Medicare: Solutions for Dental Coverage

Does Medicare Cover Dental?

Medicare doesn't cover most dental care, dental procedures, or supplies, like cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, dentures, dental plates, or other dental devices. However, there are some exceptions, such as Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) will pay for certain dental services that you get when you're in a hospital. Part A can pay for inpatient hospital care if you need to have emergency or complicated dental procedures, even though the dental care isn't covered.

What Are Traditional Options To Get Dental Coverage?

Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans are a type of Medicare health plan offered by a private company that contracts with Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans provide all of your Part A and Part B benefits. 

You may be able to get dental coverage under some Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) can include extra benefits like routine dental, routine vision, and Medicare prescription drug coverage. 

To read more information about Medicare Advantage Plans, check out the following links:

What is a Medicare Advantage Plan

How to join a Medicare Advantage Plan

Dental Insurance

Dental Insurance is dental insurance through a private company. Plans vary by company and within a company; however, they typically cover preventive and basic dental care. 

To find out more information on dental insurance plans, you can search through the various private insurance companies that offer dental insurance. 

Some companies (neither of which Carenity has any relation to) are mentioned below, but a simple Google search will reveal many more options.

E-health Insurance

United Health Care

Delta Dental

Dental Discount Plans (Dental Discount Cards)

Dental discount plans are different from dental insurance. They are a type of membership that offers discounted prices on dental services. 

Dental discount plans vary and are dependent on the network of dentists who have agreed to take part in the plan. Basically, a network of dental profressionals have agreed to be part of a network and offer discounted rates for various dental services to members. The services that are discounted also vary, but often include dental exams, cleanings, fillings, and more.

You often pay an annual fee or monthly fee to join the discount plan network and then can use the card, which grants you the discounts, at any dental professional in the network. Thus, the membership fee is basically the premium you pay for insurance.

To read more information, check out the following links

Dental Insurance v Dental Discount Plans 1

Dental Insurance v Dental Discount Plans 2

Find a Dental Discount Plan

Some dental care provider organizations offer dental discount cards. This is neither Medicare nor dental coverage, and there are no dental benefits payable to you or the dentist.

You basically have to pay the total cost of your dental care, but with a dental discount card, you get access to a network of dental professionals who agree to discounted rates for dental exams, cleanings, fillings, and more. You pay one annual fee to be in the program and then use the card whenever you receive dental care. Ask your dental care provider if he or she offers these discount cards.

Can't Afford Traditional Options? What Are Other Options?

Local Hospitals

Often hopsital have/offer dental clinics which offer free or low cost services. Call your local hospital and ask if they have any such dental clinics, how you become a patient, and what services are offered and at what cost (if any). If there is a cost, make sure to ask about a payment plan.

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs)

FQHCs,are outpatient centers that are located in medically underserved areas that qualify for specific reimbursement systems under medicare and medicais. If you have medicare, you are eligible to receive services from a FQHC health center, and some may offer dental care.

Call around and ask.

Find a FQHC near you.

Donated Dental Services (DDS)

The Donated Dental Services program provides free, comprehnsive, dental treatment to the elderly, medically fragile, and to those with disabilities. DDS often offers such services to those who cannot afford the neccessary treatment, but cannot get public aid. The program is a network of more than 15,000 dentists across the United States.

Learn more about DDS

Qualification and Locate DDS

Dental Schools

Dental schools often provide low-cost dental care. Dental students perform the dental care under the supervision of experienced, licensed dentists.

Call your local dental school and ask about such services, costs, and payment plans.

Reduced-Cost Or Free Dental Cinics

There exists many such clinics across the United States that provide resources of reduced-cost or free dental care and service.

Below you will find some links for more information and services, but a further Google search including your city and/or state may yield better results.