Exploring Medicare Advantage Dental Plans

Dental care is an essential health expense that can catch people off guard, especially when the bill can climb into the hundreds or even thousands of annual dollars. While routine cleanings might feel manageable, more complex procedures like root canals or dental implants can quickly become a financial burden.

Stay on Top of Your Medicare Advantage Dental Insurance

Oral health plays a critical role in your overall health. Gum disease has been linked to serious conditions like heart disease. Chronic illnesses such as diabetes and osteoporosis can also affect your teeth and gums. Skipping dental care to save money can lead to more serious and expensive health problems down the line.

If you’re relying on Medicare for senior dental care, understanding what is and isn’t covered can help you avoid surprises and plan ahead. You may even save money on dental care with a Medicare Advantage plan with dental coverage.*

Original Medicare and limited dental coverage

Original Medicare, which includes Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance), generally does not cover routine and preventive dental care, such as cleanings, exams, fillings, extractions and dentures.

There are limited exceptions in cases where dental care may be covered under Original Medicare but they are tied to medical necessity and not routine care.

→ Hospital-related dental treatment: If you need dental services due to an injury or condition treated during a hospital stay, Medicare may cover those services.
→ Pre-surgical dental exams: Some medical procedures require a dental evaluation beforehand. If the exam is performed in a hospital, it may fall under Part A; in a clinical setting, it may be covered under Part B.

In both cases, coverage is strictly limited to dental care that is essential to your broader medical treatment. It does not offer preventive care or ongoing oral health care.

Medicare Advantage can cover dentures and dental implants

If dental coverage is important to you, Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are worth exploring. These plans are offered by private insurers and often include additional benefits beyond Original Medicare.

Coverage can vary widely from plan to plan. Some may include waiting periods, annual limits or restrictions on how often you can receive certain services.

Prominence Medicare Advantage plans may help cover:

• Routine exams and cleanings
• X-rays
• Fillings
• Extractions
• Dentures
• Oral surgery
• Dental implants

Medicare Advantage dental plans near you

Not all dental coverage is created equal, so it is important to evaluate your options carefully. Think about whether you only need preventive dental care or expect more extensive treatments ahead.

Compare dental benefits by looking closely at what is covered and what’s not in each plan. Pay attention to exclusions, waiting periods and annual maximums. If you have a preferred dentist, make sure they are included in the plan. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer other benefits like shoe orthopedic orthodontics and specialized treatments worth considering.

Plan ahead. Dental care is an investment in your long-term health.

Contact Prominence Medicare for help

Call 866-747-8855 to join a Prominence Medicare Advantage plan that includes dental benefits and dental insurance. Our provider network presently offers members access to service in Florida, Nevada and Texas.

* All benefits not available on all plans