Dental implants offer a long-lasting permanent solution designed to look, feel, and act like your real teeth. Implants are surgically placed into your jawbone, providing a foundation for your replacement teeth. This makes them a popular choice for those looking for a long-lasting natural-looking alternative to dentures.
However, if you’re on Medicare, you may be wondering, “Does Medicare cover dental implants?” The short answer is no. However, there are some exceptions and alternative options.
Let’s break it down.
Will Medicare Pay for Dental Implants?
To understand if Medicare pays for dental implants, you first have to understand the different parts of Medicare. Let’s start with Original Medicare (Parts A and B).
Original Medicare (A and B)
Original Medicare, also known as Part A and Part B, does not cover dental care, including cleanings, fillings, dentures, or implants. Since Medicare primarily covers medically necessary procedures, dental work is not included.
With that said, there are a couple of exceptions where Medicare may help with dental costs:
- If you are hospitalized due to dental-related complications, Medicare Part A may cover hospital-related costs.
- If you have a medical condition that requires dental work such as oral cancer or a jaw-related injury that requires surgery, Medicare potentially could help with costs from the procedure, but not the implants.
To summarize, some hospital-related costs may be covered by Medicare, however, the dental implants themselves most likely would not be covered and you will have to pay out of pocket. To learn more about what Medicare doesn’t cover, check out our guide here.
Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C)
Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) are typically offered by private insurance companies and offer additional coverage that Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover, including dental, vision, and hearing care.
Some Medicare plans do offer limited coverage for dental implants. However, this varies by the plan. To check if your Medicare Advantage Part C plan covers implants, you should:
- Review your plan benefits by checking your coverage details online or in your original policy documents.
- Call your provider to ask about your plan and if it can be used to cover dental implants.
If you’re not currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan to help with the cost of dental implants or other services not covered by Original Medicare, the process is relatively simple. To start, you must be enrolled in Original Medicare to qualify for an advantage plan. If you are already enrolled in Original Medicare, you’re good to move forward.
Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans provide additional coverage, including dental, vision, and hearing services, which Original Medicare does not cover.
When selecting a plan, it’s important to check whether dental implants are covered, as coverage can vary depending on the plan you select. For more information on how to choose the right Medicare plan, check out our blog, 10 Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Medicare Plan!
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
The cost of dental implants can vary significantly based on several factors, including the location of the tooth, the complexity of the procedure, as well as the materials used.
On average, it can cost between $2,000 to $3,000 for the implant, however this does not account for the additional expenses including the abutment (the connector) and the crown. With these additional expenses, it can bring the total costs to between $4,000 to $6,000 per tooth.
While dental implants may be a significant upfront investment, they provide a long lasting solution for tooth replacement. Unlike dentures, which may require frequent replacements, adjustments, and maintenance, implants are designed to last a lifetime, with proper care.
Final Thoughts
While original Medicare doesn’t cover dental implants, Medicare Advantage plans may help offset the cost. If you are considering implants, it is important to explore all your coverage options.
At Senior Insurance Solutions, I help seniors find the right Medicare plans to fit their healthcare needs. As a licensed Medicare insurance agent, I can answer the questions you have about dental care and Medicare coverage. Contact me today to get started!
