Does Medicare Cover Dental Care?

If you are wondering whether Original Medicare covers routine dental care, the short answer is no. Traditional Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover most dental care, dental procedures, or supplies, like cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, dentures, dental plates, or other dental devices. You pay 100% for these services out of pocket unless you have other dental coverage.

However, there are some exceptions. Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) will pay for certain dental services that you get when you are in a hospital. For example, if you need to have an emergency or complicated dental procedure, Medicare may cover your hospital stay, even if it doesn't cover the dental care itself. Medicare may also cover dental services if they are an essential part of another covered procedure, such as jaw reconstruction following an accident or tooth extractions done in preparation for radiation treatment for jaw cancer.

We believe in straight answers, no surprises. The reality is that if you rely solely on Original Medicare, your routine dental health is entirely your financial responsibility. You've worked hard to protect what you've earned, and an unexpected dental bill shouldn't threaten your savings.

Because Original Medicare leaves you exposed to routine dental costs, many people look for other ways to get coverage. Remember, the Medicare decision is about two paths, not two products.

If you choose the Traditional Medicare path (Original Medicare plus a Medigap policy and a Part D prescription drug plan), you will need to purchase a separate standalone dental insurance policy to cover routine care. Medigap plans are designed to fill the gaps in Original Medicare's coverage, but since Original Medicare doesn't cover routine dental, Medigap doesn't either.

If you choose the Medicare Advantage path (Part C), you may have dental coverage included. Many Medicare Advantage plans offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn't cover, such as routine dental, vision, and hearing services. However, these plans often require you to use their network of dentists and may have annual limits on how much they will pay for dental care.

You have options, and we are here to walk you through every option. Whether you want to add a standalone dental plan to your Traditional Medicare coverage or explore Medicare Advantage plans with built-in dental benefits, we can help you find the right fit. We are on your side of the table, ready to help you compare free, no obligation.