Does Medicare Cover Dental Implants?
Almost every adult with a successful dental implant treatment is telling their friends and family about it. Dental implant treatment is growing more and more popular as the preferred tooth replacement option for adults in the United States. If you have missing teeth and are interested in restoring your smile and replacing your teeth you may want to consider investing in dental implants. Dental implant treatment is a financial investment, but it is also an investment in your oral health, confidence, and overall quality of life. If you currently have Medicare and are interested in dental implant treatment below is more information for you.
What are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a dental treatment designed to “permanently” replace a missing tooth. An implant is a metal or ceramic post that is surgically inserted into the jawbone right below the gumline. This implant is designed to serve as the root of a new artificial replacement tooth. After the implant is surgically placed and has fused to the jawbone, an artificial tooth, called a crown, can be securely placed on top of it, creating a brand-new tooth. Due to their secure placement in the jawbone, dental implants offer a new tooth that is stable, secure, and durable.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
The cost of a dental implant can vary greatly and depends on several factors. A few common factors that impact costs include geographic location, the expertise and skills of the dentist, and the implant system that the dentist selects. The last factor, the implant system, is usually the biggest factor when it comes to costs. Implants are now being made all over the world and there are several well-known, well-tested, and well-respected brands. Selecting an implant from one of these well-known brands means you are getting an implant system that has evidence and research to support its success. However, implants from these well-known brands are also likely to cost more. An implant that is manufactured in a local dental lab may be a potentially more affordable option, but there may be less evidence available to support their success. When the dentist develops a customized treatment plan, they should discuss with their dentist what types and which brands of implants they recommend, and the costs associated with each option. In general, each dental implant will cost anywhere between $1,500-$6,000. This estimate includes the cost of the surgery to place the implant in the jawbone, the cost of the implant system, and any additional hardware or procedures that may be needed throughout the process.
Does Medicare Cover Dental Implants?
Many individuals interested in dental implants may have Medicare coverage and may be wondering if Medicare will cover dental implants. The answer is a bit complicated. Original Medicare plans, Part A and Part B, do not cover the costs of many dental treatments or routine dental care, and therefore they do not cover dental implant treatments. However, some Medicare Advantage plans may include some dental coverage including covering routine dental services. Medicare Advantage (also known as Medicare Part C) is a plan that allows for individuals to get Medicare coverage through a private, Medicare-approved health insurance company. Medicare Advantage plans include many of the same benefits as Medicare Part A and Part B, but also include additional coverage, which can include dental treatments such as routine dental care and prescription drug coverage.
You may be wondering about the Medicare Part A coverage of care in the hospital setting and if you can use this for dental implant treatment. It is possible, though not common, for some dental implant procedures to be performed in the hospital setting. Additionally, it is important to note that even if you get some of your dental implant procedure performed in a hospital it doesn’t necessarily mean that Medicare Part A will cover these costs. If you want to try this approach, it would be best to check with hospital billing before having the procedure performed.
What To Do If You Have Medicare and are Interested in Dental Implant Treatment
If you have Medicare coverage and are interested in dental implant treatment, there are some alternative options for you, including:
- Medicare Advantage Plans: First, you could consider looking into Medicare Advantage plans. These plans are available in addition to your traditional Medicare coverage and many plans cover some dental treatments. When you are in the process of exploring plans, you may want to ask if the plans include coverage of dental implant treatment and other dental services. It is important to remember that individuals will need to continue paying their monthly Part B premium, along with the Medicare Advantage plan premium charges.
- Private Dental Insurance Plans: Another option besides exploring Medicare Advantage plans is to consider outside dental insurance from a private insurance company. Some private dental insurance plans cover some of the costs of dental implants. However, many private insurance plans do not cover dental implant treatment, so before investing in a new plan it is important to confirm the plan will cover the treatments you are interested in.
- Dental Discount Plans. Dental discount plans are another good option to explore to help cover the costs of dental implant treatment. Discount plans may help cover up to 50% of the costs of the procedure. Prior to committing to a treatment, it is a good idea to have a conversation with your dental provider to see if there are any discount plans available to you.
If you are considering investing in dental implant treatment, you have many options to choose from to help cover some or all of the treatment costs. If you have original Medicare, it is important that you know your current plan will not cover the costs of dental implant treatment and you will need to find some alternative coverage. The best place to start when your dentist suggests a dental implant procedure may be right for you is to do a little research about the options you have available to help cover the treatment costs. Once you feel more informed, have a discussion with your dentist. There are many options available to help cover the costs of dental implants, and your dentist may have some tips on how to qualify for them.