Dental Care and Medicare

If you’re 65 or older, you’re eligible for Medicare, and you may be wondering if your dental care is covered by Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage. This article looks at changes coming to Medicare Advantage dental coverage, answers key questions about your options for Medicare dental plans and looks at affordable alternatives such as dental savings plans.

Are there any changes in Medicare Advantage dental care coverage for 2025?

Providers of some plans have indicated that they will or are reviewing reducing coverage of additional benefits such as dental coverage. These changes may include increases in the percentage you pay for some services, reducing your annual spending limit for dental care, or eliminating some types of dental procedures. If you already have a Medicare advantage plan or have decided on a plan without reviewing the latest information, check coverage details to ensure you have the dental benefits and other coverage you need.

Does Medicare cover dental care?

Original Medicare does not cover regular dental care or routine dental treatments. Routine dental treatments include procedures such as checkups, cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, bridges, dental implants, or dentures.

Medicare may cover dental costs if a dental treatment must be performed in a hospital or is an essential part of a covered medical procedure. Examples of this exception might include an oral exam prior to organ transplant procedure, to reduce risk of organ rejection or reconstruction of jaw after an accident.

Medicare may also pay the hospital costs for medically necessary care for your jaw, teeth, or mouth. This may include treatment after a traumatic injury or a severe infection. Note that your actual dental care costs may not be covered, just the hospital costs. And while Medicare may pay for some dental services related to hospitalization, it won’t cover implants or dentures to replace missing teeth.

Does supplementary insurance/Medigap cover dental care?

No. Medigap helps you pay your annual Medicare deductible and copayments/coinsurance costs. Just like Medicare, Medigap plans do not cover regular or routine dental treatments.

Do Medicare Advantage plans cover dental care?

Many Medicare Advantage Plans do offer dental insurance. There may be an additional cost to add dental coverage to a Medicare Advantage plan.

Medicare Advantage Plans are offered by private insurance companies that contract with Medicare. Each company decides which benefits to offer in their Medicare Advantage plans, as long as they include everything Medicare offers. Medicare Advantage plans may also add benefits that Traditional Medicare does not offer, such as dental coverage. Check the coverage offered to see if it’s preventive care only (such as regular cleanings, checkups, and basic x-rays) or restorative (root canals, crowns, dental bridges, dentures, etc.)

Be aware that not all Medicare Advantage plans come with dental coverage and check to see if there is a maximum spending limit, maximum cost allowances or limitations on how many services are covered in a year, as you would when evaluating any type of dental insurance.

Should I join Medicare Advantage to get dental coverage?

It’s important to know that there are big differences between Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Don’t purchase Medicare Advantage only for dental coverage, make sure that you understand the differences between these two options.

How can I reduce the cost of dental care on Medicare?

Dental savings plans, an affordable alternative to dental insurance, are an option that can help you save on your dental care needs. Plan members report an average savings of 50%* on their dental care. You can start saving within 72 hours (or less) of joining and you keep saving – there is no annual spending limit. And you can even save on current conditions (as long as your dental treatment is not already in process).

Can I use a dental savings plan with Medicare?

If you’re on Traditional Medicare, you can use a dental savings plan to save on your dental care. All you need to do is join a plan, take your membership card to a participating dentist (there are 140,00+ across the nation) and pay your reduced rate directly to the dentist.

Can I use a dental savings plan with Medicare Advantage?

If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan that includes dental insurance, you cannot use your dental insurance and your dental savings plan for the same procedure, in accordance with insurance policy rules. But you can typically use a dental savings plan to supplement your insurance, for example – if you exceed your annual spending cap you can use a dental savings plan to reduce the costs of any other treatment you need. But note that it’s always best to check the policy for any exclusions or limitations.

Talk to your dentist, they can help you optimize your savings using your Medicare Advantage insurance and your dental savings plan.

Can I change my current Medicare Advantage plan?

Yes, during the annual open enrollment period each year (October 15 – December 7) you can choose to keep your current plan, choose a different plan, or switch to Original Medicare.

You can also change your Medicare plan during the annual Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment period, which runs from January 1 through March 31. There are other Medicare enrollment periods, including the initial enrollment period (IEP) around the time you turn 65 and a special enrollment period (SEP) if you’re over age 65 and lose your employer-based health coverage.

Find out more about applying for Medicare or Medicare Advantage.

How do I join a dental savings plan?

The simplest way to compare and choose the right dental plan for you is at DentalPlans.com – the largest marketplace for both dental savings plans and dental insurance. Give us a call at 1-833-735-0399 – we’ll help you find your perfect plan in minutes. We’ll review your needs and provide a personalized recommendation. We have 20+ years of experience in helping people access affordable, quality dental care.

Wondering exactly how much you can reduce your dental care costs with a dental savings plan? Use the calculator below to find out how much money you can save on dental care.

*Discount Health Program consumer and provider surveys indicate average savings of 50%. Savings may vary by provider, location, and plan.