Over 40 million Americans used dentures in 2020, and many of them were age 65 and older. If you use Medicare and are concerned about your dental health, you probably have questions about Medicare and dentures.
If you’re asking, “Does Medicare cover dentures for seniors,” this guide is for you. We’ll answer common questions about Medicare coverage for dentures and help you understand how to find a Medicare plan that is best for your needs.
Original Medicare doesn’t offer coverage for dental care, so unfortunately the answer to “Can you claim dentures on Medicare?” is no if you have Original Medicare.
However, if you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you may get additional coverage, including dental and denture coverage. You’ll want to look at the specifics of your plan before committing to dental treatment.
Medicare Part B pays for covered medical services that are not part of an inpatient hospital stay. However, because dental care is not part of Medicare Part B, you will not have coverage for dentures under that part of Medicare.
Your best bet is to look at Medicare Part C, known as Medicare Advantage. These plans are offered by private insurers in your specific area, and you’ll have a specific medical network where coverage is provided. However, these plans often have additional benefits that Original Medicare does not, and many plans include dental and denture coverage. Learn more about the differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
If you have Original Medicare, you’ll have to pay the full consumer cost of dentures. That’s often very unaffordable for seniors, especially if you are on a fixed income. You may have to work out a payment plan or use credit.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan that offers dental and denture coverage, your costs will be much lower. You may have a deductible if you haven’t already covered it for the year, and there is likely to be a copayment or coinsurance amount. However, you will be getting the insurance price for the dentures and only covering a portion of the cost. This guide to changes to Medicare in 2022 includes all the latest information on Medicare premiums and deductibles.
Before you commit to specific dental care, be sure to contact your insurance plan so you know what to expect. You never want to make assumptions and then be stuck with a huge bill!
Understanding which Medicare coverage is right for your needs can feel overwhelming, which is why talking to a licensed insurance agent can help. Medicare Advantage plans can help you get additional benefits, but there are likely several available options in your area To compare plans or learn more about Medicare coverage, contact us today!