Original Medicare doesn’t cover most dental work, but there are 4 other ways to get coverage

Two common misconceptions about Medicare are that it doesn’t cover dental care and that beneficiaries need to pay all dental expenses out of pocket, which could explain why most older adults have gum disease. 

Roughly half of people with Medicare haven’t had a dental visit in a year, according to the KFF health policy research group. Poor oral health is associated with medical problems like heart disease, stroke, and cognitive impairment. 

“Visiting the dentist regularly not only prevents dental complications from developing but also prevents minor oral health issues from progressing into larger ones,” noted CareQuest Institute for Oral Health. 

It’s true that Original Medicare’s Part B medical insurance doesn’t cover most dental work, including routine cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, or dentures.

But there are other ways people with Medicare can get dental coverage aside from their employer or former employer.

Read the full story to learn more.