Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover most dental care. Even if a procedure is considered oral surgery, Medicare will not cover teeth extractions, implants, dentures, etc. The only time Medicare will consider payment for dental services is if extractions are necessary because of past radiation treatment to the jaw, traumatic injury, and/or certain oral biopsies. Dental services could also be covered in a hospital setting under Medicare part A. The provider would have to be an enrolled Medicare part B provider in order to bill Medicare.
Most Medicare Advantage plans have some type of dental coverage. There are also individual dental insurance policies that can be purchased, with some designed specifically for seniors.
If you want to see a change with Medicare regarding dental benefits, it could be helpful to contact your elected representatives and urge them to support Medicare dental benefits.
