Dental Coverage and Medicare: Protect your dental health during 2026 Medicare open enrollment season

Josh
October 23, 2024

Updated

The end of the year means it’s Medicare open enrollment season— a once-yearly period in which Americans aged 65+ can sign up for or update their medical benefits through the United States’ national health insurance program. Between October 15 and December 7, you can enroll in Medicare or make changes to your existing plan without penalties.

While reviewing and planning your medical coverage options, don’t overlook dental coverage. Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn’t include preventive dental services or other dental needs like implants and dentures leaving many retirees without essential oral health protection.

Does Medicare Cover Dental?

  • 1. Original Medicare (Parts A & B):
    • Does not cover most dental care.
    • Only covers dental procedures directly tied to hospital treatments (like jaw surgery).
  • 2. Medicare Advantage (Part C):
    • Offers all-in-one plans through private providers that can include dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
    • Dental benefits vary—some focus on preventive services, while others also cover major procedures like dentures, root canals, and crowns.
    • Plans typically use dentist networks, and coverage levels depend on your chosen plan.
  • 3. Supplemental Dental Plans for Seniors and Retirees on Medicare:
    • If your Medicare or Medicare Advantage plan doesn’t include dental benefits, you can add standalone dental coverage at any time of the year.
    • This is a great solution for seniors and retirees who need affordable, flexible dental coverage.

Why Dental Coverage Matters for Retirees

Maintaining your oral health is vital to your overall well-being, especially as you age. Here’s why adding dental coverage is important:

  • Oral health affects total health: Poor dental health has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, and other systemic conditions.
  • Preventive care saves money: Routine checkups and cleanings help avoid expensive treatments later.
  • Better quality of life: Addressing dental issues like tooth pain or gum disease quickly helps you stay healthy and comfortable.

Unfortunately, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, 47% of people on Medicare had no dental coverage, and nearly half had not visited a dentist in 2021.

As a Retiree, Make Sure Your Dental Is Covered:

A healthy smile is part of total health. Medicare alone won’t cover most routine dental care, so consider your options carefully:

  • Step 1: Choose a Medicare Advantage plan with dental benefits if it fits your needs.
  • Step 2: Supplement with a self-purchased Delta Dental of Washington Individual and Family dental plan to ensure you’re covered year-round and protect against expensive dental emergencies.

Don’t wait to protect your smile—explore plans today and find the coverage that fits your retirement lifestyle.

Delta Dental of Washington:
Plans for Seniors and Retirees

Delta Dental of Washington offers Individual & Family™ dental plans tailored for retirees and Medicare-eligible adults. Key benefits include:

  • Largest provider network in Washington for easy access to local dentists.
  • Affordable options to fit different budgets and oral health needs.
  • Comprehensive dental coverage with little or no cost for preventive care.

Recommended plans for retirees include:

  • Delta Dental - Premium Plan: Includes three periodontal maintenance cleanings and a high annual maximum.
  • Delta Dental - Ascent Plan: No waiting period, with coverage that increases over the first two years.
  • Delta Dental - Enhanced Plan: Covers preventive procedures and 50% of most major treatments.

All these plans cover implants and dentures at 50%*, but the Ascent Plan has no waiting period for these prosthetic appliances.

*Coverage applies to partial denture, full denture, implant and implant related procedure, or a fixed bridge. Replacement of an existing appliance is covered once every seven years and only when it cannot be repaired. Covered for persons ages 16 years and older.

Tip: You can enroll in Delta Dental of Washington plans any time of year, so you don’t have to wait for Medicare’s open enrollment to get the coverage you need.

Additional health coverage and savings with Delta Dental plans:

Vision Coverage and Medicare

Hearings Savings and Medicare

Take Control of Your Oral Health

As you navigate Medicare open enrollment, remember that a healthy smile is a critical part of your overall health. Explore Delta Dental of Washington’s plans to find the right dental coverage for your needs—so your healthcare is truly complete.

Explore plans for retirees

Need a Quick Answer?
Find Your Question Below.

Is dental covered by Medicare?
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn’t cover routine dental care like cleanings, exams, or fillings.
Do Medicare Advantage plans cover dental?
Many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans offer dental benefits, which can include preventive care and sometimes more extensive services. Coverage varies by plan.
Does Medicare cover dentures?
Original Medicare doesn’t cover dentures, but some Medicare Advantage plans include partial or full denture coverage.
Does Medicare cover dental implants?
Original Medicare does not cover dental implants. Some Medicare Advantage plans may help with the cost, but this isn’t standard.
Does Medicare cover oral surgery?
Does Medicare cover oral surgery? Medicare may cover oral surgery if it’s medically necessary and tied to a covered medical condition (for example, jaw surgery after an accident). Routine tooth extractions are not covered.
How do I get dental and vision coverage with Medicare?
The most common way is through a Medicare Advantage plan that includes dental and vision benefits. You can also buy standalone dental or vision plans to add extra coverage.
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