Medicare Dental Coverage - Does Medicare Cover Dental?

Medicare is a tricky topic to understand. What’s covered? What isn't? What's the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?

According to a 2018 survey conducted by Nationwide and The Harris Poll, more than 70 percent of Medicare-eligible Americans wish they understood their coverage better.

It depends. Most Medicare plans don’t technically cover dental care.

For example, contrary to the what many retirees and Medicare-eligible Americans may think, Original Medicare doesn't cover the routine dental care necessary to keep your smile healthy like: dental checkups, basic dental cleanings, fillings, crowns, implants, dentures and tooth extractions.

Three words: The Dental Exclusion.

When deciding which healthcare items the government would cover, Congress included a blanket exclusion of dental services. So, to protect your teeth, you’ll need a private dental insurance plan to go along with Medicare.

Just like every rule, there are exceptions to the Dental Exclusion.

In 1980, congress made an exception to cover dental procedures done in hospitals that were conducted alongside specific hospital services. Basically, if a dental procedure is required before or after certain medical procedures, like surgeries or transplants, in order to then have a medical procedure done, Medicare will cover it.


Dental procedures covered by Medicare include:

Yes. If you’re over 65, practicing good oral hygiene is especially important and making the right decisions now can keep you healthy and save money down the road.

A good dental plan will cover the dental services needed to keep your smile healthy. These include dental visits, cleanings, fillings, crowns, implants and dentures.

Without dental coverage, the average cost of a preventive dental visit (exam, cleaning, x-ray, and fluoride) is $250-$300. A good dental plan will help reduce your cost for things such as crowns, implants, and dentures.

Family Plus Plan
Coverage for mouthguards as well as major and restorative procedures. And 50% coverage on orthodontics up to $1500.

Ascent Plan
No waiting period and 100% coverage for preventive care like cleanings and exams. Your loyalty is rewarded with an annual maximum that increases the first two years that you renew.

Premium Plan
Similar to traditional group plans, members pay a percentage of the cost for services and the plan pays the rest. This is our most comprehensive coverage; preventive services are covered at 100% and you get a $2,000 annual maximum.

Enhanced Plan
Similar to the Premium Plan but has a $1,000 annual maximum.

Basic Plan
Exams, cleanings and x-rays are covered at 100% after a $15 copay for office visits. It’s prevention-focused, with limited coverage for other services.

Clear Plan
Members pay fixed copays for dental services. There are also no deductibles, no waiting periods, and no annual dollar maximums.

The list above is very high-level information. We recommend you always review plan details and get a quote before you purchase a dental insurance plan. Here are some tips to help you choose the one that’s right for your smile.

Does Medicare cover dental?
No. Medicare only covers dental if a dental procedure is required before or after a medical procedure.

Does Medicare Advantage cover dental? Maybe, it depends on your specific plan. Talk to your plan provider to find out more.

Can I get dental coverage?
Yes! We have a variety of plans for retirees and Medicare-eligible Americans. Shop our Individual & Family™ plans to find the coverage that’s right for you!