Dental Care and Medicare 

As we get older, dental health becomes increasingly important because it can significantly impact your overall wellbeing. According to the American Dental Association, the most common conditions associated with aging are dry mouth, root and coronal caries, and periodontitis. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that one in five seniors have untreated tooth decay and 68% of seniors have gum disease.   

If you’re 65 or older, you’re eligible for Medicare, but you may be wondering if they provide dental plans for seniors. We’re here to help answer key questions about your options for Medicare dental plans, and affordable alternatives such as dental savings plans.  

Does Medicare cover dental insurance?  

Original Medicare, which comprises Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance), does not cover regular dental care or routine dental treatments. Routine dental treatments are procedures such as checkups, cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, bridges, dental implants, or dentures. 

Medicare may cover dental costs if a dental treatment must be performed in a hospital or is an essential part of a covered medical procedure. Examples of this exception might include an oral exam prior to organ transplant procedure, to reduce risk of organ rejection or reconstruction of jaw after an accident.  

Medicare may also pay the hospital costs for medically necessary care for your jaw, teeth, or mouth. This may include treatment after a traumatic injury or a severe infection. Note that your dental care costs may not be covered, just the hospital costs. And while Medicare may pay for some dental services related to hospitalization, it won’t cover implants or dentures to replace missing teeth.  

Does supplementary insurance/Medigap cover dental care? 

No. Medigap helps you pay your annual Medicare deductible and copayments/coinsurance costs. Just like Medicare, Medigap plans do not cover regular or routine dental treatments. 

Do Medicare Advantage plans cover dental care? 

Many Medicare Advantage Plans do offer dental insurance. There may be an additional cost to add dental coverage to a Medicare Advantage plan. These plans are offered by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare. Each company decides which benefits to offer in their Medicare Advantage plans, as long as they include everything Medicare offers. Medicare Advantage plans may also add benefits that Traditional Medicare does not offer, such as dental coverage. Check the coverage offered to see if it’s preventive care only (such as regular cleanings, checkups, and basic x-rays) or restorative (root canals, crowns, dental bridges, dentures, etc.) 

Be aware that not all Medicare Advantage plans come with dental coverage, and check to see if there is a maximum spending limit, maximum cost allowances or limitations on how many services are covered in a year.  

Also, it’s important to know that there are big differences between Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Don’t purchase Medicare Advantage only for dental coverage, make sure that you understand the differences between these two options.  

What other options can reduce the cost of dental care when you’re on Medicare? 

Dental savings plans, an affordable alternative to dental insurance, are another option that can help you save on your dental care needs. Plan members report an average savings of 50%* on their dental care.  You can start saving within 72 hours (or less) of joining and you keep saving – there is no annual spending limit.  Everyone is accepted – there are no background checks or healthcare exam requirements to join a dental savings plan. And you can even save on current conditions. 

If you’re on Traditional Medicare, you can use a dental savings plan to save on your dental care. All you need to do is join a plan, take your membership card to a participating dentist (there are 140,00+ across the nation) and pay your reduced rate directly to the dentist. 

If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan that includes dental insurance, you cannot use your dental insurance and your dental savings plan for the same procedure, in accordance with insurance policy rules. But you can typically use a dental savings plan to supplement your insurance, for example – if you exceed your annual spending cap you can use a dental savings plan to reduce the costs of any other treatment you need.  

Talk to your dentist, they can help you coordinate payments using your Medicare Advantage insurance and your dental savings plan.  

Can I change my current Medicare Advantage plan? 

Yes, during the annual open enrollment period each year (October 15 – December 7) you can choose to keep your current plan, choose a different plan, or switch to Original Medicare.  

You can also change your Medicare plan during the annual Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment period, which runs from January 1 through March 31. 

How do I join a dental savings plan?  

DentalPlans.com is the largest marketplace for dental savings plans and dental insurance, with more than 25 plans from the most trusted brands in healthcare. These are savings you can count on, and they are accepted by over 70% of U.S. dentists and specialists. Give us a call at 1-833-735-0399 – we’ll help you find your perfect plan in minutes. Want to know the details right now? Use the calculator below to find out how much money you can save on dental care. 

*Discount Health Program consumer and provider surveys indicate average savings of 50%. Savings may vary by provider, location, and plan.