Dental when you have medicare

Dental coverage can vary depending on how you receive your Medicare benefits. Understanding what is included, what may require separate coverage, and what questions to ask can help you make informed decisions about your dental care.

What Does Original Medicare Cover?

Original Medicare generally does not cover routine dental care such as cleanings, fillings, dentures, or most extractions. Certain dental services may be covered when they are directly related to specific Medicare-covered medical treatments.

Medicare Supplements & Dental

Medicare Supplement, or Medigap, policies generally do not include routine dental coverage. Someone with Original Medicare and a Medicare Supplement may choose to add separate dental coverage based on their individual needs.

Check Your Dentist & Network

Before selecting dental coverage, confirm how your preferred dentist participates with the plan. Provider networks, covered services, and what you may pay can vary from one dental plan to another.



When checking with your dentist, be sure to ask whether they are “in network” with the specific plan, not simply whether they “accept” the plan. A provider may accept a dental plan but still be considered out of network, which can affect your benefits and out-of-pocket costs.

Dental Benefits with Medicare Advantage

Some Medicare Advantage plans include dental benefits in addition to Medicare-covered medical services. Benefits vary by plan, so it is important to review the services included, provider requirements, coverage limits, and potential out-of-pocket costs.

Separate Dental Coverage

Stand-alone dental coverage can be used alongside Medicare coverage. Depending on the policy, benefits may be available for preventive, basic, and major dental services, with each plan having its own benefits, limits, and requirements.

What Does Original Medicare Cover?

Dental needs are personal. Your anticipated dental care, preferred providers, budget, and the dental benefits already available through your Medicare coverage can all play a role. We can help you review your options and understand how your Medicare and dental coverage can work alongside one another.