Medicare and dental implants (stay connected for more regarding Medicare)

Does your dentist say you need dental implants? If you’re not sure about the details of Medicare dental coverage, we hope you find this overview about Medicare and dental implants useful.

If you’re like many Medicare beneficiaries, you might already be enrolled in Original Medicare, Part A and Part B. Original Medicare typically doesn’t pay for routine dental services. These generally include routine care, oral exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions, and implants. Original Medicare dental coverage is very limited.

The only dental services that Original Medicare may cover are usually those that are an essential part of a Medicare-covered procedure. For example, Medicare may cover a dental exam that you get prior to a heart valve replacement surgery or kidney transplant, as part of an overall pre-surgery exam. However, when it comes to Part A and Part B, Medicare dental coverage doesn’t cover most routine dental care.

How might I get Medicare dental coverage for dental implants?

Maybe you’re still wondering, “Does Medicare pay for dental implants – ever?” If you want to get Medicare dental coverage for dental implants and routine services, you might want to look into Medicare Advantage coverage. Also known as Medicare Part C, the Medicare Advantage program offers you a different way to get your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits (except hospice care, which Part A covers). Medicare Advantage plans are available from private insurance companies that contract with Medicare.

Some Medicare Advantage plans cover additional benefits that aren’t covered by Original Medicare, and may include routine dental or vision benefits – possibly even dental implants. But it’s important to note that these additional benefits (beyond Part A and Part B benefits) may vary from one plan to another, and not every plan may be available where you live. Still, it may be worth checking into this if this coverage appeals to you.

You’re still enrolled in the Medicare program when you have a Medicare Advantage plan – you’re just getting your benefits through a private, Medicare-approved insurance company. You do need to continue paying your Medicare Part B premium, along with any premium the plan may cost. Please be aware that there may be plan deductibles and other out-of-pocket costs, such as coinsurance or copayments.

If you need more information or would like help finding a Medicare Advantage plan that may cover dental implants, that’s what I’m here for. To set up a time to talk over the phone or to have me email you some customized plan recommendations, use the links below. You can also browse plans right now using our Compare Plans or Find Plans buttons on this page.

There are several “parts” to Medicare, as you may know. Costs and benefit details may change from one year to the next. Here’s a quick summary of out-of-pocket Medicare costs in 2018.