Routine dental care isn’t generally covered by Original Medicare. What many Medicare beneficiaries don't realize is that some Medicare Advantage plans may include routine dental benefits that Original Medicare simply doesn't cover.

Original Medicare doesn't cover most dental care

Original Medicare — Parts A and B — covers dental care only in very limited circumstances, such as dental work required as part of a covered medical procedure. Routine cleanings, exams, fillings, extractions, and dentures are not covered under Original Medicare, leaving beneficiaries to pay entirely out of pocket or go without care.

Poor oral health is linked to increased risk of heart disease, diabetes complications, and other serious conditions that disproportionately affect older adults. Skipping dental care isn't just uncomfortable — it can affect your overall health over time*.

What to look for when comparing dental benefits

Some Medicare Advantage plans include preventive dental coverage — often at no additional cost to the member. If a plan in your area includes this benefit, it's worth understanding exactly what you're getting before you enroll.

Not all dental benefits are created equal. Here are the key questions to ask when evaluating whether a plan's dental coverage will actually work for you.

Is your current dentist in-network?

Most plans with dental benefits require you to use in-network providers to access the coverage. If your dentist isn't in the plan's network, you may need to switch or pay out of pocket.

What is the annual benefit maximum?

Many dental benefits come with a cap on how much the plan will pay per year. Knowing that number helps you understand the real value of the benefit.

What services are actually covered?

Preventive care is the most common inclusion. Whether a plan covers anything beyond that varies significantly.

How does cost-sharing work?

Even when a service is covered, there may be copays or coinsurance that apply. Understanding your share of the cost upfront avoids surprises at the dental office.

NOTE: Dental benefits are not available on all Medicare Advantage plans and are not a standard Original Medicare benefit. Coverage levels, annual maximums, and in-network requirements vary by plan and location.
Senior couple reviewing Medicare paperwork together

How to find a plan with dental coverage near you

Medicare Advantage plan availability and benefits are local. A plan with dental coverage in one county may not be available in the next, and benefit structures change year to year. The fastest way to find out what's offered in your ZIP code is to compare plans with the help of a licensed insurance agent who can walk you through your options at no cost.

A licensed insurance agent can compare plans side by side, check whether your current dentist is in-network, and help you identify which plan offers coverage that will actually be useful — not just a benefit that looks good on paper.

See which Medicare Advantage plans
near you include dental benefits

Answer a few quick questions and a licensed Medicare agent will walk you through your options — at no cost to you.

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We represent Medicare Advantage plans with the following carriers:AETNA BETTER HEALTH INC. (NJ)®, Aetna®, Florida Blue Medicare®, HealthSpring℠, UnitedHealthcare®, Care N Care®, Clover Health®, Allina Health |Aetna Medicare®, Zing Health Inc.®, Wellcare®, Molina Healthcare®, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield