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Do Medicare Advantage Plans Cover Dental Services

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What you should know:

  1. Original Medicare does not provide dental coverage except for certain services received while in the hospital.
  2. Medicare Advantage Plans can cover additional services not provided for by Original Medicare, such as dental coverage.
  3. Most Medicare Advantage Plans provide dental coverage but some may require an additional premium.
  4. The amount of dental coverage offered by Medicare Advantage Plans and the cost of services varies based on plan and location.

Medicare Advantage Plans, which are offered by private insurance companies, can cover services not covered by Original Medicare, including dental services, but not all plans provide the same coverage or at the same cost. For instance, one plan may cover cleanings only while others can provide more comprehensive benefits. Some may charge an additional premium for dental benefits.

“The plans vary based on the state and county you live in and the benefits change each year,” says Cynthia Pruemm, Investment Advisor, Founder and CEO of SIS Financial Group in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. “It is important to not only compare benefits of the plan but also the value-added services that they offer, such as dental coverage.”

It’s worth researching and comparing plans before you join a Medicare Advantage Plan. There are three opportunities to join or switch to a plan that has dental coverage to meet your needs:

  • During your Initial Enrollment Period, once you have enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B
  • During the Annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period, which occurs October 15 to December 7
  • During the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, which occurs January 1 to March 31 each year. If you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can join a different plan during this time frame

Do Medicare Advantage Plans Cover Dental?

“Whether Medicare Advantage plans cover dental or not depends on the plan you have,” says John Hill, president of Gateway Retirement in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Over 90% of Medicare Advantage Plans provide dental coverage in 2022, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. The available plans vary by location, but according to KFF, 94% of Medicare beneficiaries have access to at least one Medicare Advantage Plan that offers dental coverage in 2022.

When Medicare Advantage plans do offer dental coverage, Hill says it’s often limited and with network restrictions. “If you want dental coverage, ask your dentist what plans they accept and then see which is best for you.”

What Does Medicare Advantage Dental Cover?

Medicare Advantage Plan dental coverage varies by plan. It can be anywhere from as little as two cleanings per year to an annual allowance of up to $2,000, Pruemm says. Medicare Advantage dental coverage usually includes cleanings, routine x-rays, extractions and fillings.  However, a prior authorization or advance approval is usually required. Other services may also be covered, but often for an additional premium.

Plans will also often limit the number of services covered. For example, you may be eligible for only one periodontal exam every three years, according to KFF.

“Some plans will let you go to your own dental provider, but others may have a network of dental providers you must stay within in order to receive their benefits,” Pruemm says.

You can read the Evidence of Coverage included in the plan documents to see what benefits a specific plan offers.

What Are The Costs Associated With Medicare Advantage Plans’ Dental Coverage?

The costs for dental coverage with Medicare Advantage plans vary depending on the plan and level of coverage. Some plans require beneficiaries to pay an additional premium for dental coverage, but usually these plans offer more extensive dental benefits as well.

Plans also vary widely in the level of cost sharing for dental benefits. For instance, some plans may cover all costs for preventative care while others may charge a small fee, such as $5 for each service. Some plans may charge a coinsurance rate for more extensive services, but these can range from 20% to 70%, while other plans charge fixed copayments instead.

Which Medicare Advantage Plans Offer Dental Coverage?

Not all Medicare Advantage Plans offer dental coverage. When they do, the services can vary greatly, even within companies. “A company may offer dental in one state, but not another,” Hill says. “If you’re looking for dental, you can look up a specific company you’re interested in and check with their network of dentists to see which one you like best.”

Some samples of available Medicare Advantage Plan dental coverage in 2022 include:

  • Aetna: Dental coverage for as low as $0 monthly premium but with a cap of $750. Coverage up to $3,000 is available but for an additional monthly premium.
  • Cigna: Available to beneficiaries in 23 states and the District of Columbia, dental coverage is offered for as low as $0 monthly premiums in some plans but the coverage limits vary.
  • Humana: Dental coverage for as low as $0 monthly premium with most preventative services costing $35 per service and other services requiring copays of 50% to 70%.
  • Kaiser: Dental coverage is available for an additional premium, but only when grouped with hearing and vision.
  • United Healthcare: Dental coverage premiums range from $0 to over $100 per month, with coverage generally up to $2,000.

Since coverage costs and availability can vary based on location, it’s important to review each plan’s documents before deciding. To compare plan coverage and costs, Pruemm goes to www.Medicare.gov. “On this site you can enter your zip code, county, doctors’ names and medications to get a customized list of plan information,” she says. “You can also talk to a licensed professional that is certified to compare these plans for you.”

Kelly-Blackwell Headshot
Kelly Blackwell
Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)®

As a health care professional since 1987, Kelly Blackwell has walked alongside and cared for seniors as they journey through the season of their fourth quarter of life. Blackwell holds a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Northern Colorado, a Master of Science in health care administration from Grand Canyon University, an interprofessional graduate certificate in palliative care from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and holds a Certified Senior Advisor® credential from the Society of Certified Senior Advisors.

Blackwell contributes to the University of Colorado-Anschutz blog and has been published in “The Human Touch” distributed by the University of Colorado Center for Bioethics and Humanities. She cowrote “Dying Is” for Pathways Hospice.

A registered nurse, Blackwell understands health insurance choices influence quality of life and are driven by values, goals, and beliefs. She’s passionate about engaging with, educating, and empowering seniors as they navigate the health care system. She’s equipped to lend an experienced, compassionate voice to beneficiaries seeking information about Medicare Advantage Plans.

As a CSA®, Blackwell has access to valuable resources for Medicare beneficiaries. Her work as a bedside nurse and clinical manager has given her the opportunity to see how Medicare rules, regulations, and benefits work when patients need them. With a passion to learn and to make a difference in the lives of seniors, Blackwell supports seniors through Medicare and fourth-quarter life decisions.

Kelly-Blackwell Headshot
Kelly Blackwell
Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)®

As a health care professional since 1987, Kelly Blackwell has walked alongside and cared for seniors as they journey through the season of their fourth quarter of life. Blackwell holds a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Northern Colorado, a Master of Science in health care administration from Grand Canyon University, an interprofessional graduate certificate in palliative care from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and holds a Certified Senior Advisor® credential from the Society of Certified Senior Advisors.

Blackwell contributes to the University of Colorado-Anschutz blog and has been published in “The Human Touch” distributed by the University of Colorado Center for Bioethics and Humanities. She cowrote “Dying Is” for Pathways Hospice.

A registered nurse, Blackwell understands health insurance choices influence quality of life and are driven by values, goals, and beliefs. She’s passionate about engaging with, educating, and empowering seniors as they navigate the health care system. She’s equipped to lend an experienced, compassionate voice to beneficiaries seeking information about Medicare Advantage Plans.

As a CSA®, Blackwell has access to valuable resources for Medicare beneficiaries. Her work as a bedside nurse and clinical manager has given her the opportunity to see how Medicare rules, regulations, and benefits work when patients need them. With a passion to learn and to make a difference in the lives of seniors, Blackwell supports seniors through Medicare and fourth-quarter life decisions.

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