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Does Medicare cover dental care?

Caring for your teeth and gums is important to your overall health. Medicare dental coverage is not always available, though. Different parts of Medicare treat it differently. If you have Original Medicare (Parts A and B), dental care is not covered unless it’s related to other medical care. You might have coverage if you have Medicare Advantage (Part C). This depends on your plan.  

Which parts of Medicare have dental coverage?

Medicare dental coverage is not always included. But there are some exceptions. 

 

Medicare Advantage (Part C) dental coverage

Medicare Advantage plans offer more coverage than Original Medicare. This often includes things like dental services. These services vary, but preventive dental care (for example, cleanings or exams) is usually covered. Here are other services that may be covered by Medicare Advantage:

 

  • Fillings
  • Crowns
  • Extractions
  • X-rays

 

Learn more about Medicare Advantage dental benefits

 

Does Original Medicare cover dental care?

Original Medicare (Medicare Parts A and B) does not usually cover dental care. Routine dental care is never covered. Some less common services sometimes are, though. You might be covered by Original Medicare in the following cases:

 

  • Dental services needed for other covered medical treatments
  • Dental care that involves hospitalization

What are your dental coverage options for services not covered by Medicare?

Don’t see the dental coverage you need in your plan? Don’t worry. Some Medicare Advantage plans let you add dental insurance plans. This can add extra costs, but you may pay lower out-of-pocket dental fees as a result. Keep in mind you’ll need an in-network dentist for most of these plans.

Why is dental coverage important for your health?

Dental care can help detect or prevent many other health problems. This is why dental health is important for everyone, especially older people. An Aetna Medicare Advantage plan can offer you preventive oral care, and possibly even more. Read the plan details carefully before enrolling.

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