Dental Plans

Dental Plans

For seniors on Medicare, most dental care is not covered through Medicare Part A or Part B. However, you may be able to get dental coverage through a Medicare Advantage, Part C, plan².

Dental insurance is preventive care, you typically pay a small amount to get routine care like x-rays and cleanings. This allows you to maintain good oral health without paying a ton. Medicare, on the other hand, is set up as a health insurance plan, and like most health insurance plans, it is meant to be for major medical conditions rather than preventative care. Often Medicare plans have higher deductibles that you will have to meet before your insurance will kick in. Please visit https://www.medicare.gov/ for more information.

Dental insurance and medical insurance operate differently. Depending on your policy, dental care is often designed to be preventive, you typically pay a small amount for going in for routine visits and to receive care like X-rays, cleanings, and check-ups. Health insurance is typically designed to cover major medical and surgical costs. This difference may seem small but when you bundle dental and medical insurance, you may run the risk of paying more for your dental insurance than you would normally, even if the monthly premium is lower when bundled.

Another important consideration is that insurance companies that specialize in dental coverage often offer reduced rates that they have contracted for with network dentists. They also may have structures that allow them to process claims quicker.

Individual dental insurance may also offer more flexible plans in terms of deductibles and premiums. These plans also typically allow each individual to determine which services are most important to them and which are not.

No matter which plan you are purchasing, it makes sense to do research into your options before making a final decision. You should compare the monthly premiums, deductibles, and total out-of-pocket expenses before selecting a plan. The plan you choose should be flexible and fit your dental needs.