If you've been enrolled into Medicare Part A and Part B, you're likely wondering if these health care plans cover dental care. Before you obtain any dental treatment from us at Gage Dental Care, it's important that you understand if it's possible to have dental coverage with Medicare and how to obtain this coverage.
What Is Medicare?
When you reach the age of 65 or have been diagnosed with a disability, you will have the opportunity to enroll into Medicare. This type of health care can cover a wide range of expenses. However, it doesn't cover everything, which is why it's important to determine if your dental costs can be covered with Medicare. The plans that you'll automatically be enrolled into when joining Medicare include Part A and Part B plans. Medicare Part A plans are designed to cover the expenses associated with hospice care, home health care, and inpatient hospital stays. As for Part B, this aspect of Medicare covers expenses related to outpatient care, preventive services, medical supplies, and various health care services provided by a doctor. You could also think about obtaining Medicare Part D if you want to cover the costs associated with prescription medications.
Does Medicare Cover Dental Services and Procedures in Bell, CA?
In most cases, Medicare won't provide coverage for dental services and procedures, which include such services as dental fillings, dental crowns, tooth extractions, and standard cleanings. However, Medicare Part A is able to pay for dental services that you might obtain when you're in the hospital, which includes complex dental procedures or emergency dental procedures. Otherwise, you will need to pay every cost pertaining to the dental treatments that you obtain.
How to Obtain Coverage for Dental Through Medicare
While standard Medicare doesn't provide coverage for dental care, there are ways that you can obtain this kind of coverage through Medicare as long as you know what to look for. The best way to obtain dental coverage via Medicare is through a Medicare Advantage plan, which is a type of Medicare plan that's available through private insurance companies and is designed to bundle all Medicare plans into a single policy. If you purchase a Medicare Advantage plan, you can likely obtain Part D coverage in the same plan as Part A and Part B coverage. Since these plans are provided by private insurance companies, many of them will also include extra services, which are referred to as Medicare Part C. Some of the dental services that can be covered with a Medicare Advantage plan include:
- Extractions
- X-rays
- Crowns
- Fillings
- Cleanings
- Checkups
- Root canals
You could also think about selecting a standalone plan that's not directly attached to your Medicare plan. There are many dental plans available from private insurance companies that you can purchase as a standalone plan, which means that no other health care would need to be purchased alongside it. These plans typically come with a relatively low monthly payment that you'll be required to pay. The only downside to such a plan is that the dentist you see will need to be in-network. If your spouse has yet to obtain Medicare but already has a dental plan, it may be possible for you to join this plan for the moment. In the event that your insurance doesn't cover dental treatment, we offer financing and low monthly payments that will help you get the treatment you need when you need it. With this information in hand, you should know how to cover your dental costs with Medicare in East Los Angeles, CA. If you require a dental filling or a crown, contact our offices today at Gage Dental Care to schedule a dental consultation.