Does Medicare Cover Dental Implants?

Does Medicare cover dental implants? As we get older, we often lose teeth and need to get implants to replace them. It’s important to know whether your Medicare coverage will help you get this type of care.

As you might know, Medicare has several different parts. Part A and B are known as Original Medicare, while Medicare Part C is known as Medicare Advantage. We’ll take a look at whether each of these parts can help cover the cost of dental implants.

What Are Dental Implants?

Before we move forward, it’s essential to define dental implants so it’s clear what we’re discussing. When you have a tooth removed, leaving an open gap in your mouth can cause a variety of problems, including shifting teeth, bone loss, and more.

An implant replaces your missing tooth with a metal post and an artificial tooth that looks and functions just like a real one. This dental surgery helps you regain your normal smile and tooth function. It’s a great alternative to dentures or bridges.

Does Original Medicare (Part A and B) Cover Dental Implants?

Original Medicare includes both Part A and Part B. Part A is inpatient hospital insurance, so it won’t cover dental work unless it’s medically required and related to a condition you are getting Part A coverage for.

Does Medicare Part B cover dental implants? Unfortunately, no. Dental coverage is not part of Original Medicare, although Medicare Part B may help treat conditions related to the implant surgery. For example, if you have an infection due to your implant, your Medicare coverage would help you get medical care for the infection.

Some people wonder, “Does Medicare supplement cover dental implants?” A Medicare supplement plan, or Medigap, does not add additional coverage to Original Medicare. Instead, it helps you pay for out-of-pocket costs related to covered care.

Does Medicare Advantage (Part C) Cover Dental Implants?

Because Medicare Advantage plans often add additional coverage above Original Medicare, it’s common to ask, “Does Medicare Advantage cover dental implants?” The good news is that depending on the plan, you may be able to get coverage for implants and other dental care.

Not all Medicare Advantage plans cover dental, but many do. You’d have to look at whether the plan you want offers coverage only for cleanings and routine exams, or if there’s also coverage for complex dental procedures as well.

It’s important to compare various Medicare Advantage plans to get the benefits you want at a cost that makes sense for your budget.

Does Medicare Part D Cover Dental Implants?

Medicare Part D is drug coverage, designed to help recipients afford the prescription drugs they need. Because it only covers prescription drugs, it does not offer coverage for dental implants or other dental care.

However, if you are prescribed pain medication or antibiotics after the implant surgery, your Medicare Part D plan will likely cover these medicines.

Learn More About Medicare and Dental Coverage

If you think you might need dental care and are concerned about Medicare coverage, it can help to talk to a licensed agent who can help you compare your options. We’re here to help you learn more about Medicare and dental coverage, as well as to help you compare Medicare plans and so you can select the best option for your needs.