Supplemental dental insurance What is a dental Optional Supplemental Benefit?
A dental OSB, is added dental coverage. You can add it to certain Aetna Medicare Advantage plans with dental coverage. OSB offerings and costs depend on your plan. Check plans in your area to see if a dental OSB is available to you.
Some Aetna® Medicare Advantage plans already include basic preventive dental care. This means oral exams, cleanings and X-rays. A dental OSB adds coverage for major dental services, like fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures. It gives you more support for your dental health.
| Dental benefit | Is this part of my plan? | Is it included with a dental OSB? |
|---|---|---|
| Exams | Yes | Yes |
| Cleanings | Yes | Yes |
| X-rays | Yes | Yes |
| Fillings | Not included | Yes |
| Extractions (tooth removal) | Not included | Yes |
| Crowns | Not included | Yes |
| Bridges | Not included | Yes |
| Dentures | Not included | Yes |
| Removal of impacted teeth | Not included | Yes |
Medicare-covered dental services Does Medicare cover dental care?
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn’t cover routine dental care. Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer dental benefits.
Your dental care matters to us
If you have questions, you can call Member Services at the number on your member ID card. Or call us at 1-833-570-6670 ${tty}
Coverage details Why does adding a dental OSB matter?
Without a dental OSB, you may pay the full cost of major dental services. With a dental OSB, your plan helps pay for those services. This may lower what you pay for major dental work. That includes crowns or dentures.
Dental OSB availabilityDo all Aetna Medicare Advantage plans include an OSB?
No. Dental OSBs are only available with some Aetna Medicare Advantage plans. What's available depends on your plan. It can also depend on where you live.
Some plans only cover dental care when you use a dentist in the plan’s network. Other plans may let you use any dentist. You may pay more if your dentist isn’t in the network.
Understanding costsWhat does a dental OSB cost?
A dental OSB has an additional monthly premium. The amount depends on your plan. When you use your OSB for covered services, you may also need to pay a coinsurance or part of the cost.
Your cost may depend on:
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Your specific plan
Cost details are in your plan’s Evidence of Coverage. This is your plan’s main coverage guide.
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The type of service
Preventive care, like cleanings, may cost less than major services, like crowns or surgery.
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In-network vs. out-of-network
Using an in-network dentist may help lower your cost, while going out of network may cost more or may not be covered by your plan.
Know your plan’s coverage limit
Your plan sets a yearly limit on how much it will pay for dental care. You can find the details in your plan’s Evidence of Coverage.
What to know about timing When can you add a dental OSB to a plan?
You may be able to add a dental OSB when you enroll. You must enroll in an eligible plan. You’re able to add a dental OSB up to 30 days after your plan’s start date. If you enrolled during AEP, you can add OSB until January 31.
Have more questions? Call Member Services, your plan’s customer service department for help.
Just joined your plan?
When you first sign up for your plan, there is usually a window of time to add an OSB. This window is often up to 30 days after your plan start date.
Check your plan documents for the deadline that applies to you.
Missed the first enrollment period?
If the enrollment period has ended, you may need to wait. You can add or change a dental OSB at the next one.
Check your plan documents for details.
Frequently asked questions about dental OSBs
Have questions? You are not alone. Here are some things people ask about dental OSBs.
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Not right away. Once you submit your application, you cannot make changes until you get your member ID.
After that, you can log in to your secure member website to check what options may still be open to you. You must still be within the sign-up window for your plan start date.
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Yes. If your plan still offers the dental OSB next year, it will usually carry over on its own. You don’t need to sign up again.
Plans can change, so it’s a good idea to read your Annual Notice of Change each fall.
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You can cancel an OSB at any time. To make changes to your OSB you can call Member Services at the number on your member ID card.
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Yes. Some Medicare Advantage plans may help cover major dental work, like crowns and dentures, as well as comprehensive services like fillings and root canals. Other Medicare plans have the option to add a dental Optional Supplemental Benefit (OSB). Coverage varies by plan. Check your plan's Evidence of Coverage to see what major dental services are covered.
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It depends on your plan. Some Medicare Advantage plans may cover comprehensive services like periodontal treatment or root canals. Other plans allow you to choose a dental Optional Supplemental Benefit (OSB) to help cover fillings, extractions, crowns, dentures and more. Check your plan's Evidence of Coverage for the full list.
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Yes. Some Medicare Advantage plans cover certain dental services when they are medically necessary and connected to specific health conditions or treatments. You can also ask your dentist to send a note to your plan. Call Member Services if you need help.
Already a member?
If you already have a plan:
- Log in to your secure member website
- Contact Member Services if you have questions about your benefits.
