It’s possible to supplement your Medicare plan with dental coverage. Let’s review what you need to know.  

What is Medicare?

Medicare is the U.S. federal health insurance program for individuals who are 65 or older, have disabilities, or suffer from an end-stage renal disease (such as permanent kidney failure).

Do Medicare plans include dental insurance?

The original Medicare or Medigap (supplemental health policies that expand certain Medicare benefits) offer extremely limited dental coverage associated with certain life-threatening diseases. Some Medicare Advantage plans include dental coverage, which could range from very limited coverage to coverage that’s more comprehensive. Not all Medicare Advantage plans have dental coverage, so it is important to make sure you closely review policy benefits to get the dental coverage you need.

What is supplemental dental insurance for those on Medicare?

If you are on Original Medicare or your Medicare Advantage plan does not cover dental, then it can be helpful to purchase an individual or family dental benefits plan. Otherwise, caring for your oral health can be more expensive.

Learn more about dental insurance for retirees and seniors, including costs for common procedures.

How does dental insurance that is supplemental to Medicare work?

A standalone dental insurance plan that is supplemental to Medicare helps cover the cost of dental treatments and procedures. While plans vary, a standalone plan usually covers most or all of the cost of routine checkups and cleanings. Further, it reduces costs for fillings and crowns, deep cleanings, and many other procedures.

There are several different dental plans for individuals and families. These include traditional insurance plans in which you receive coverage in exchange for a monthly premium and other options, such as dental discount plans that offer access to a set of participating dentists who charge discounted fees for their services. 

What does individual dental insurance cover?

Companies can offer different dental plan options with different types of coverage, but most dental insurance will cover:

• 100% of preventive and diagnostic care (e.g., cleanings, exams)
• 80% of basic procedures (e.g., fillings, root canals, tooth extractions)
• 50% of major procedures (e.g., crowns, bridges, implants)

Before you purchase any plan, review it thoroughly to make sure it provides the coverage you need.

What are the advantages of purchasing supplemental dental insurance while on Medicare?

There are several reasons to supplement your Medicare coverage with a dental plan. Having dental insurance helps you:

• Reduce your risk for common issues such as cavities and gum disease
• Reduce the cost of dental care, from routine checkups to major procedures
• Maintain your wellness, as oral health is tied to your overall health

Does individual dental insurance have a waiting period?

There is typically no waiting period for most dental insurance plans for individuals and families, although there may be a waiting period for specific treatments and procedures such as crowns, fillings, and dentures.

How do you purchase supplemental dental insurance while on Medicare?

You can review prices, compare benefits, and purchase insurance at healthcare.gov. Another method is to go directly to the insurer to purchase. Delta Dental offers a number of plan options for individuals and families.

Does Delta Dental offer supplemental dental insurance for those on Medicare?

Yes. Delta Dental offers a wide variety of plan options for individuals and families, so you can find the right coverage for you. Compare our plans to find the best option for you.

Find a plan that protects your smile

Supplementing Medicare with dental insurance is a great way to make caring for your teeth and gums more accessible and affordable, so you can maintain your oral and overall health.