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Dental Coverage Under Medicare. Medicare (Part A for hospital coverage and Part B for medical coverage) typically does not include routine dental coverage, such as dental exams, cleanings, fillings, crowns, and bridges. There are, however, some exceptions to this rule.
For example, if you suffer an accident that results in damage to the jaw, Medicare would cover the medical reconstruction of the jaw. Or if you have a disease involving the jaw, Original Medicare might cover a tooth extraction that is directly caused by the disease.
For emergency and complicated dental procedures that require a hospital stay, Medicare Part A covers the hospital stay but not the dental procedure.
If you’re having a kidney or heart transplant or another complicated procedure that requires a preliminary dental exam, Medicare covers the dental exam either under Medicare Part A or Medicare Part B, depending on whether the dental exam is performed by hospital staff or an in-office physician.
Since routine dental coverage is not available under Original Medicare, you are generally responsible for the full cost of your dental care unless you have other dental insurance. Dental coverage through Medicare Advantage plan
You may be able to get dental coverage under some Medicare Advantage plans.
Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) can include extra benefits like routine dental, routine vision, and Medicare prescription drug coverage.
Other Dental coverage options
As mentioned, unless you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes routine dental coverage, you’ll typically have to pay the full cost for routine dental care.
However, there are other ways to cover dental costs outside of what’s covered by Medicare, including dental insurance and dental discount cards.
These types of dental coverage are not part of Medicare.
Dental insurance
You may also have group dental insurance available if either you or your spouse is employed. Be sure to read the plans carefully. Some dental plans require you to stay within a network of dental care providers. The premiums may be a bit higher for this type of plan, but the costs are offset by lower out-of-pocket fees, like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles, mainly because network dentists usually agree to charge discounted rates to members of the dental plan. Other plans let you go to any licensed dental professional, but you may have to pay more at the time of service.
Dental discount cards
Some dental care provider organizations offer dental discount cards. This is neither Medicare nor dental coverage, and there are no dental benefits payable to you or the dentist.
You basically have to pay the total cost of your dental care, but with a dental discount card, you get access to a network of dental professionals who agree to discounted rates for dental exams, cleanings, fillings, and more.
You pay one annual fee to be in the program and then use the card whenever you receive dental care.
Ask your dental care provider if he or she offers these discount cards.
To learn more visit Individual and Family Dental Insurance
