Many people assume that Medicare covers dental care. The truth is that Medicare only covers dental services in very specific instances. Many US seniors have no plan to care for their teeth and mouths. In my opinion, this is a very important part of overall health too.
It is very alarming to realize that traditional Medicare barely covers dental services at all. In the case of another illness or injury, some related dental care may be covered. But for the normal routine stuff that is so important, like filling cavities or cleaning teeth, there is no coverage.
This is a big probem. And it is not just a problem that Medicare beneficiaries, like the elderly or disabled people, have. It affects 100 million people in the USA.
In some cases, seniors do have dental care covered. They may belong to a Medicare Advantage plan with some benefits. Or they may have a health or dental plan from a job they retired from.
One way to find some answers about your benefits is to visit Medicare.gov. This resource is great and has lots of answers. Other questions may be answered by your own individual supplemental carriers. At least you will know what you are entitled to, and what you lack. It is probably always better to know rather than guess.
Those who do not have any dental coverage do have some choices. There are plenty of private dental insurance companies, but that will mean paying a premium. There are also low cost dental discount plans that can help you contain costs. Finally, there are some private charities or community based foundations that may provide low cost clinics for elderly people. Dental insurance can be expensive, and may still leave you with lots of uncovered expenses. Dental discount plans are cheaper, but they are not insurance. A low cost dental clinic for elderly people may be a good choice if there is one in your neighborhood.
Read up on Medicare Dental Benefits. Also compare Medcare supplements or Medicare Advantage.
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