Understanding Medicare Coverage for Dental Care
If you’re approaching retirement age or have recently retired, you may have concerns about how you’ll pay for visits to the dentist. After all, Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people aged 65 and older, and it covers a range of medical services. But does Medicare cover dental care?
From Boca Raton to Greenacres and all the way up to Port St. Lucie – no matter where you live, going to the dentist can be cost-prohibitive. Even the simplest of procedures can cost up to hundreds of dollars. In this article, we will explain what Medicare can and cannot do for you when it comes to saving on dental care.
Exceptions to Medicare Coverage for Dental Services
The short answer is no. Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover most dental services, such as cleanings, fillings, extractions, dentures, and implants. However, there are some exceptions:
- Medicare Part A may cover certain dental services that are necessary for the treatment of a medical condition, such as jaw reconstruction after an injury. Or a doctor might decide something like a tooth extraction may be medically necessary in order to complete another procedure. These instances however are rare.
- Medicare Part B may cover some other dental services that are medically necessary, such as oral exams before certain types of surgery, and if it is performed by a doctor, such as an oral surgeon or maxillofacial surgeon.
Unfortunately, routine dental care is not covered by Original Medicare, and you will have to pay out of pocket for these services or have private dental insurance. That’s where Medicare Part C comes in.
Medicare Part C Could Be The Answer For Your Dental Care
Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is a type of Medicare health plan offered by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare. These plans provide all of the benefits of Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and often include additional benefits, such as dental, vision, hearing, and prescription drug coverage. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer comprehensive dental coverage, including routine cleanings, fillings, extractions, dentures, and even orthodontics.
When comparing the various plans available, pay attention to the monthly premiums, deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and network restrictions. Some plans may have lower premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs, while others may have higher premiums but more comprehensive benefits. Make sure the plan includes the dental services you need and that your preferred dentist is in the plan’s network. You may also want to consider the plan’s star rating, which reflects its quality and performance based on factors such as customer satisfaction, access to care, and patient outcomes.
Contact Absolute Best Insurance for Personalized Assistance
If you’re interested in enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan with dental coverage, it’s important to do your research and compare plans in your area. Absolute Best Insurance, with offices in Greenacres, Boca Raton, and Port St. Lucie, can help you navigate your options and find the right plan for your needs and budget. Our independent licensed agents can answer any questions you may have and help you get enrolled at no extra charge. Click here or call us at (561) 420-0280, we are here to help you.