Does Medicare cover dental?
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover routine dental care, like cleanings, fillings, dentures or most extractions.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans don’t add dental either. That surprises a lot of people, and it’s one of the most common questions we get. If you want help paying for dental care, you’ll need coverage from somewhere else.
Your options for dental coverage
- Stand-alone dental plans. A separate policy just for dental care. These work alongside Original Medicare, a Medicare Supplement or a Medicare Advantage plan.
- Dental, vision and hearing bundles. Some plans package all three together, which can be simpler and cost less than buying them separately.
- Medicare Advantage plans with dental. Many Medicare Advantage plans include some dental benefits. How much they cover varies a lot from plan to plan.
What to look for in a dental plan
- Annual maximum: the most the plan will pay in a year.
- Waiting periods: some plans make you wait before covering bigger work like crowns or dentures.
- What it pays for each type of care: preventive, basic and major work are often covered at different percentages.
- Your dentist: whether you can keep your dentist, or need to use a network.
Dental coverage tends to be most valuable for bigger, more expensive work, not just routine cleanings. We’ll help you weigh the monthly cost against the care you actually expect to need.
Common questions
Is dental insurance worth it after 65?
It depends on your teeth and your budget. If you expect bigger work like crowns, implants or dentures, a plan can save you money. If you only need cleanings, paying out of pocket may cost less. We’ll help you run the numbers.
Can I add dental if I have a Medicare Supplement?
Yes. Medicare Supplements don’t include dental, so many people pair theirs with a stand-alone dental plan or a dental, vision and hearing bundle.
Other coverage we can help with
Questions about dental insurance?
Talk with a licensed agent. It’s free, and there’s no pressure.
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This is a general overview. Benefits, waiting periods, costs and availability vary by plan, insurance company and state.