Your oral health is a vital part of living a healthy life. So to make sure your smile is protected, it’s a good idea to know whether your Medicare plan covers dental care. And if dental care isn’t covered, knowing your options can make a big difference.
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn’t cover most dental services. All HealthPartners® Robin (PPO) Medicare Advantage plans, many HealthPartners® Journey (PPO) Medicare Advantage plans and some HealthPartners® Freedom (Cost) plans offer dental allowances to cover basic dental care.
If you want more dental benefits, you have options. Adding supplemental comprehensive dental coverage to your Medicare plan can bring more peace of mind in knowing you have the coverage you need when you visit the dentist.
Supplemental dental coverage is an add-on available with many HealthPartners Medicare plans. You’ll have the option to add this coverage for an additional monthly premium when you enroll for Medicare or during certain enrollment periods throughout the year. (For 2021 plans, learn about 2021 dental add-on options.)
- 100% coverage for preventive and diagnostic care
- After a $50 deductible, you’ll get 50% coverage (up to an annual max of $1,100) for other dental care, including sealants, fillings, periodontics, oral surgery, prosthetics and more
- All your Medicare dental coverage will be in one place and in one plan, making things easier to keep track of
- No waiting periods after enrollment – your benefits start after the first of the month
Original Medicare covers dental services only when they’re part of a hospital stay. Adding supplemental dental insurance coverage alongside Medicare can help you pay for cleanings, exams and other essential dental care.
All HealthPartners Robin Medicare Advantage plans, many HealthPartners Journey Medicare Advantage plans and some HealthPartners Freedom plans offer allowances to cover basic dental care. Check your plan’s details for more information.
Original Medicare doesn’t cover dentures. Some Medicare Advantage and Medicare Cost plans may cover dentures, but coverage varies by plan.
Adding supplemental dental insurance coverage can be a smart move to help you access more benefits, like dentures and other comprehensive care.
Supplemental dental coverage is a Medicare plan add-on. That means you can only sign up for it during a Medicare enrollment period.
First, you’ll need to sign up for a Medicare plan that offers the supplemental dental coverage you want (alongside, of course, the medical perks and benefits you’re looking for). Then, you can add optional dental coverage during the enrollment process.
Medicare enrollment periods include:
- Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) when you turn 65
- The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) every year from October 15 through December 7, when you can switch Medicare plans
- The Five-star Special Enrollment Period from December 8 through November 30, when you can make a one-time switch from your current plan if the plan you want to enroll in has a five-star rating.
- Certain other enrollment periods if you sign up for Medicare after you turn 65, have a Medicare Advantage plan or have a special circumstance
Don’t worry – if you live in Minnesota, western Wisconsin or northeastern Wisconsin, we also offer HealthPartners senior dental insurance options that can help you get the dental coverage you need.
Last updated October 2021
H2422_001601 Approved 10/1/2021
H2462 H4882_001601 Accepted