The TV here in the Oklahoma City area runs ads 24/7 proclaiming, “Medicare now pays for dental implants for seniors,” with a phone number to call. What seniors miss in those ads is that the number they are directed to call is to a company trying to sell them supplemental insurance coverage. As a result of these ads we get calls regularly from seniors telling us they saw the ads on TV and they want to know what kind of Medicare coverage they now have for dental implants.
What Does Medicare Cover for Dental Implants in Oklahoma?
Unfortunately, we have to tell seniors that Medicare doesn’t cover dental implants here in Oklahoma (or in any state). This leaves seniors to bear the brunt of the costs on their own. It’s no secret that dental implants can be expensive, and failing to get the proper treatment can lead to further health complications and expenses down the road. What is a senior to do then if Medicare doesn’t cover dental implants?
Medicare Coverage for Dental Implants: What Are Your Options?
While Medicare itself doesn’t offer coverage for dental implants, all is not lost. Most Medicare Advantage plans offer dental benefits, including coverage for dental implants. With that said, you will still be responsible for about 50% of the costs (on average – your insurance coverage may be more or less). While you may have to pay a higher premium for this additional insurance coverage, it may be worth it in the long run to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
What Are Medicare Advantage Plans?
Medicare Advantage Plans are a type of health insurance plan that provide coverage for Medicare-eligible individuals. These plans differ from traditional Medicare in that they are offered by private insurers, and may include additional benefits such as vision, hearing, and dental care.
When it comes to dental services, Medicare Advantage Plans typically cover preventive care such as cleanings and checkups, as well as basic procedures like fillings and extractions. Some plans may also offer coverage for more complex procedures such as root canals or crowns.
And some plans do provide coverage for dental implants for seniors. However, it is important to note that the coverage varies depending on the plan you choose, so it is important to read the fine print before signing up for a Medicare Advantage Plan.
What Are Medicare Supplemental Plans?
Medicare Supplemental Plans, also known as Medigap plans, are a type of health insurance plan offered by private companies to help cover the costs that traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans do not. These plans are designed to cover deductibles, copays, coinsurance and other out-of-pocket expenses associated with medical care. They can also provide additional benefits when it comes to coverage for dental services, including dental implants for seniors.
It is important to note that Medigap plans do not replace traditional Medicare or Medicare Advantage Plans. They simply supplement them by providing additional coverage for out-of-pocket expenses associated with medical care. It is important to research different Medigap plans in order to find one that best fits your needs and budget.
We Are In-Network Providers for Medicare Supplemental Plans in the Oklahoma City Area
If you do have certain Medigap plans, you very likely have dental insurance coverage for dental implants. In fact, we are one of few providers in Edmond and the Oklahoma City area that are in-network with any Medicare supplemental dental insurance plans. The types of Medicare Supplemental plans that we are in-network providers for include Humana Medicare, United Healthcare AARP, and United Healthcare Dual Complete.
All these plans cover portions of the cost of dental implants. The specific coverage varies depending on the plan you have but you can expect no more then 50% coverage. The premiums and deductibles for these plans varies as well. Seniors will want to check with their plan providers to find out what the specific coverage is and what the deductibles are for dental implants.
Schedule a Consultation Today to See What Medicare Supplement Plan Coverage You Might Have
If you want to know the exact out-of-pocket costs that you can expect to pay for dental implants after your Medicare supplement benefits are applied, the best thing you can do is schedule a consultation with Dr. Templeton. During this initial meeting, he will do a thorough assessment and determine exactly what treatment you need and what dental implants are best for you. He will also walk you through what your insurance benefits cover and how much you can expect to pay out-of-pocket.
