Types of Dental Insurance Plans for Seniors

Even if you are a Medicare beneficiary and have other forms of health care covered, you will need separate coverage for your teeth. The majority of dental care is not included in Original Medicare, according to the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Cleanings, fillings, extractions, dentures and many other items and services are not covered.

Seniors can often get dental coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan. These plans, which are provided through private insurers, always cover all Medicare-covered services and coverage while also covering additional benefits. One of the benefits that is commonly included is dental care.

Insurance companies also typically offer standalone dental plans, which can be purchased separately from Medicare. If you are interested in getting dental coverage, it’s important to do research on the plans available in your area to find the best option that fits both your health and financial situations.

There are several different types of dental coverage plans that are available to seniors. Each of them is structured in different ways from how much they cost to how they help pay for your dental care.

What your dental insurance covers will vary based on the type of plan you have. Medicare Advantage plans are available regionally, so your exact coverage options will vary based on where you live.

More expensive plans will also sometimes cover more dental care. Medicare Advantage plans can typically cover checkups and preventive visits, cleanings, dentures and other dental-related services. Other coverage, like major services such as root canals or oral surgery, will depend on the type of plan you have.

Original Medicare may cover some dental care in rare circumstances, like if you have a dental emergency. But the bar for coverage here can be high. For example, a broken tooth, even if painful, would likely not qualify as an emergency.

There’s no way around the fact that dental care is a major expense for seniors. But dental coverage, whether through Medicare Advantage or a standalone plan, can help make those costs more manageable and affordable.

Having dental coverage can also provide seniors with access to preventive services and routine checkups. This can help you safeguard your health and get ahead of future dental health issues that could become a major expense.

When looking for the dental coverage that is best for you, research your specific health concerns to identify a plan that covers the treatments or services you are most interested in. You can also speak with your dentist about what plans may make the most sense for you.