Will Medicare Cover My Dental Care and Procedures?

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover dental care except in specific situations that require dental services as part of a medical procedure that is covered. For example, if you suffered a head injury that included your jaw and you required emergency care, then some dental services may be covered.

However, dental coverage may be available through Medicare Advantage plans, which are purchased from Medicare-approved private companies. Keep reading to learn more.

On This Page

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  When Does Medicare Cover Dental?

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  What Types of Medicare Dental Coverage Are There?

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  Why Doesn't Basic Medicare Cover Dental Care and Services?

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  What Dental Care Services Does Medicare Cover?

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  How Do I Get Dental Coverage if Medicare Doesn’t Include It?

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  FAQs

When Does Medicare Cover Dental?

Dental care is not included when you enroll in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) except for specific situations that require dental services as part of a covered medical procedure. For example, if an oral cancer procedure requires some type of dental care, then dentistry may be covered.

Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) can offer dental coverage depending on the plan you choose.

Also called MA plans, Medicare Advantage plans are health insurance policies sold by private companies that have contracted with Medicare. Additionally, Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) can help cover dental costs associated with said required procedures.

What Types of Medicare Dental Coverage Are There?

Different aspects of Medicare may offer dental coverage but can be highly situational. Cigna has provided a simple table that breaks down the relationship between Medicare and dental coverage.^[1]

*May be available for accidents that affect mouth, jaw and face or if it is medically necessary and related to service that is covered under Original Medicare

Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. MA plan providers must offer at least the same level of coverage as Original Medicare and many sell additional benefits like coverage for dentistry and hearing aids. In fact, 94% of Part C plans include some level of dental care.^[2] Coverage includes check-ups, cleanings, fillings, root canals and crowns.

For those looking to buy an MA plan, enrollment runs from January 1 to March 31. It may also be possible to enroll during a special enrollment period, which is triggered by an event like losing a job, moving to a new address or your current MA plan provider changing its contract with Medicare.

Medicare Part A and B

Part A and B or Original Medicare can cover some dental services if they are required as part of a covered medical procedure that necessitates you being in a hospital.^[3] For example, Medicare may cover dental services that are necessary before receiving radiation treatment for oral cancer.

Original Medicare does not cover routine dental care, such as check-ups and cleanings.

Medicare Supplement Insurance Policies

While Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policies do not cover dental services, some plans may offer coverage for out-of-pocket costs incurred if a dental procedure was approved by Medicare Part A or B, such as jaw reconstruction after a tumor has been removed. In this case, Medigap would pay for your deductible and copay.

Medigap policies are offered by private insurance companies to supplement Original Medicare.

Why Doesn't Basic Medicare Cover Dental Care and Services?

Medicare is governed by federal law, which specifies which essential benefits must be covered — routine dental care is not included in that list. Several reasons point to why Medicare won’t cover dental care, including potential rate increases, historical precedence and political opposition:

• Cost concerns: The addition of dental coverage could result in higher premiums, deductibles or copayments for policyholders.
• Historical precedent: Medicare was established in 1965, at a time when dental care was not considered a standard part of healthcare. As a result, dental coverage was not included in the original Medicare program.
• Political opposition: While there have been efforts to expand Medicare coverage to include dental care under several acts such as the Medicare Dental, Vision and Hearing Benefit Act of 2021, there has been political opposition to such proposals. Critics argue that it could lead to excessive spending.^[4]

What Dental Care Services Does Medicare Cover?

While Original Medicare does not cover routine dental care, some dental services may be covered if they are required as part of a covered medical procedure. These services include dental services required before a covered medical procedure, for instance an oral exam before heart valve surgery. Services required due to injury or a condition, like a broken jaw or oral cancer respectively, may be covered as well.

Does Medicare Pay for Any Dental Work Done?

If a dental service is required as part of a covered medical procedure, Medicare Part A may cover it. As mentioned, routine dental care such as regular cleanings will not be covered by Medicare.

How Do I Get Dental Coverage if Medicare Doesn’t Include It?

If you need dental coverage and are enrolled in Medicare, there are several ways to obtain coverage:

• Medicare Advantage plans: These plans are offered by private insurance companies and provide all the benefits of original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and usually dental coverage.
• Standalone dental plans: These plans are available for purchase from private insurance companies, such as Cigna, UnitedHealthcare and Anthem. These plans can provide coverage for a range of dental services, including routine exams and cleanings, fillings and root canals.
• Your state department of health: They can provide you with dental clinics that provide low-cost oral treatment.

• Dental schools: Free or low-cost dental care may be available from students in training at a dental school, although may want to request an instructor do your procedure if you're uncomfortable with a student operating inside of your mouth.