Medicare Blog

does medicare pay for dentures when your health is affected

by Zane Mayer Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

If you have a health problem that makes surgical tooth extraction necessary, Medicare may cover some of the costs. Original Medicare does not cover any dentures for any reason (Parts A and B). Your Medicare Advantage plan may include dental coverage, including dentures; always call your insurance company to see if dentures are covered.

Dental services
Medicare doesn't cover most dental care (including procedures and supplies like cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, dentures, dental plates, or other dental devices).

Full Answer

How much do dentures cost with Medicare?

Those with dental insurance can expect to pay between $250 and $2,000 per denture or $500 to $4,000 for a complete set. For patients with dental insurance, the dental clinic will provide an appropriate dental walk-out statement and discuss any out-of-pocket costs.

Does Medicare cover the cost of dentures?

Original Medicare does not cover any of the expenses related to dentures. The total cost of your dentures will be your responsibility. However, it may cover a portion of the cost of dentures if you have a Medicare Advantage plan with dental coverage.

What Medicare plan covers dentures?

  • Prescription Drug coverage
  • Dental coverage (emergency and routine)
  • Denture coverage
  • Vision coverage
  • Hearing coverage

Does MetLife pay for dentures?

These rules determine the order in which the plans will pay benefits. If the MetLife dental benefit plan is primary, MetLife will pay the full amount of benefits that would normally be available under the plan.

Are dentures covered under Medicare?

No, Original Medicare (Parts A and B) do not cover dentures or routine dental care, except when part of an emergency inpatient procedure. However,...

What Medicare plan covers dentures?

Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) may cover dentures, in addition to routine dental procedures. Dental benefits can vary, so you should check...

What types of dentures can be covered by Medicare Advantage?

There are two primary types of dentures: Removable dentures, and implant-retained dentures. If your plan offers coverage for dental services, you c...

How much does a denture cost?

Dentures can cost anywhere from $600 to over $8,000 depending on the quality of dentures you choose. You will also need to pay for the denture-fitting appointment as well as any follow-ups, diagnostic tests, or additional appointments that you have with your dentist.

What is Medicare Part C?

Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) Medicare Advantage (Part C) is a type of Medicare coverage plan provided through private insurance companies. These plans are required to cover everything original Medicare does, and they often cover more. Depending on your plan, dental services may be covered and may pay some or all of the costs ...

What is a Medicare supplement plan?

Medigap plans, also called Medicare supplement plans, can help you bring the costs of Medicare coinsurance, copays, and deductibles down. Medigap plans can make having Medicare cheaper, even though you have to pay a monthly premium for the supplement plans .

How many Americans lost their teeth?

Americans had lost at least one tooth, and more than 35 million. Trusted Source. had lost all of their teeth. Tooth loss can lead to other health complications, such as poor diet, pain, and lowered self-esteem. One solution is dentures, which can help improve your health in many ways, including improving your ability to chew your food, ...

Is dental implants covered by Medicare?

If you have a health condition that requires an emergency inpatient tooth extraction in the hospital, it may be covered under Medicare Part A. Prosthetic dentures or dental implants needed as a result of that surgery are not included in that coverage.

Does Medicare cover dental care?

Medicare doesn’t typically cover any dental services. There are only a few notable exceptions: oral exams done in the hospital prior to kidney replacement and heart valve surgery. tooth extraction and dental services if they are deemed necessary to treat another, non-dental condition.

Does Medicare Part D cover dental insurance?

Medicare Part D requires a separate monthly premium and isn’t included in original Medicare. Part D doesn’t offer dental coverage, though it may cover pain medications you are prescribed after an inpatient oral surgery.

Does Medicare Ever Cover Dentures?

Original Medicare does not cover dentures. However, many Medicare Advantage Plans offer coverage to help pay for dentures as an additional benefit.

Which Medicare Plans Cover Dentures?

Medicare Advantage Plans may cover dentures as an additional benefit. Advantage plans are the leading source of dental coverage for seniors on Medicare. Dentures fall under the heading of extensive dental services versus preventative or routine services such as exams and teeth cleaning.

When Does Medicare Cover Dental Services?

Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) will cover emergency or complicated dental services you receive in the hospital. For instance, if you have an accident or have mouth cancer, Medicare may pay for surgery or tooth extraction necessary to treat your medical condition. Follow-up dental care, however, would not be covered.

What Are Alternative Ways to Get Coverage for Dentures?

There are other ways to get coverage for dentures. Community resources can help you find coverage or financial assistance to help pay for dentures. Here are some options:

When does Medicare cover dentures?

If you have a health problem that makes surgical tooth extraction necessary, Medicare may cover some of the costs. Original Medicare does not cover any dentures for any reason (Parts A and B).

WHAT SERVICES ARE COVERED BY MEDICARE FOR DENTISTRY?

Normally, Medicare does not cover dental services. There are only a few significant exceptions:

If you need dentures, which Medicare plans should you choose?

If you know you’ll need dentures this year, look over your current health insurance to see if switching to a Medicare Advantage plan will help you save money. Separate dental insurance policies may also help you save money on your dentures.

What are the extra costs for dentures if you are enrolled in Medicare?

Original Medicare does not cover any of the expenses related to dentures. The total cost of your dentures will be your responsibility. However, it may cover a portion of the cost of dentures if you have a Medicare Advantage plan with dental coverage.

The Takeaway

Part A of Medicare does not cover dentures. Shifting to a Medicare Advantage plan that provides dental coverage during the next Medicare enrollment period may be your best option if you know you’ll need new dentures in the coming year.

Key Takeaways

Original Medicare does not provide coverage for dental care, procedures, or supplies.

Does Medicare Cover Dentures in 2021?

If you receive routine dental services in 2021, Original Medicare will not cover these services, including dentures. With few exceptions, Original Medicare does not provide coverage for dental care, procedures, or supplies.

How Do I Get Medicare to Pay for Dentures?

Original Medicare does not traditionally provide for dental coverage. The major exceptions are when you need certain hospital-related dental services. Medicare Part A is typically the Medicare portion that pays for these dental services. Some examples include:

What Medicare Plan Covers Dentures?

Medicare Part C plans offer additional services such as dental coverage to encourage members to choose their plan. The ability to gain coverage for both Medicare Parts A and B and additional options Original Medicare does not provide (including dental and vision benefits) can make Medicare Advantage plans very advantageous for some people.

How Much are Dentures with Medicare?

Once you have established a Medicare Advantage plan covering restorative services such as dentures, you should also read how much the plan covers. Some plans will pay a flat rate for specific denture services. Others will pay a percentage of the denture’s costs.

Does Medicare Cover Dentures in Every State?

Medicare Part C plans are region-specific. This is because an insurance company will often create “networks” of providers who may offer discounts to insurance companies.

There are different types of dentures

Before you consider whether to get dental coverage through Medicare Advantage or a private insurer, it helps to understand a few basics about dentures.

What Medicare Advantage may cover

Most Medicare Advantage plans include some dental coverage. But premiums and coverage limits for dentures and other dental services vary widely, so shop around.

What private or group dental insurance may cover

Especially if Original Medicare provides all the care you need except for dental, you may want to consider private dental insurance instead of Medicare Advantage.

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