As your trusted Medicare resource, we understand the importance of all of your healthcare needs, which include dental care. In this post, we want to help you understand your Medicare Advantage dental benefits. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to make informed decisions about your dental health within the framework of Medicare. Let’s dive into the world of dental wellness and Medicare together! Here are 7 must-know facts regarding dental coverage:
1. All Medicare Advantage plans do not have the same dental coverage, while 95% of MA plans offer some level of dental coverage.
While Medicare Advantage plans often include dental coverage, the extent of coverage can vary significantly between carriers & plans. While some may cover only basic preventive services like cleanings X-rays, or exams, others may also cover more comprehensive procedures such as fillings, crowns, root canals, or even extractions. It’s important for Medicare beneficiaries to carefully review the dental benefits offered by each Medicare plan or their company’s offering to ensure they meet their specific needs.
2. Standalone dental policies vary widely on details and cost.
Standalone dental insurance policies come in a variety of options, each with its own set of coverage details and costs. Some plans may have lower premiums + lower yearly out-of-pocket maximums for services, while others may offer more comprehensive coverage with higher premiums out-of-pocket costs for services, while others may offer more comprehensive coverage with higher premiums. It’s essential for individuals to compare the details of different dental policies to find one that best fits their dental needs & budget.
3. It’s OK to ask your dentist for a cash discount.
Many dental offices offer cash discounts for patients who pay for their services upfront or for those who are without dental insurance. Asking your dentist for a cash discount can help you save money on your dental bills, especially if you’re paying out-of-pocket for services not covered by insurance. Don’t hesitate to inquire about this option during your next dental visit.
4. Your dentist can be helpful in controlling expenses.
Dentists understand that dental care can be costly, and they’re often willing to work with patients to find cost-effective solutions. Whether it’s discussing treatment alternatives, offering payment plans/deferring services, or providing guidance on oral hygiene practices to prevent future dental issues, your dentist can be a valuable resource in controlling expenses while maintaining good oral health.
5. Expect to pay out-of-pocket beyond preventative services.
While many dental insurance plans cover preventive services like cleanings and exams at little to no cost, beneficiaries often fail to realize they might have to pay out-of-pocket for more extensive procedures such as fillings, root canals, or crowns. It’s important for individuals to budget for these expenses and explore options like dental savings plans or payment arrangements with their dentist to manage costs effectively.
6. After leaving a job, you might be able to keep your dental coverage through COBRA.
COBRA often allows individuals to continue their employer-sponsored health and dental coverage for a limited time after leaving a job. While COBRA coverage can be more expensive than what you paid as an employee, it provides a temporary solution for maintaining dental coverage until you find alternative insurance options.
7. Tax-free HSA money can help with out-of-pocket dental costs.
If you’ve contributed to a Health Savings Account, you can use your HSA as a tax-advantaged way to save and pay for qualified medical/dental expenses. Contributions to an HSA are tax-deductible, and withdrawals for eligible expenses – including dental care – are tax-free. Utilizing HSA funds can help offset out-of-pocket dental costs and provide financial flexibility for managing your oral health needs.
