Does Medicare Cover Dental Implants?
If you have damaged or missing teeth, your dentist may recommend dental implants as a solution which will restore your mouth to its full functionality and health. If you are a Medicare beneficiary, you may immediately wonder, will Medicare cover this? This article will explain how your dental coverage works under Medicare and how it applies to dental implants.
What are dental implants?
Dental implants are artificial teeth that are affixed in your mouth as an alternative to dentures. Unlike dentures, which can move and shift and need to be replaced every few years, dental implants are permanent. Dental implants function and feel just like real teeth, allowing people with them to speak and eat normally as if they had all their original teeth. Dental implants are usually done on an outpatient basis in a dentist’s office, and they typically take several months to complete.
There are several steps involved in installing dental implants. First your dentist will have to determine the work necessary to prepare your mouth for the implants. If you need to have teeth removed, this will be done first. Your dentist may also need to prepare the jawbone with bone grafts if there is bone loss. This will then require some healing time before installing the implants. The first step in the installation is installing a metal screw called a post in the jawbone. This will take time to heal after the installation. During the healing time, your jawbone and gums will fuse to the post. This fusion is what causes the implant to look and feel like a real tooth because it holds the implant steady in your mouth. Finally, after the post as healed, the implant is affixed to the post.
Each person’s course of treatment and installation will vary based on the uniqueness of that person. In general, these are the steps, however other factors may impact the steps involved. It is important to discuss the steps of the process with your dentist. They will be able to answer your questions and provide the specifics of what to expect in your unique situation.
Does Medicare cover dental implants?
Original Medicare Parts A and B do not typically cover the costs of dental implants. There are exceptions however, such as if the dental services are related to an illness or injury. If for example, you need a dental exam to clear you for another medical procedure such as an organ transplant or heart valve replaced, Medicare may cover the exam. Medicare Part A also typically covers inpatient costs for emergency dental care in a hospital.
Even though original Medicare does not cover the costs of dental implants, there are other options available. If you are on Medicare and are seeking implants, you will need to add a secondary form of coverage in other words. There are several stand-alone dental plans that can help cover at least some of the costs of dental implants. It is important to check the plans thoroughly though, because not all plans will cover dental implants. Additionally, Medicare Advantage plans may have dental care built into the plan. To receive this benefit in your Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll pay a higher monthly premium to be sure. You will also need to pay close attention to the maximum dental benefit under the plan and compare that to the costs of the dental implants. Under most plans, you will be responsible for 100 percent of the costs after the maximum dental benefit is reached. Additionally, most Medicare Advantage plans require copays and deductibles.
If you are a seeking a Medicare Advantage plan that covers dental implants, you’ll need to first ensure the plan covers dental, then check to see if it covers dental implants, and then examine the copays, deductibles, and maximum dental benefit.
What about Medicare Supplement plans?
Medicare Supplement plans do not contain dental coverage and therefore do not cover dental implants. Similar to Original Medicare however, Medicare Supplement plans may cover procedures performed in inpatient facilities. They may also cover health issues that arise because of the procedure itself. It is important to remember however, that Medicare Supplement plans pay secondary to Medicare. This means that if Medicare does not pay first, the Medicare Supplement plan will not pay either.
Does Medicare cover dental medications needed before or after the procedure?
Medication coverage is based on a few factors. If you have dental surgery in the hospital, Medicare Part A will likely cover the costs of medicine related to the procedure. If the procedure is not done in a hospital however, there is likely no coverage for the medication. If you have Medicare Part D, your plan likely covers the costs of pain medication, antibiotics, or other prescription drugs needed after the surgery as prescribed by your doctor. It is important to check your plan’s specific coverage prior to the procedure.
Dental implants are a great solution for people who have missing or damaged teeth. They can restore the overall health of your mouth and its functionality by being a solid replacement. Unlike dentures, implants are permanent and function just like a real tooth. If you are on Medicare and need dental implants, it is important to check all your coverages prior to the procedure. Original Medicare alone, will likely not cover the costs of dental implants. There are solutions however which can help with coverage, including Medicare Advantage plans. Be sure to examine your policy carefully and determine if the plan covers dental implants, what the costs are associated with it, and what the potential gaps are in coverage. Work with your dentist to determine what is right for you. Additionally, reach out to a licenses Medicare agent who can help you understand the plans that are available and answer any questions. Dental implants are a great way to ensure your mouth’s overall health lasts the rest of your life. With the right coverage, they can be a possibility for you. Talk to your dentist today to find out more.
