Some Medicare Advantage Plans extend enhanced dental coverage. Unlike Original Medicare, which tends to only pay for emergency or complicated dental procedures that are performed in a hospital, the Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) might cover routine dental care, as well as many other dental services. The benefits and coverage may vary depending on the plan.
What is Medicare?
Medicare is a medical insurance program administered by the United States government, which essentially covers those over 65 and the disabled, regardless of the declared income.
In Medicare one can enroll for a part called A (hospital insurance) and a part called B (medical insurance). If not registered for part B from the 3 months prior to the age of 65 until the 3 months following that date, they will pay the penalty, which consists of 10% per year for each year in which one do not register. In addition to parts A and B there are two other parts: part C, known as Medicare Advantage, which extends health care plans managed by private insurance companies recognized by Medicare. These plans bring benefits to parts A and B and their services and contribute to the payment of prescription medicines. Part D, on the other hand, contributes to the payment of the expenses of the medicines, lowers the expenses of the prescribed medicines and protects against the increase in the prices of these medicines.
What do the Medicare Advantage Plans cover?
Medicare Advantage plans (part C) are provided by private health insurance companies that cover, in addition to everything already covered in parts A and B (Original Medicare), also a series of additional services, such as, for example:
- routine dental care including cleaning, X-rays and prostheses;
- routine vision care including contact lenses and glasses;
- routine hearing aids;
- fitness benefits, including gymnastics classes.
In practice, Medicare Advantage Plan embraces gaps in Medicare Coverage. The most significant motivation to switch from a plan A or plan B to a plan C is because one will benefit from linked coverage insurance as well. This option allows to have more choices in healthcare coverage, which implies that one won’t need to spend so much money on bills for most pressing healthcare issues.
However, there are significant differences between the Medicare Advantage Plans. Surely, their common feature is that almost all extend similar types of insurance, but all plan has its benefits and guidance.
Does Medicare Cover Dental Care?
Medicare usually doesn’t extend insurance for dental expenses at all. The basic Medicare Plan typically requires that one pays out of pocket for the total price of extractions, regular teeth cleanings, dentures, and fillings.
But the good news is that Medicare Advantage Plan can include dental care coverage. If this plan is added to the existing Medicare plan, one can have proper coverage for x-rays, extractions, cleanings and other basic general dental practices and expenses can be totally covered. We can even add coverage for further in-depth procedures, such as root canals, bridges, dentures and implants.
How much does it require to get Dental Coverage with Medicare?
The price of the Medicare Advantage Plan can greatly vary, depending on a number of different factors, from whether the plan charges a monthly premium to how often one needs medical or dental services, along with any extra benefits that might need for coverage.
To determine how much one may have to pay in order to benefit from the Medicare Advantage Plan, one should consult the medicare government website or talk to the insurance representative. This is also a great way to determine what the medicare plan covers for you and how to upgrade it if you aren’t getting the most out of your current plan.
In addition to healthcare insurance, opting for a Medicare Advantage Plan can be a great possibility to get rid of huge medical expenses. With the Medicare Advantage Plan, one may even be able to cover the expenses of any pricey dental operations that might be needed. The way to find out if the Medicare Advantage Plan is good is by visiting the website and talking to the insurance representative.
[1]Medicare.gov: What’s Medicare?
[2]Healthline: Medicare Advantage Plans: What They Cover
[3]Ehealth Medicare: Do Medicare Advantage Plans Cover Dental Services?
[4]Aarp Medicare Plans: Medicare Prescription Drug Plans