Does Medicare Cover Dental Implants: What you Need to Know about Dental Implants Medicare Coverage
Many people don’t realize that Medicare doesn’t cover dental implants.
You might be surprised to learn this, as many dentists and other providers often tell patients that it does provide financial support to cover this costs.
The good news is that there are more ways to cover some of your dental costs. This can include dental implant financing options, stand-alone dental plans, and Medicare Advantage plans.
While most of your costs may not be covered by insurance lets explore what options are available to you in this article.
Table of Contents
Does Medicare Cover Dental Implants Cost Under Medicare Part A or B?
Original Medicare is a health insurance program administered by the federal government. It covers a range of medical services, including hospitalization, doctor visits, and preventive care.
Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B do not cover dental care in most circumstances.
In limited cases, if you experience an accident that knocks your teeth out, you may be able to obtain dental benefits while receiving emergency care in the hospital. However, as a general rule, routine dental care is not covered by Medicare.
Medicare does not cover dental implant surgery and most stand-alone dental plans do not provide dental benefits either.
Do Medicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) help with Dental Coverage Related to Dental Implants?
Medicare Advantage plans are a type of health insurance that is offered by private insurance companies. These plans are approved by Medicare and may provide extra benefits that Original Medicare does not cover.
Medicare Advantage plans may cover some cost of dental implants for enrolled Medicare beneficiaries.
However, many Medicare Advantage plans cover dental procedures such as cleanings, fillings, root canals, and crowns. Dental implant coverage is rarely included in many Medicare Advantage plans as most will exclude this benefit.
To be eligible for a Medicare Advantage plan, you must first enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A and Part B).
You may be required to pay an additional monthly premium for the Advantage plan in addition to your Part B premium. The amount you pay will vary depending on the specific plan you choose.
When considering a Medicare Advantage plan, it is important to check if dental implants are covered under the plan’s maximum benefit. This information can be found in the Evidence of Coverage document for each plan. Some Advantage plans do not cover dental implants at all, so it is important to confirm coverage before enrolling.
Most Medicare Advantage insurance plans include dental coverage that only covers routine exams. Some Medicare Advantage plans provide secondary dental benefits for an additional fee.
You should expect dental benefits to include coverage for dental implants for there to be a waiting period of 12 to 24 months. They may also cap the available benefits to a single tooth annually.
If you need help choosing a Medicare Advantage plan that covers dental implants, we can assist you. Our team can review your options and help you select a plan that meets your needs and budget
Medicare Supplement Coverage for Dental Implants
Medicare supplement insurance plans do not cover dental implants unless Original Medicare agrees to pay for dental work in limited circumstances. If Medicare does not cover the cost of a dental implant, your Medicare Supplement plan will also not pay secondary to Medicare.
Medigap plans work with Original Medicare to fill in the gaps not covered under Medicare. At this time Medigap plans have not added any extra benefits for dental and vision benefits.
Integrity Now Insurance Brokers recommends finding a stand-alone plan that includes dental implant coverage that may cover costs up to their maximum dental benefit.
We have access to a dental program that will provide up to a Lifetime Maximum of $1,500 that covers costs related to dental implants.
Does Medicare Cover Medications Before Or After Implant Surgery?
If you have a dental implant procedure, your Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage will generally cover the medications prescribed during your hospital stay.
Your Medicare plan might cover medications prescribed by your doctor before and after your surgery. Check to make sure your Medicare plan covers the drugs prescribed by your doctor.
The Summary of Benefits and the Evidence of Coverage provides details about your Medicare Advantage or Part D plan.
The Evidence of Coverage explains all of the details of your plan, including what services and drugs are covered, how much you’ll pay, and what rules you’ll need to follow.
If you need dental implants there are no waiting periods for this specific plan.
Does the VA Cover Dental Implants for 100 Percent Disabled Veterans?
Dental implants are a common treatment for missing or damaged teeth. If you are a disabled Veteran rated at 100% disabled, you qualify for routine dental benefits through the Veterans Healthcare system.
Most VA Hospitals will provide dental implants as long as they are completed at their local facility.
If your local VA does not offer this service, you may be able to request community care to help cover this procedure at a dental office outside of the VA.
Currently, Veterans rated 90 percent or lower do not qualify for dental services through the VA. You could buy private dental insurance under VA group dental plan options.
These plans may offer limited coverage for dental implants, so be sure to review the coverage details.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a replacement for the root of a tooth. A dental implant is an option for people who were born without a tooth or who have lost teeth for other reasons. A dental implant is meant to fit and function like natural teeth.
Talk with your dentist to find out if you have coverage that includes dental implants and if this would be a good option for you.
What is the Process for Getting Dental Implants?
The first step is to consult with a dentist
The consultation is important to determine if you are a good candidate for dental implants. The dentist will review your medical history and do a physical examination of your mouth. X-rays may be taken to check the health of your teeth and jawbone.
If you are determined to be a good candidate, the next step is to place the implant.
The second step is to have a dental implant placed
In subsequent visits, the doctor will place the implant. The doctor will make a small incision in the gum tissue and insert the implant into the bone.
The third step is to wait for the implant to heal
The third step is to wait for the implant to heal. This can take several months.
The fourth step in getting dental implants is to have an abutment placed.
The fourth step in getting dental implants is to have an abutment placed. This is a small metal connector piece that is placed on top of the implant. The abutment will hold the new tooth in place.
How Much does a Dental Implant Procedure Costs?
Dental implants are an alternative to dentures but do can with a hefty price tag. Dental offices that specialize in dental implants typically have finance companies in place to help cover the cost of the procedure.
The cost is influenced by a variety of factors, such as the number of implants placed, the type of implant system used, the materials and equipment used, and the experience of the doctor performing the implant surgery.
The cost will also vary depending on the location of the doctor performing the implant surgery. Average dental implant costs vary, but a minimum of $3,000 is usually required per tooth.
The price of dental implants can go up significantly if other procedures or full sets of teeth are needed.
It is very common for a full mouth to cost greater than $50,000.
Are there Private Dental Care Options for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a type of prosthetic that is used to replace missing teeth. They are typically made of titanium and are surgically placed into the jawbone.
What is the difference between Medicare and private dental plans? Medicare only covers a limited number of dental implant options, while private dental plans may cover more.
Does Original Medicare Provide Dental Benefits that Includes Medicare Coverage for Dentures?
There are a few instances where Medicare will cover dental care. Medicare Part A covers hospital visits and Medicare may cover dental care in the event of a medical emergency.
While Original Medicare and dental coverage do not go hand in hand some Medicare Advantage plans cover dental implants as part of their dental insurance plans.
Dental implants can cost a fortune, so finding a dental plan to pay for dental implants can help reduce the overall cost of the procedure.
Many Medicare recipients opt for dentures due to the high costs of implants.
Do you Need Help with Medicare and Dental Coverage that Cover Costs Related to Dental Implants?
Integrity Now Insurance Brokers helps those eligible for Medicare Parts A and B enroll in plans with dental coverage. Medicare coverage for dental may be limited, but we are here to help those enrolled in Medicare find a plan that meets their needs.
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies and may provide the needed benefits you are looking for. However, you may prefer to stay on Original Medicare and buy a Medigap Plan G to maintain your earned benefits.
One of our Medicare insurance agents can help you find a stand-alone dental plan that covers some of the costs of dental implants.
Reach out to us for help today.
