Medicare does not cover routine dental care, but you have other options
Medicare Part A and Part B do not pay for cleanings, fillings, crowns, or dentures. The only dental work Medicare covers is tooth extraction or jaw surgery when medically necessary — not for decay or gum disease. This means most seniors pay out of pocket for dental work, buy a separate dental plan, or use a discount program.
Your coverage options depend on whether you have Original Medicare, a Medicare Advantage plan, or Medicaid. Some plans include dental; most do not. The amount you pay and what procedures are covered varies widely by plan and state.
Key Takeaways
- Medicare Part A and Part B do not cover routine dental care, but some Medicare Advantage plans include dental coverage as an optional add-on.
- Medicaid covers dental care in most states, but the scope of coverage and how to access it depends on your state and income.
- Dental discount plans cost $80 to $200 per year and give you discounts at participating dentists, but they are not insurance.
- Federally may have access to Health Centers (FQHCs) and dental schools offer low-cost or sliding-scale dental care based on your income.
- If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check your plan documents or call the plan to see whether dental is included and what it covers.
Medicare Advantage plans with dental coverage
Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) include dental coverage as part of the plan or as an optional add-on you can purchase. Coverage varies: some plans cover only cleanings and X-rays, while others include fillings, extractions, and crowns. Annual maximums are often $500 to $1,500, which covers basic work but not major procedures like implants.
You can only enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7 each year) or if you are newly may be able to access for Medicare. If you already have a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to a different plan during this window. Check your plan's Summary of Benefits or call the plan directly to learn what dental services are covered and what you pay out of pocket.
Not all Medicare Advantage plans offer dental, and plans vary by county. Use the Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov to see which plans in your area include dental coverage and compare what each one covers.
Medicaid dental coverage for seniors
Medicaid covers dental care in most states, but coverage and income limits vary. Some states cover only emergency care and extractions; others cover cleanings, fillings, and dentures. You must meet your state's income and asset limits to be may be able to access for Medicaid.
To learn what your state covers and whether you meet the income limit, contact your state Medicaid office. You can find your state office at Medicaid.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and ask for your state Medicaid agency's phone number. If you are already on Medicaid, your coverage details are in your member handbook or on your state's Medicaid website.
Some states have separate Medicaid dental plans you must enroll in; others include dental in your main Medicaid coverage. Your state Medicaid office will tell you how to access dental care once you are enrolled.
Dental discount plans and membership programs
Dental discount plans are not insurance. You pay a membership fee (usually $80 to $200 per year) and receive discounts — typically 10 to 60 percent — at dentists who participate in the plan's network. You pay the discounted price directly to the dentist at the time of service.
Discount plans work best if you need routine care and can find a participating dentist near you. They do not cover emergency care, and the discounts vary by dentist and procedure. Common discount plans include Dental365, Careington, and DentalPlans.com. Before you join, check whether dentists you prefer are in the network and call to confirm they honor the discount.
Some membership programs, like AARP Dental Plans (underwritten by Delta Dental), combine a small membership fee with discounts and some coverage for basic procedures. These are not the same as insurance but may offer more predictable costs than a discount plan alone.
Low-cost dental care through health centers and dental schools
Federally may have access to Health Centers (FQHCs) offer dental care on a sliding fee scale based on your income. You may pay nothing, a small copay, or a reduced fee depending on what you earn. FQHCs are nonprofit clinics that serve uninsured and low-income people. Not all FQHCs have dental services, but many do.
To find an FQHC near you, search the HRSA Find a Health Center tool at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov or call 211 and ask for a dental health center in your area. When you call, ask whether they have dental services and what the income-based fees are.
Dental schools at universities also offer low-cost or free dental care performed by students under supervision. Work is slower than at a private practice, but the cost is much lower. Search "dental school near me" or contact your state dental board for a list of accredited schools.
Paying out of pocket for dental work
If you do not have dental coverage and cannot use a discount plan or low-cost clinic, you will pay the full cost of dental work. Costs vary by region and dentist, but a cleaning typically costs $75 to $200, a filling $150 to $300, and a crown $800 to $1,500. Dentures can cost $1,000 to $3,000 or more.
Before you have work done, ask the dentist for an estimate in writing. Some dentists offer payment plans or discounts for paying in cash upfront. You can also ask whether the dentist will negotiate the price, especially for major work. Getting a second opinion from another dentist is free and can help you understand whether the recommended work is necessary.
What to do if you have Original Medicare
If you have Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and no supplemental dental plan, your options are a dental discount plan, Medicaid (if you meet income limits), an FQHC, or paying out of pocket. You cannot add dental coverage to Original Medicare after you enroll, but you can switch to a Medicare Advantage plan that includes dental during the Annual Enrollment Period.
If you switched from a Medicare Advantage plan with dental to Original Medicare, you lose that dental coverage. Before you switch, understand what you are giving up. If dental care is important to you, choose a Medicare Advantage plan with dental coverage when you enroll or during the next Annual Enrollment Period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare cover dentures?
No. Medicare does not cover dentures, partial dentures, or the adjustments and repairs they need. If you need dentures, you pay out of pocket, use a dental discount plan, or check whether your state Medicaid covers them. Some FQHCs also offer dentures on a sliding fee scale.
Can I get dental coverage if I am on a fixed income?
Yes. If your income is low enough, you may be may be able to access for Medicaid dental coverage. FQHCs and dental schools offer care based on what you can afford. Dental discount plans cost $80 to $200 per year, which is less than the cost of one cleaning at most private practices.
What if I need emergency dental care right now?
Call your dentist or a local emergency dental clinic. If you have pain or infection, some dentists keep same-day slots for emergencies. Hospital emergency rooms can treat severe infections but cannot do fillings or other routine work. Ask about payment plans before you receive care.
Do all Medicare Advantage plans include dental?
No. Some Medicare Advantage plans include dental coverage, some offer it as an optional add-on you pay extra for, and some do not offer it at all. Check your plan's Summary of Benefits or call the plan to confirm. You can compare plans with dental coverage using the Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov.
Can I use my dental discount plan at any dentist?
No. Discount plans only work at dentists in their network. Before you join a plan, search the network to see whether dentists you prefer are included. Call the dentist to confirm they participate and honor the discount before you sign up.