Does Medicare include dental care for seniors?

Asked by: Prof. Hyman Zieme Sr.  |  Last update: April 2, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (16 votes)

Since its establishment in 1965, Medicare has explicitly excluded coverage for dental services, except under limited circumstances. Limited or no dental coverage contributes to Medicare beneficiaries foregoing routine and other dental procedures.

Does Social Security Medicare cover dental?

In most cases, Medicare doesn't cover dental services like routine cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, or items like dentures.

What is the best dental plan for seniors on Medicare?

“My top picks for Medicare Advantage dental insurance include UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, Aetna, Humana and Devoted Health. These companies provide notable dental coverage, and there are different advantages for each. It's important to consider the insurance that the dentists in your area accept and the coverage provided.

What are the 6 things Medicare doesn't cover?

Some of the items and services Medicare doesn't cover include:
  • Eye exams (for prescription eyeglasses)
  • Long-term care.
  • Cosmetic surgery.
  • Massage therapy.
  • Routine physical exams.
  • Hearing aids and exams for fitting them.

Why does Medicare not cover dental?

In conclusion, Medicare does not cover dental care primarily because it was not originally included in the program's design and because of the cost of adding it. While there have been efforts to expand Medicare to include dental coverage, these efforts have not been successful.

Dental Plans For Seniors | Medicare Dental Plans

37 related questions found

Are dental implants free for seniors on Medicare?

Original Medicare excludes dental implants, covering them only in rare cases tied to medical treatment, like cancer care or accident recovery. Medicare Advantage plans can include implant coverage, but availability and benefits differ, making it essential to compare plans carefully.

What if I have bad teeth and no money?

Affordable options like sliding scale clinics, dental schools, and payment plans can help with costs. If your teeth are rotting and you can't afford treatment, don't ignore it. Low-cost options like government programs or community health centers can help address the issue early.

What are 3 services not covered by Medicare?

We don't cover these routine items and services: Routine or annual physical checkups (visit Medicare Wellness Visits to learn about exceptions). exams required by third parties, like insurance companies, businesses, or government agencies. Eye exams for prescribing, fitting, or changing eyeglasses.

Why are people leaving Medicare Advantage plans?

Key takeaways: People leave Medicare Advantage plans because out-of-pocket costs vary between plans, network restrictions can cause frustration, prior authorization requests can delay care, and it can be difficult to use the additional benefits they provide.

Does Medicare cover root canals and crowns?

Original Medicare Parts A and B do not cover dental care, except in certain circumstances. For example, if you're in the hospital for dental surgery, Part A will cover your inpatient costs. For other dental care, such as teeth cleanings and root canals, you will pay 100% of the cost.

Does Medicare pay for eye exams for seniors?

Routine eye care services, such as regular eye exams, are excluded from Medicare coverage. However, Medicare does cover certain eye care services if you have a chronic eye condition, such as cataracts or glaucoma.

Does AARP help with dental costs?

The AARP® Dental Insurance Plan, administered by Delta Dental Insurance Company, offers individual or family coverage for the most common dental procedures. Plans and pricing can be found on the Delta Dental website. You'll leave AARP and go to the website of a trusted provider.

Does Medicare Part G cover dental?

Plan G doesn't cover routine dental care. This means you'll either have to enroll in a stand-alone dental plan, pay for your dental visits out of pocket, or choose to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that may include your Part A, Part B, and additional benefits, such as dental care.

Why do doctors not like Medicare Advantage plans?

Across the country, provider grumbling about claim denials and onerous preapproval requirements by Advantage plans is crescendoing. Some hospitals and physician practices are so fed up they're refusing to accept the plans — even big ones like those offered by UnitedHealthcare and Humana.

Can I drop my medicare advantage plan and go back to original Medicare?

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: Between January 1 and March 31 of each year, if you already have a Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) you can: Switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage). Drop your Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare.

Why are seniors losing Medicare Advantage plans?

Medicare vs Privatized Medicare Advantage

Beneficiaries are tossed aside because they live in an unprofitable market for their insurer or because they are actually using the insurance they signed up for to access services.

Does Medicare cover dental implants?

While Medicare may pay for medical treatments related to implants, it won't pay for the implants themselves. For instance, if an oral surgery needs to be performed in a hospital to prepare for your implants, Medicare may cover costs related to the hospital, but not for the the surgery itself.

Does Medicare Part A cover 100% of hospital bills?

After you pay the Part A deductible, Medicare pays the full cost of covered hospital services for the first 60 days of each benefit period when you're an inpatient, which means you're admitted to the hospital and not for observational care. Part A also pays a portion of the costs for longer hospital stays.

What blood tests does Medicare not cover for seniors?

It's important to know that Medicare won't cover any blood test if it isn't medically necessary. If you seek a blood test on your own, it's unlikely you'll get it covered. Tests not covered may include those for employment purposes, wellness screenings, or routine monitoring without medical necessity.

How do you get dental work if you can't afford it?

Federally Qualified Health Centers

A Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) can provide dental services for you or your family, regardless of your ability to pay. Services are offered on a sliding scale based on your income.

What happens to your teeth if you never go to the dentist?

Skipping dentist appointments means that gum disease and decay can lead to you losing teeth. It would be wise not to let it get to this point so you do not have to think about replacements for missing teeth.

What is the cheapest way to get your teeth fixed?

The cheapest way to fix teeth involves basic restorative procedures like fillings or extractions. Preventative care, such as regular cleanings and check-ups, can save money in the long run by preventing more serious issues.

How do you get dental implants when you can't afford it?

To help patients with and without insurance, most dentists will offer in-house financing for dental implants. All you have to do is ask. You can also cover the cost of dental implants with 3rd party, no-interest financing companies like Lending Club and Care Credit.

What is the best dental for seniors?

The Highest-Ranked Senior Dental Plans for 2025
  • Cigna - Best App.
  • Mutual of Omaha - Best coverage without waiting periods.
  • Aetna - Most Comprehensive Plans.
  • Spirit Dental & Vision - Best Loyalty Program.
  • Humana - Best Coverage.