Making Medicare Easy.
The simple answer is no…
Original Medicare (Including Part A for hospital coverage and Part B for medical coverage) does not cover the type of routine dental services you are most likely to need such as routine exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions, crowns, bridges, or dentures.
Medicare only provides coverage for major dental needs that directly effects your health such as a jaw reconstructive surgery after a car accident or possibly the extraction of a tooth that is directly caused by a disease of the jaw.
Additionally Medicare Supplement plans (also known as Medigap) also do not cover routine dental services. Although their name may lead some to believe otherwise, Medicare supplement plans are specifically designed to pay the copay’s left behind by Original Medicare and therefor cover dental services exactly the same as described above.
Read our top 3 tips for saving on your Medicare Supplement Plan
So what are your dental coverage options?
Medicare Advantage
Although the benefits are typically limited some Medicare Advantage Plans may include coverage for routine dental services such an exam, cleaning, or x-ray once or twice a year. It is important to review the details of the dental coverage included in the Medicare Advantage plan you select in order to determine whether those benefits will be adequate your needs or if you will need to purchase additional coverage.
Dental Insurance
Dental insurance is often the best option for those looking for more complete dental coverage. These plans can cover everything from routine cleanings up to major services such as crowns, bridges, and dentures. Because dental insurance is sold in a wide variety of coverage options and premiums it is often the easiest way to find a plan that will fit your needs and budget. Additionally since Dental insurance is a separate “stand alone” insurance policy you are able to enroll or switch plans any time of year without affecting your other Medicare coverage.
Dental, Vision, and Hearing Insurance
Just a the name implies, these plans allow you to use your benefits for dental, vision, or hearing services. Dental, Vision, and Hearing insurance typically provides a better value then dental coverage alone because you are much more likely to make full use of your benefits each year when you combine all three popular services into one plan.
Even if you don’t currently need vision or hearing services you may still want to consider these types of plans as they often cost about the same as Dental insurance and you will have the added coverage if and when you need vision and hearing services in the future.
Click here to see our clients #1 pick for the best Dental, Vision, and Hearing Coverage.
Dental Discount Cards
Dental Discount Cards offer a low cost solution to those wanting the lowest monthly premiums available or need major dental services immediately. Dental discount cards simply provide you with access to discounted pricing for dental exams, cleanings, fillings, and more when you use a dental professional that takes part in the program.
What Do We Recommend?
At Medicare Hero we are all about getting the most value for every dollar spent. Because of that reason we highly recommend going with dental insurance that will allow you to see any dentist you choose (no network) and allows you to use your full benefits each year for multiple services such as dental, vision, and hearing. Combining these two features will allow you to get the most out of your plan each and every year, maximizing your coverage and helping you to avoid having to purchase additional coverage in the future.
