The necessity of dental care for maintaining good health and wellness cannot be overstated. It is essential to monitor our oral hygiene as well as have regular check-ups with a dentist in order to maintain good oral health.
Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover the full range of dental services needed for optimal oral health. In this blog post, we will discuss an overview of what Medicare does cover regarding dental care, including what types of care are covered, the factors that affect coverage under Medicare and other alternatives for obtaining care not covered by Medicare.
Introduction
Dental care is an important part of our overall health, but it can be expensive and not always covered by insurance. In this blog post, we'll discuss what Medicare does and doesn't cover when it comes to dental care, so you can make an informed decision about your coverage options.
We'll go over the basics of Medicare and how it could impact your dental costs, as well as the different types of services that are eligible for coverage under Medicare's rules. Read on to learn more!
What Types Of Dental Care Does Medicare Cover?
Medicare does not provide coverage for most dental care, including dental exams, cleanings, fillings, root canals, dentures, braces or other procedures. However, Medicare Part A & B may help cover certain dental services that are considered medically necessary. This can include oral surgery and treatment of mouth infections or injuries if they are related to an illness or accident.
In some cases, Medicare may also pay for the cost of a prosthetic device (such as dentures) when it is needed to treat a medical condition. It’s important to note that enrollees should check with their health care provider and plan administrator to see what specific types of dental care and services are covered by their Medicare plan before receiving any treatments.
What Factors Affect Medicare Dental Coverage?
Medicare doesn't usually cover dental care, however certain factors can affect what type of coverage is available. These include the type of procedure or treatment needed, the location of the treatment, and whether Medicare Part A or Part B is being used. In addition, certain conditions such as end-stage renal disease may qualify for additional coverage options.
It is important to note that regardless of the coverage offered, Medicare does not typically pay for cosmetic procedures such as tooth whitening or braces. Therefore it is important to find out if your particular need will be covered before seeking treatment.
What Are The Alternatives For Dental Care Not Covered By Medicare?
For those needing dental care that Medicare does not cover, there are still alternative methods of obtaining the needed services. Dentures and other types of prosthodontics are often available through private insurance, Medicaid programs, or even discount cards and programs.
Additionally, many non-profit organizations provide free or low cost dental services to those in need throughout the year. Finally, some faith-based organizations also offer dental care on a sliding scale payment basis for those who cannot afford it otherwise. Regardless of the option chosen, it is important to take advantage of preventive care whenever possible to keep costs down and maintain good oral health in the long run.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Medicare offers some coverage for oral health services through Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare plans. However, it does not cover most routine dental care such as cleanings, fillings, implants, or dentures. The best way to determine what is covered by your particular plan is to contact your insurance provider directly and ask questions before seeking treatment.
Supplemental dental insurance may help cover the costs of care that are not fully paid for by Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan. By understanding the different types of dental coverage available and researching plans carefully, you can ensure that you are getting the best coverage for your needs.
