Dental care is one of the most difficult aspects of being on Medicare. Original Medicare does not cover dental services and most supplemental plans do not either. In fact, two-thirds of all people on Medicare do not have dental coverage, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. In terms of cost, Medicare recipients who used dental services spent $874 on average in 2018, and one-fifth spent more than $1,000, according to the foundation.
Figures like these can be enough to frighten many people. However, with proper guidance seniors can limit their dental costs and obtain needed procedures at an affordable price. The good news is that most Medicare Advantage plans available in the Capital Region include some dental coverage. However, copays and coverage limitations vary widely from plan to plan. For example, one plan may cover only preventative cleanings and x-rays, while another is more comprehensive in providing coverage for crowns, bridges and dentures.
When comparing dental plans, the challenge is to find one that meets your needs and allows you to visit the dentist you wish to see. Some plans have provider networks in which dentists must be contracted and others offer reimbursement programs where you can see any dentist you wish. In these arrangements, you pay the dentist upfront and the plan reimburses you for your costs, up to a maximum amount. Reimbursement plans offer more flexibility than a traditional provider network and are especially helpful if your dentist is reluctant to accept certain insurances.
Most Medicare beneficiaries will find that the key to obtaining dental services at an affordable price is being enrolled in the Medicare Advantage plan that best suits their needs. Working with a knowledgeable health insurance broker to select a Medicare Advantage plan can help you receive dental services for a great value. To see if there is a plan that can help you get the dental care you need, please call Bruce or Logan at BlueChip in Saratoga at 518-584-8057 or visit our website at www.1bluechip.com.
