Understanding Dental Coverage

Good dental health is an important part of your overall health, but Original Medicare generally does not cover routine dental care such as cleanings, fillings, crowns, or dentures. Fortunately, there are several ways Medicare beneficiaries may obtain dental coverage, including certain Medicare Advantage plans and standalone dental insurance plans.

What Dental Coverage May Include

Depending on the plan, dental coverage may help with:

• 🦷 Routine exams and cleanings

• 🩻 Dental X-rays

• 🪥 Fillings

• 👑 Crowns

• 🦷 Root canals

• 🦷 Extractions

• 😁 Dentures and other prosthetic services

• 🚨 Emergency dental services

Coverage, deductibles, waiting periods, annual maximums, and cost-sharing vary by plan.

Medicare Advantage Dental Benefits

Many Medicare Advantage plans include routine dental benefits as part of their supplemental benefits. However, benefits can vary significantly from one plan to another.

When comparing plans, look at:

• Annual dental benefit limits

• Covered services

• Preventive vs. comprehensive coverage

• Provider networks

• C-opays and coinsurance

• Waiting periods, if applicable

• Coverage for dentures, crowns, and other major services

A dental benefit included with a Medicare Advantage plan may not provide the same level of coverage as a standalone dental insurance policy.

Standalone Dental Insurance

If your Medicare Advantage plan doesn't provide the dental coverage you need,or if you have Original Medicare you may consider a standalone dental insurance plan. These plans can provide additional coverage for routine and major dental services, depending on the policy.

What Should You Compare?

Don't look at the monthly premium alone. Consider:

• Your dentist: Is your preferred dentist in-network?

• Services: What procedures are covered?

• Annual maximum: How much will the plan pay each year?

• Waiting periods: When does coverage begin for major services?

• Out-of-pocket costs: What will you pay for procedures?

• Dentures: Are dentures covered, and what are the limitations?

Need Help Finding Dental Coverage?

Whether you're looking for coverage alongside Original Medicare, evaluating a Medicare Advantage dental benefit, or considering a standalone dental plan, we can help you understand your options.

As a licensed local insurance agent, I can help you compare available dental coverage based on your needs, preferred providers, and budget.

Call 330-716-1368 for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.

Dental benefits, premiums, provider networks, waiting periods, limitations, and costs vary by plan and service area. We do not offer every plan available in your area.