Does Medicare Cover Dental Implants For Seniors. Looking for How Much Does Medicare Pay for Dental Implants For Seniors? This Review Reveals the answer.
Medicare is health insurance for people 65 or older. You’re first eligible to sign up for Medicare 3 months before you turn 65. You may be eligible to get Medicare earlier if you have a disability, End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), or ALS (also called Lou Gehrig’s disease).
It is important to understand what Medicare is willing to cover, so we don’t have a big bill afterward.
Dental Implants: Effective… Safe… Last Longer…
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are artificial tooth roots that provide a permanent base for fixed, replacement teeth. Compared to dentures, bridges, and crowns, dental implants are a popular and effective long-term solution for people who suffer from missing teeth, failing teeth, or chronic dental problems. Because they fit, feel and function like natural teeth, dental implants are quickly becoming a new standard in tooth replacement.
What makes dental implants feel completely comfortable and secure? Doctors use a titanium implant fixture that, over time, actually fuses to the living bone cells of the jaw. This union forms a strong and durable anchor for your new teeth, meaning there’s no slippage or other movement (which can sometimes happen with dentures). There are also no problems eating with dental implants, no need to repair them regularly and no more worrying about smiling freely and openly.
Dental implants typically have three parts:
1) The implant: A screw that serves as a root for your new teeth. This is what permanently attaches to your jaw.
2) The abutment: A permanent, but removable by your doctor, connector that supports and holds a tooth or set of teeth.
3) The crown (or prosthetic tooth): This is the part of the tooth that you can see. It’s usually made of zirconium or porcelain for durability and good looks.
You can use dental implants to replace a single tooth, multiple teeth or a full upper and/or lower set of teeth. If you need to restore a full arch, you may be a perfect candidate for the full mouth treatment. Surgeons will place four implants and then attach a full arch of teeth, giving the procedure its name (all teeth, only four implants).
Just as dental implants have emerged as the preferred choice for tooth replacement, the ClearChoice approach has become the preferred model for dental implant treatment. Our team of experts works together under one roof, with a fully equipped, onsite lab, to build beautiful smiles in a way that works for our patients.
Does Medicare Cover Dental Implants?
Last Updated : 09/10/20183 min read
Does your dentist say you need dental implants? If you’re not sure about the details of Medicare dental coverage, we hope you find this overview about Medicare and dental implants useful.
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If you’re like many Medicare beneficiaries, you might already be enrolled in Original Medicare, Part A and Part B. Original Medicare typically doesn’t pay for routine dental services. These generally include routine care, oral exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions, and implants. Original Medicare dental coverage is very limited.
The only dental services that Original Medicare may cover are usually those that are an essential part of a Medicare-covered procedure. For example, Medicare may cover a dental exam that you get prior to a heart valve replacement surgery or kidney transplant, as part of an overall pre-surgery exam. However, when it comes to Part A and Part B, Medicare dental coverage doesn’t cover most routine dental care.
How might I get Medicare dental coverage for dental implants?
Maybe you’re still wondering, “Does Medicare pay for dental implants – ever?” If you want to get Medicare dental coverage for dental implants and routine services, you might want to look into Medicare Advantage coverage. Also known as Medicare Part C, the Medicare Advantage program offers you a different way to get your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits (except hospice care, which Part A covers). Medicare Advantage plans are available from private insurance companies that contract with Medicare.
Some Medicare Advantage plans cover additional benefits that aren’t covered by Original Medicare, and may include routine dental or vision benefits – possibly even dental implants. But it’s important to note that these additional benefits (beyond Part A and Part B benefits) may vary from one plan to another, and not every plan may be available where you live. Still, it may be worth checking into this if this coverage appeals to you.
You’re still enrolled in the Medicare program when you have a Medicare Advantage plan – you’re just getting your benefits through a private, Medicare-approved insurance company. You do need to continue paying your Medicare Part B premium, along with any premium the plan may cost. Please be aware that there may be plan deductibles and other out-of-pocket costs, such as coinsurance or copayments.
If you need more information or would like help finding a Medicare Advantage plan that may cover dental implants, that’s what I’m here for. To set up a time to talk over the phone or to have me email you some customized plan recommendations, use the links below. You can also browse plans right now using our Compare Plans or Find Plans buttons on this page.
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I have United Healthcare AARP Medicare Advantage choice (PPO) with dental. Can I get Implants” I’m 66 years old.
Hi Santos, it is best to work with your insurance company. They vary so much.