Dental care is important for your health as you get older. Many people choose Medicare Advantage (MA) plans because these plans may include dental coverage. These plans can help you stay on top of your oral health.
What Original Medicare doesn’t cover
Original Medicare doesn’t cover routine dental services such as:
- Cleanings
- Oral exams
- X-rays
These services can cost a lot. Many older adults may skip care because of the cost.
What Aetna Medicare Advantage plans may include
Some PPO plans may include preventive dental care, like:
- Cleanings
- Oral exams
- Some plans may also cover more dental services, such as:
- Fillings
- Extractions
Optional Supplemental Benefits (OSB)
What if my plan doesn’t include coverage for comprehensive dental services? You may be able to add more dental coverage for a monthly fee.
This option:
- Is called an optional supplemental benefit
- Covers more dental services
- Must be added when you join or soon after your plan starts
Dental coverage with Aetna Medicare Advantage (MA) plans
Some MA plans include dental coverage through a network of providers.
Seeing a dentist
With many PPO plans, you may:
- See any licensed dentist in the United States
- Pay less when you see a dentist in the plan’s network
Aetna MA plans offer network dental benefits
For PPO plans, you have the option to go to any licensed dental provider in the U.S. but could save money by using a provider in network.
| Benefit | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Oral exams | Covered |
| Routine cleanings | Covered |
| X-rays | Covered |
| Fillings | Varies by plan. |
| Extractions | Varies by plan. |
| Teeth whitening | Teeth whitening is a cosmetic service. It's not covered. |
Network dental coverage with Medicare Advantage
Some MA plans include a network dental benefit. This means:
- Your plan may cover certain dental services right away
- You may need to use a dentist in the network
- Some PPO and HMO POS plans may let you see any licensed dentist in the U.S.
- You can still save money by seeing a dentist in network
You can find a network dentist through the plan’s provider directory.
Preventive care
Most plans cover preventive dental services, like:
- Cleanings
- Exams
- X-rays
What if I use a network dentist for preventive care? This means you may pay nothing out of pocket for these services.
Dental care for more complex things
Coverage for more involved care may change by plan. This includes:
- Fillings
- Extractions
- Crowns
You may need to pay part of the cost. To pay the lowest amount, see a dentist in the network. Check your plan to learn more.
Plan limits to know
As you plan your dental care, keep in mind:
- Your plan may limit how many preventive visits you can have each year
- Your plan may have a cap on coverage for comprehensive care
- Not all plans offer full comprehensive dental coverage
Some plans don’t include full dental coverage. You can check your plan’s Evidence of Coverage to learn more.
Optional supplemental dental benefits
Most Medicare Advantage dental plans cover preventive dental services. Some plans may let you add more dental coverage for an added monthly cost.
You can choose this option:
- When you join your plan
- Or within 30 days after your plan starts.
Dental care and your overall health
As you get older, taking care of your teeth is an important part of caring for your whole body. With Aetna Medicare Advantage plans, you have options that may help make dental coverage easier and more affordable.
