If you’re interested in learning more about your dental coverage options with Medicare, get connected with SelectQuote. We can help you figure out your dental insurance needs, along with your overall healthcare needs, and see what the right option would be for your situation. The service is free and there’s no obligation to enroll.
1 https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/dental-care-concerns/questions-about-going-to-the-dentist
2 This is not a complete listing of plans available in your service area. For a complete listing please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048 ), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov.
SelectQuote is a licensed and certified representative of a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO and PFFS organization and a stand-alone prescription drug plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. SelectQuote complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.
