As long as you were old enough to have teeth, you’ve been going to the dentist at least twice a year. At least, that’s what is recommended, along with brushing and flossing twice a day. For a few of us, that regiment is strictly followed. For the rest of us, well, we try.
But even those with excellent oral health can have issues now and again. Cosmetically, our teeth can begin to yellow naturally. Or perhaps we have an accident that leads to tooth extraction. Health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis can also affect the teeth.
Neglecting your oral health can also affect your overall health. Poor oral health care is believed to be linked to heart disease, bronchitis, and even long-term kidney disease. While many of these issues are easier to address when you’re younger, they can be more significant issues as you near retirement age.
Medicare and Dental Coverage
Like vision and hearing, Original Medicare health insurance carries no dental benefits. As you age, teeth may become weaker and will need more attention beyond regular dental visits. Some dental work may be done as part of a larger procedure or if you need immediate, invasive surgery.
Other work, such as root canals, implants, cleanings, and dentures, are not covered by Medicare Medical Parts A or B. Part A may cover the hospital stay under invasive dental surgery, but not the implants of dentures. Out of pocket costs or paying monthly premiums for private insurance health plans can become expensive.
That’s why many Medicare patients enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan. Also known as Part C, a Medicare Advantage Plan covers dental care as well as hearing and vision necessities. In addition to dental insurance plans, Medicare Advantage also covers Original Medicare and usually, Part D, the prescription drug portion of Medicare.
Expert Medicare Advice
VibrantUSA is staffed with Medicare insurance specialists and will help you find the appropriate Medicare insurance for your situation, including dental health benefits. We help you find in-network dentists, dental plans that match your needs and answer any other Medicare questions you may have.
And we won’t charge you a cent for our services. As an independent insurance agency, we receive payment from the insurance carriers when we enroll our clients into their plans. This allows us to choose what’s right for the patient, not the insurance carriers.
Have questions about enrollment periods, Medicare Advantage plans, or any other facet of Medicare? Fill out our free online request form or reach out to the VibrantUSA office closest to you. We work throughout Washington and Oregon. We look forward to hearing from you.
