What Insurance Companies Pay for Dental for Seniors on Medicare

Medicare doesn't cover most dental care, but some insurance companies offer supplemental plans that can help.

UnitedHealthcare's dental plan for seniors on Medicare covers routine cleanings, exams, and X-rays, as well as fillings, extractions, and dentures.

AARP Dental Insurance, offered by Delta Dental, covers routine cleanings, exams, and X-rays, and also offers discounts on additional procedures.

Humana's dental plan for seniors on Medicare covers routine cleanings, exams, and X-rays, as well as fillings, extractions, and dentures, with no annual maximum.

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not include coverage for dental services like dental exams, cleanings, fillings, crowns, bridges, plates, or dentures. Some exceptions apply when a hospital stay is involved, but routine dental services must be paid out of pocket.

You'll be surprised at how quickly those expenses can add up. Thankfully, there are several options for dental insurance for seniors and those who are Medicare eligible.

Some Medicare Advantage plans can be paired with a dental insurance plan, requiring a monthly premium but potentially offsetting lower out-of-pocket fees. This option includes coverage for exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions, X-rays, and root canals.

Most dental plans require you to see an in-network dentist who may offer lower rates than out-of-network providers. Some plans let you go to any dentist, but you may have to pay more for their services.

If you're used to traditional dental insurance, you'll be disappointed to know that Medicare and Medicaid offer limited dental coverage. Even elective add-on plans often fall short of what you're used to.

If you're a senior on Medicare, you might be wondering what dental coverage options are available to you. Fortunately, there are several options to consider.

You can pair a Medicare Advantage plan with a stand-alone dental plan, which can offer lower out-of-pocket fees and more comprehensive coverage. This can include services like exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions, X-rays, and root canals.

Some dental savings plans can save you up to 50% on dental care, with no annual deductible or pre-existing conditions. These plans are available at over 140,000 dentists nationwide.

Here are some common dental coverage options for seniors:

It's worth noting that Medicare Part A and Part B don't cover routine dental care, so you may need to pay out-of-pocket for services like checkups and cleanings. However, if you need oral care due to a medical condition, Medicare might help cover some of the cost.

Preventive care, such as exams, cleanings, and X-rays, is often covered at 100% by senior dental plans.

Some basic services, like fillings and extractions, may be covered at up to 80%.

Major services, including bridges, implants, and dentures, are typically covered at up to 50%.

Here's a breakdown of what you might expect to be covered:

Keep in mind that coverage varies depending on the plan you choose.

You have several options for dental coverage as a senior.

You can purchase a stand-alone dental plan, which may be paired with a Medicare Advantage plan. This can provide lower out-of-pocket fees and cover services like exams, cleanings, and fillings.

A dental savings plan is another alternative to traditional dental insurance. It can save you money on virtually any dental procedure, with average savings of 50% reported by members.

Dental Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) and HMO plans are also available, with PPO plans offering benefits whether you see an in-network or out-of-network dentist, while HMO plans may require you to see an in-network dentist for benefits.

Reimbursement or fee-for-service plans allow you to choose any dentist, but you'll need to pay the dentist first and wait for reimbursement.

If you're on Medicare, you may be able to get help with dental care expenses through Medicare Advantage (Part C), but routine dental care is not covered under Medicare Part A and Part B.

Here are some options to consider:

You can get extra dental coverage by pairing a Medicare Advantage plan with a stand-alone dental plan, which may offer lower out-of-pocket fees.

Some services that may be fully or partially covered by a dental plan include exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions, X-rays, and root canals.

Most in-network dentists offer lower rates, but some plans allow you to see any dentist, in or out of network, for an additional cost.

Here's a list of some services that may be covered by a dental plan:

The CignaPlus Dental Savings Plan is another option for seniors, offering an average of 37% savings on dental care, with no waiting periods, deductibles, or copays.

If you're looking to get extra coverage for your dental health, you have options beyond traditional Medicare plans.

Some Medicare Advantage plans can be paired with a stand-alone dental plan, which may require a monthly premium but can offer lower out-of-pocket fees.

You'll have to pay a monthly premium for a stand-alone dental plan, but the cost may be offset by lower out-of-pocket fees.

Services that may be fully or partially covered by a dental plan include exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions, X-rays, and root canals.

These services are often covered by dental plans, but you'll need to see an in-network dentist to get the best rates.

Most dental plans require you to see an in-network dentist, but some plans let you go to any dentist, even if it means paying more for their services.

Here are some benefits of a stand-alone dental plan:

The CignaPlus Dental Savings Plan is another option for seniors, offering an average of 37% savings on dental care and no pre-existing limitations or waiting periods.

Cash Discounts can be a great way to save on dental care, especially for seniors. Many dental practices offer a senior discount to patients over age 65, particularly if they're paying cash.

Some dental offices will give you a flat discount if you're paying cash for services, regardless of your age. You can save up to 15% off your dental bill.

You can also ask your dentist about their cash discount policy. This way, you'll know exactly how much you can save.

Here are some examples of cash discounts offered by dental practices:

Keep in mind that cash discounts may vary depending on the dental practice and the services you need.