Medicare Dental Coverage

Although Original Medicare does not cover dental services (unless the damage is considered an emergency), Medicare beneficiaries have several options for dental care.

Two options you can consider for paying for your dental care include:

• Paying out of pocket
  If you don’t anticipate any major care, this option may make the most sense for you. The average cost of an adult cleaning is around $82. So, even if you get two cleanings per year, you’re only looking at about $165 in dental costs per year.
  
  If you anticipate major dental needs, have dentures, or are uncomfortable not having dental insurance, however, you may want to consider a different option.
• Purchasing a dental plan from a private insurer
  Just because you have Medicare doesn’t mean you can’t purchase a separate dental plan. Shop around to find a dental plan that provides the level of coverage you need at a price you can afford.

Covering Some of the Costs

Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plans help cover some of Original Medicare's out-of-pocket costs. And although Medigap policies do not offer dental insurance, they could help cover some of the out-of-pocket costs that might come with dental care.

If you are admitted as an inpatient hospital patient for certain emergency dental services or complicated dental procedures, a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan will help cover your Medicare Part A hospital coinsurance. Some plans will cover your deductible as well.

There are 10 standardized Medigap plans available in most states labeled A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M and N. 

Connect with a licensed insurance agent at 1-800-995-4219 to find Medigap plans in your area, or read through our guide, What Does Original Medicare Cover? to learn more.