Does Medicare Cover Dental Implants

Dental implants permanently anchor prosthetic teeth into the gum line. Unfortunately, Original Medicare does not provide coverage for dental implants or any dental services at this time. Luckily, Medicare beneficiaries are not out of options when it comes to dental implant coverage. There are a variety of plans available to help cover dental implants when enrolled in Medicare.

Medicare Coverage for Dental Implants

Original Medicare does not cover the cost of dental implants. However, those on a Medicare Advantage plan may find dental implant coverage built into their plan. If you are on Medicare and wish to have this procedure performed, you will need to ensure you have a secondary form of coverage, like a stand-alone dental plan, to avoid paying the full cost.

There are several stand-alone dental plans available that will help cover the cost of dental implants. These plans often group with additional coverage for vision and hearing as well, as Original Medicare also does not cover those services. However, not all dental plans will cover the cost of dental implants, so it is important to speak with an agent to understand your plan’s coverage before enrolling.

Further, if complications arise during your initial consultations and your oral surgeon deems it necessary to perform the procedure in an inpatient setting, Medicare Part A will cover the hospital expenses.

Medicare Advantage Coverage for Dental Implants

The most coverage for dental implants you will find with Medicare comes from Medicare Advantage plans. Some Medicare Advantage plans provide dental benefits for policyholders which can include coverage for dental implants.

To receive this extra benefit, you may pay a higher monthly premium. However, you will need to keep in mind the maximum dental benefit. Medicare Advantage plans almost always require copayments and deductibles for dental services. On most plans, you will be responsible for 100% of the cost after you meet the plan’s maximum benefit.

When choosing a Medicare Advantage plan to cover dental implants, you want to first be sure your plan offers dental coverage. Secondly, ensure the plan covers dental implants as well. Some Medicare Advantage plans with dental coverage explicitly exclude dental implant coverage. To verify coverage eligibility, you will need to review the plan’s Evidence of Coverage.

Medicare Supplement Coverage for Dental Implants

Medicare Supplement plans do not provide policyholders with dental coverage. Thus, Medicare Supplement plans do not cover dental implants. However, like original Medicare, if your procedure occurs in an inpatient setting or additional health issues arise due to dental implants, your Medicare Supplement plan will cover those related costs.

Keep in mind, Medicare Supplement plans only pay secondary to Medicare. So, if Medicare does not pay first, your Medicare Supplement plan will not cover any costs.

Medicare Part D Coverage for Dental Implants

Medicare Part D does not provide beneficiaries with health care coverage. This includes coverage for dental procedures or dental implants. However, Medicare Part D will cover costs related to medications prescribed as a result of dental implants.

If you require painkillers, antibiotics, or any other medication after receiving dental implants, Medicare Part D will help cover those costs.

How to Get Help with Medicare Coverage for Dental Implants

If you need help with coverage for dental implants, do not hesitate to reach out to our licensed Medicare agents. At MedicareFAQ, our agents are Medicare experts who are trained to give you all the information you need regarding Medicare and dental coverage. We work with many dental plan carriers and can review your needs to recommend the best plan.

Give us a call at the number above or complete our online rate comparison form for further information regarding Medicare and dental coverage.

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