Medicare Blog

how do i find out if dental coverage is part of my medicare plan

by Mrs. Sasha Hills Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Health plans with dental coverage: Some Marketplace health plans have dental coverage. You can see which plans include dental coverage when you compare them. If a health plan includes dental, the premium covers both health and dental coverage.

Full Answer

How do I find out if my health plan includes dental coverage?

Dental coverage is available 2 ways. Health plans that include dental coverage. Dental coverage is included in some Marketplace health plans. You can see which plans include dental coverage when you compare them. If a health plan includes dental, the premium covers both health and dental coverage. Separate, stand-alone dental plans.

How do I find a dentist that takes Medicare insurance?

Zocdoc lets you search specifically for a Dentist who takes Medicare insurance. Just choose your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. If you’re not sure which plan you have, you can use Zocdoc’s insurance checker to find out. How can I book an appointment online with a Medicare Dentist?

How do I find out what Medicare coverage I have?

Fill out the requested information, including your zip code, Medicare number, name, date of birth and your effective date for Medicare Part A coverage or Part B coverage. Click “Continue,” and you should be taken to a page that shows the the coverage that you have. If you just recently enrolled, it may not be immediately reflected online.

How do I find dentists that take AARP Medicare Advantage plans?

Finding local dentists that takes an AARP Medicare Advantage plan means visiting the website of United Healthcare (UHC), the insurance company backing this branded affiliate program. Take advantage of the UHC online dentist finder tool to find a nearby provider that participates in your AARP-sponsored plan.

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What is the dental exclusion?

Section 1862 (a) (12) of the Social Security Act states, "where such expenses are for services in connection with the care, treatment, filling, removal, or replacement of teeth or structures directly supporting teeth, except that payment may be made under part A in the case of inpatient hospital services in connection ...

What is the structure that supports the teeth?

Definition. Structures directly supporting the teeth means the periodontium , which includes the gingivae, periodontal membrane, cementum of the teeth, and the alveolar bone (i.e. alveolar process and tooth sockets). Page Last Modified: 11/19/2013 03:03 AM.

Did the dental exclusion include foot care?

In establishing the dental exclusion, Congress did not limit the exclusion to routine dental services, as it did for routine physical checkups or routine foot care, but instead it included a blanket exclusion of dental services.

Does Medicare pay for dental implants?

Currently, Medicare will pay for dental services that are an integral part either of a covered procedure (e.g., reconstruction of the jaw following accidental injury), or for extractions done in preparation for radiation treatment for neoplastic diseases involving the jaw.

What are the different types of dental plans?

Dental plan categories: High and low. There are 2 categories of Marketplace dental plans: High and low. The high coverage level has higher premiums but lower copayments and deductibles. So you'll pay more every month, but less when you use dental services. The low coverage level has lower premiums but higher copayments and deductibles.

Is dental insurance for adults or children?

Under the health care law, dental insurance is treated differently for adults and children 18 and under. Dental coverage is an essential health benefit for children. This means if you’re getting health coverage for someone 18 or younger, dental coverage must be available for your child either as part of a health plan or as a stand-alone plan.

Can you buy a dental plan on the marketplace?

IMPORTANT: You can’t buy a Marketplace dental plan unless you’re buying a health plan at the same time.

Can you change your dental insurance?

If you qualify, you can choose a new health plan with or without dental coverage. But you can’t get dental coverage by itself.

Do you have to buy dental insurance for children?

Note: While dental coverage for children must be available to you, you don’t have to buy it. Dental coverage isn't an essential health benefit for adults. Insurers don’t have to offer adult dental coverage.

Does Marketplace Health Plan include dental?

Health plans that include dental coverage. Dental coverage is included in some Marketplace health plans. You can see which plans include dental coverage when you compare them.#N#If a health plan includes dental, the premium covers both health and dental coverage.

Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage is private insurance available through Medicare. It’s an alternative to Original Medicare Parts A and B, and many Advantage plans provide expanded offerings beyond traditional Medicare coverage.

Supplemental Dental Insurance

You don’t have to get dental coverage through Medicare. One alternative is purchasing a private dental insurance policy designed specifically for Medicare recipients.

In-Hospital Dental Coverage

According to the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, while Original Medicare won’t cover routine or basic dental care, it will cover certain dental services that you may need while hospitalized. Original Medicare Part A will also cover an inpatient hospital stay for emergency or complex dental procedures.

Paying Out of Pocket

You can also consider paying for dental care out of pocket by setting aside a set sum of money each month or joining a local dentist’s care plan.

Get Started Now

Interested in learning more about Medicare, Medigap, and Medicare Advantage plans? WebMD Connect to Care Advisors may be able to help.

What is the CMS dental program?

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is committed to improving access to dental and oral health services for children enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP. We have been making considerable progress (PDF, 303.79 KB) in our efforts to ensure that low-income children have access to oral health care. From 2007 to 2011, almost half of all states (24) achieved at least a ten percentage point increase in the proportion of children enrolled in Medicaid and CHIP that received a preventive dental service during the reporting year. Yet, tooth decay remains one of the most common chronic childhood diseases.

What is a referral to a dentist for children?

A referral to a dentist is required for every child in accordance with the periodicity schedule set by a state. Dental services for children must minimally include: Relief of pain and infections. Restoration of teeth. Maintenance of dental health.

What is benchmark dental?

The benchmark dental package must be substantially equal to the (1) the most popular federal employee dental plan for dependents, (2) the most popular plan selected for dependents in the state's employee dental plan, or (3) dental coverage offered through the most popular commercial insurer in the state. States are also required to post ...

Do you need separate chip coverage for dental?

Dental coverage in separate CHIP programs is required to include coverage for dental services "necessary to prevent disease and promote oral health, restore oral structures to health and function, and treat emergency conditions.". States with a separate CHIP program may choose from two options for providing dental coverage: a package ...

Is dental insurance required for children?

Dental health is an important part of people's overall health. States are required to provide dental benefits to children covered by Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), but states choose whether to provide dental benefits for adults.

Do you need to have dental insurance for adult?

There are no minimum requirements for adult dental coverage.

Does Medicaid cover dental care?

Medicaid covers dental services for all child enrollees as part of a comprehensive set of benefits, referred to as the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit. Though oral screening may be part of a physical exam, it does not substitute for a dental examination performed by a dentist.

Dental Benefits Provided by Medicare Advantage Plans

Routine dental coverage is available with most Medicare Advantage plans, with a $0 copay* for preventive services with in-network dentists. Plans will offer different levels of dental care—from preventive and diagnostic services only, to more comprehensive dental coverage.

Dental Networks and Costs

In most locations, Medicare Advantage plans with dental coverage are supported by the UnitedHealthcare Dental National Medicare Advantage Network.* This is the largest Medicare Advantage dental network1, and by choosing to see a dentist in our robust network, you may take advantage of substantial savings.

What is an annual review of Medicare?

An annual review of your Medicare coverage can help you determine if your plan combination is right for your needs. For example, if you’re spending a considerable amount of money on prescription drugs, a Medicare Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage may be something to consider.

What are the benefits of Medicare Advantage?

Most Medicare Advantage plans offer additional benefits not covered by Original Medicare, such as dental, vision and prescription drug coverage. Medicare Part D provides coverage for prescription medications, which is something not typically covered by Original Medicare.

What is Medicare Part B?

Medicare Part B is medical insurance and provides coverage for outpatient appointments and durable medical equipment. Part B is optional, but is required for anyone wanting to enroll in Medicare Part C, Part D or Medicare Supplement Insurance. Part A and Part B are known together as “Original ...

Is Medicare Part A and Part B the same?

Part A and Part B are known together as “Original Medicare.”. Medicare Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, provides all the same benefits as Medicare Part A and Part B combined into a single plan sold by a private insurance company.

Dr. Tanya Rajdev, DDS

Zocdoc only allows patients to write reviews if we can verify they have seen the provider. Providers can’t request to alter or remove reviews.

Dr. Ling Xu, DDS

Zocdoc only allows patients to write reviews if we can verify they have seen the provider. Providers can’t request to alter or remove reviews.

Dr. Randy Kovicak, DDS

Zocdoc only allows patients to write reviews if we can verify they have seen the provider. Providers can’t request to alter or remove reviews.

Dr. Zhao Yu, DDS

Zocdoc only allows patients to write reviews if we can verify they have seen the provider. Providers can’t request to alter or remove reviews.

Dr. Mitulkumar Patel, DDS, MS

Zocdoc only allows patients to write reviews if we can verify they have seen the provider. Providers can’t request to alter or remove reviews.

How can I make a same-day appointment with a Dentist who takes Medicare insurance?

On average, patients who use Zocdoc can search for a Dentist who takes Medicare insurance, book an appointment, and see the Dentist within 24 hours. Same-day appointments are often available, you can search for real-time availability of Dentists who accept Medicare insurance and make an appointment online.

How can I find a Dentist who takes Medicare insurance?

Zocdoc lets you search specifically for a Dentist who takes Medicare insurance. Just choose your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. If you’re not sure which plan you have, you can use Zocdoc’s insurance checker to find out.

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Statutory Dental Exclusion

  • Section 1862 (a)(12) of the Social Security Act states, "where such expenses are for services in connection with the care, treatment, filling, removal, or replacement of teeth or structures directly supporting teeth, except that payment may be made under part A in the case of inpatient hospital services in connection with the provision of such dental services if the individual, because of his …
See more on cms.gov

Background

  • The dental exclusion was included as part of the initial Medicare program. In establishing the dental exclusion, Congress did not limit the exclusion to routine dental services, as it did for routine physical checkups or routine foot care, but instead it included a blanket exclusion of dental services. The Congress has not amended the dental exclusion since 1980 when it made a…
See more on cms.gov

Coverage Principle

  • Coverage is not determined by the value or the necessity of the dental care but by the type of service provided and the anatomical structure on which the procedure is performed.
See more on cms.gov

Services Excluded Under Part B

  • The following two categories of services are excluded from coverage: A primary service (regardless of cause or complexity) provided for the care, treatment, removal, or replacement of teeth or structures directly supporting teeth, e.g., preparation of the mouth for dentures, removal of diseased teeth in an infected jaw. A secondary service that is related to the teeth or structure…
See more on cms.gov

Exceptions to Services Excluded

  • The extraction of teeth to prepare the jaw for radiation treatment of neoplastic disease. An oral or dental examination performed on an inpatient basis as part of comprehensive workup prior to renal transplant surgery or performed in a RHC/FQHC prior to a heart valve replacement.
See more on cms.gov

Definition

  • Structures directly supporting the teeth means the periodontium, which includes the gingivae, periodontal membrane, cementum of the teeth, and the alveolar bone (i.e. alveolar process and tooth sockets).
See more on cms.gov

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