Everyone knows seniors can get Medicare for their healthcare coverage at age 65. However, when they retire, seniors often lose other vital benefits and coverages. Dental insurance is the most popular plan after health insurance as people seek continued access to dentists’ services like cleanings, fillings, and major oral procedures.
Continue reading to learn what dental plans for seniors cover and the ways to get affordable coverage.
Does Medicare Cover Dental?
Many seniors wonder if Medicare covers dental services. Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B) does not cover dental, and Medicare Supplement or Medigap plans do not include additional dental benefits.
Medicare Advantage plans, however, commonly offer dental benefits bundled in the health insurance.
Dental Insurance Through Medicare Advantage
To get dental coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan, seniors must enroll in a plan that includes dental benefits. There is no additional premium payment for this coverage if offered.
While most Medicare Advantage plans—94% in 2021—include dental, often the coverage only extends to preventive services. These services would include teeth cleanings, fluoride, checkup exams, and preventive x-rays, which are typically covered at 100%. Any other dental work would not be covered.
Stand-Alone Dental Insurance Plans for Seniors
For seniors looking for more comprehensive dental insurance, stand-alone dental plans are available for purchase directly through insurance companies. Buying an individual dental plan has some advantages. The enrollee can choose the type of coverage they want by selecting features like the deductible amount and the percentage of costs covered.
Dental insurance plans have an annual plan maximum or limit to how much the plan will pay toward services for the year. After that maximum is reached, the enrollee would be responsible for the full cost of dental services until the next plan year begins.
Because it is an additional policy, stand-alone dental plans will have an additional monthly premium separate from the Medicare premiums. These premiums can vary depending on plan features. Plans with more coverage (higher plan maximums, higher coverage percentages, and more services covered) will have higher monthly premiums.
Often seniors are looking for dental coverage to help with a particular expense like dentures. Dentures are usually covered under individual dental plans at 50%, meaning the plan would pay half the cost of the dentures. However, enrollees should be aware that because of the high cost of dentures, they will likely exceed the annual plan maximum, and any charges beyond that would be 100% their responsibility.
Dental Discount Cards for Seniors
Another option for coverage is dental discount cards. These discount cards give the enrollee access to discounts on services from dental providers. Some seniors prefer these cards because they have no waiting period and can be used at different dentists. These cards have no copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles, and there is no reimbursement for expenses.
Discount dental cards are not insurance; they only provide access to services at a discounted rate. The senior would pay the provider for all the services they receive. Since there is no reimbursement, there is no need to file a claim.
Final Thoughts
Dental insurance coverage does not have to end at retirement. Depending on the coverage desired, seniors can easily obtain dental benefits through their Medicare Advantage plan or purchase an individual policy. Whether purchased as a stand-alone policy or included in a Medicare Advantage plan, dental coverage for seniors helps oral health by making it affordable even on a fixed income.
How Do I Learn More?
For more information about dental insurance coverage, visit American Senior Benefits. Our affiliated agents are available to answer any questions to help you stay fully protected.
