It’s time for a trip to the dentist, and you may be wondering whether Medicare covers dental work. Medicare can be confusing with what it covers and does not cover for beneficiaries. Look no further! We have all your dental questions and answers here. Unfortunately, Original Medicare will not cover your routine dental work. So, what options do you have when it comes to getting your dental covered? Keep reading to find out.
Will Medicare cover my dental care?
As mentioned above, Original Medicare will not cover your routine dental work; This includes x-rays, teeth cleanings, fillings, dentures, extractions, and more. Most only visit the dentist for routine work, and it might be the only reason you go to the dentist too. However, there are other ways to receive dental coverage under different Medicare plans you can obtain.
Are there different types of Medicare plans that cover dental?
There is some good news if you are looking to get dental coverage! Medicare Part C, also known as a Medicare Advantage Plan, is offered through private insurance companies. These types of plans provide additional services that Original Medicare does not cover.
For example, many Medicare Advantage plans offer dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage. With a Medicare Advantage plan, you will have deductibles, coinsurance, and copays.
Even though Original Medicare will not cover dental, Medicare Advantage plans can have these additional benefits.
Make sure when you sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan that you enroll in a plan that has dental coverage listed. Some Advantage plans offer dental, and some don’t. Also, be sure to review the prices per month and make sure it fits your budget.
What does the Advantage plan cover?
Suppose you’ve decided you want to purchase a Medicare Advantage plan to receive dental coverage. In that case, you may be wondering what it will cover. Medicare Advantage plans benefits vary from plan to plan. There may be a Medicare Advantage plan that covers x-rays, fillings, extractions, and teeth cleaning. Whereas another Medicare Advantage plan only covers teeth cleaning. Medicare Advantage plans can differ in their offerings and your location. Make sure you review the plan thoroughly to ensure it is what you are looking for before purchasing it.
Instances where Original Medicare may cover dental work
There is one instance where Original Medicare may cover your dental work. That is, if you have suffered a traumatic injury that affects your teeth, mouth, or jaw and you must go to the hospital. In this scenario, Original Medicare may cover some of this work. Make sure you are reviewing your plans to ensure your dental plan meets your needs for your health.
Additional options to receiving dental coverage
If you like having Original Medicare and Medigap and do not want to purchase a Medicare Advantage plan, you don’t have to. You can consider other options of ways to receive dental coverage. Such as buying a separate dental plan from a private insurance agency.
Another option is to look for a walk-in dental office that offers affordable out-of-pocket options to pay. You can also go to a local dental university and receive dental care from students in training; it can be more affordable for some. They can also offer you free or low-cost dental office recommendations in the area.
Lastly, you can dip into your health savings account (HSA) if you have one. Dipping into your HSA for your dental coverage is common to help pay for healthcare expenses you must pay out-of-pocket.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, Original Medicare does not offer dental coverage. It may cover a traumatic injury where your teeth, mouth, or jaw are affected, but that is where the line is drawn. However, overall, there are many ways to receive dental coverage.
You can purchase a Medicare Advantage plan that offers dental coverage to cover your routine dental work. When choosing a plan, make sure that you select one with the dental coverage you need, and that will benefit your health.
