Does Medicare Cover Dental Care?

If you are wondering whether Original Medicare covers your routine dental care, the answer is no. Traditional Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover most dental care, dental procedures, or supplies, like cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, dentures, dental plates, or other dental devices. Medicare Part A will pay for certain dental services that you get when you are in a hospital, but only if they are necessary to perform a non-dental procedure or if they are required because of a severe injury.

When it comes to protecting your teeth and your wallet, you have to look beyond the basic government benefits. You have options, but you need to understand how they work before you sit in the dentist's chair.

We believe in straight answers, no surprises. The system wasn't built to cover your routine dental work, and finding out after the fact is a painful way to learn. You've worked hard to protect what you've earned, and you shouldn't have to drain your savings for a root canal or a set of dentures. We are on your side of the table, and we want to make sure you know exactly what your options are.

Because Original Medicare leaves you exposed to the full cost of routine dental care, you have to decide how to handle that risk. The Medicare module reminds us that there are two paths, not two products.

If you choose the Traditional Medicare path (Original Medicare plus a Medigap policy), your Medigap plan will not cover routine dental care either. Medigap plans are designed to fill the gaps in Original Medicare's coverage, not to add new benefits. To get dental coverage on this path, you will need to purchase a standalone dental insurance policy or a dental discount plan.

If you choose the Medicare Advantage path, many of these plans include extra benefits like routine dental, vision, and hearing coverage. However, these benefits vary widely from plan to plan. Some may only cover cleanings and exams, while others might offer an allowance for more extensive work like crowns or dentures. It is crucial to read the fine print and understand the network restrictions, copays, and annual maximums before you enroll.

You don't have to figure this out alone. We can walk you through every option and help you find the right fit for your needs and your budget. Compare free, no obligation.