Access to Medicare coverage is a helpful benefit for those aged 65 and older in the United States. Medicare medical insurance offers comprehensive coverage and goes a long way in making it possible for older Americans to afford quality healthcare as illness and injury become more common.
As we age, maintaining good oral health becomes increasingly important, yet dental care often takes a backseat. For seniors on Medicare, navigating dental coverage can be a bit tricky. Let's break it down with five essential things you need to know!
Original Medicare doesn't cover routine dental care
One of the biggest surprises for many seniors is that Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn't cover routine dental care. This includes regular check-ups, cleanings, fillings, and even dentures. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, about 47% of Medicare beneficiaries have no dental coverage, which can lead to significant out-of-pocket expenses.
Although Medicare Part A might cover some dental services if they are part of a hospital stay, it's best not to rely on it for your regular dental needs. For more details, you can visit https://www.medicare.gov/.
Medicare Advantage plans might offer dental benefits
If you're looking for dental coverage, a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) might be the way to go. Many of these plans offer additional benefits, including dental, vision, and hearing. However, it's important to read the fine print. Coverage can vary widely between plans, so make sure the plan you choose meets your specific dental needs.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services reported that in 2022, around 48% of Medicare Advantage enrollees had access to some form of dental benefit.
Websites like https://www.medicareadvantage.com/ provide comprehensive comparisons of available plans.
“Medigap” plans are designed to fill the gap
Supplemental insurance plans have been designed specifically for Medicare recipients to fill the gap between what Medicare covers and what care the average patient over 65 should be receiving. This the name “Medigap Plans.”
Like the Medicare Advantage plans, Medigap programs have a cost associated with them, as well as the standard limitations and details that go with nearly all insurance plans: deductibles, copays, waiting periods, coverage maximums and exclusions. Therefore, the cost of the monthly premiums needs to be carefully weighed against the value you expect to get out of the program if you want to select the best option for your unique circumstances.
Look into dental savings plans
Dental savings plans are another option for seniors looking to save on dental care. These are not insurance plans, but they offer discounts on services from a network of participating dentists. While you pay a membership fee, which is typically less than $150 annually, you can benefit from reduced rates on a variety of dental procedures.
The Dental Solutions savings card can save you up anywhere on average from 20-50% off on out-of-pocket costs on most dental procedures. Because it's not insurance, there are no waiting periods, claims processing or annual maximums you will hit.
Community resources and clinics
Don't forget to explore community resources and clinics. Many areas have dental schools, community health clinics, or nonprofit organizations that offer dental services at a reduced cost or even for free, especially for seniors. For example, the National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics lists over 1,200 clinics nationwide. It’s worth checking out what’s available in your local area by visiting https://www.nafcclinics.org/ or contacting local dental schools.The bottom line: Oral health is a crucial part of overall wellbeing, especially for seniors. While Medicare doesn’t always make dental care easy, there are options out there. Whether it's exploring advantage plans, standalone insurance, or local resources, taking a proactive approach can help you maintain a healthy smile well into the golden years!
Want to enhance your oral health while saving on dental care? Explore our Dental Solutions blog, your ultimate resource for oral health tips and insights to keep your smile bright. Contact us today to learn how our dental savings card can help you save 20% to 50% off at your next dental visit.