Does Medicare cover dental services?

Anyone who has ever needed to have a root canal or a tooth pulled knows that dental care can get expensive fairly quickly. Many of those who are retired may wonder if their Medicare benefits cover dental services. In fact, Medicare Parts A and B do not generally provide health coverage for routine dental care, such as cleanings, checkups, or fillings, and neither part pays for dentures.

However, this does not mean that Medicare does not pay for any dental health care at all. If certain dental services are necessary for your overall health, Medicare will cover them. This can include reconstruction surgery for the jaw, ridge, or face or dental splints or wiring required due to jaw surgery. Complications related to dental procedures may also be covered, but follow-up care is generally not covered.

Although Medicare Parts A and B do not provide coverage for routine dental care, Medicare Part C and Medigap coverage may. Medicare Part C is a privately administered program similar to a group health insurance plan that allows enrollees to determine the type and level of coverage they need. The plans can include dental coverage that provides coverage for dentures and related procedures.

Medigap insurance is a form of private, individual health insurance intended to cover any gaps in a person’s Medicare coverage and can include a range of full service health options, including dental insurance.

Routine dental care can help keep your teeth healthier, which in turn can help keep your entire body healthier as oral health is closely linked to one's overall well-being. A private Medigap plan or Medicare Part C may be your best option for ensuring you have access to the care you need when you need it.

You can learn more about your options for dental health insurance and Medicare gap insurance by contacting one of our experienced insurance agents today.

Source: Health Care Los Angeles

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