When using Medicare Part B, can I get my teeth fixed? Actually, both yes and no. Even though Medicare Part B is a crucial component of your health insurance, it may not provide coverage for all of the services you require.
The A and B components of the original Medicare plan. Medical care received outside of a hospital setting, such as regular checkups with your primary care physician, preventative care, and even mental health services, are covered by Part B. Hospital care is covered by Part A.
People who are eligible for Medicare can count on having some of their medical expenses covered.
Dental care, among other ancillary medical services, may not be covered. However, if the conditions are met, Medicare Part B dental coverage may be obtained.
Does Medicare Part B Cover Any Dental Expenses?
However, Medicare Part B will only pay for dental care if it is an integral part of another covered service. It does not pay for regular dental care like cleanings or restorations like crowns, fillings, or dentures.
As a matter of fact, about 24 million Medicare recipients lack access to dental coverage.
Independent senior dental plans or Medicare Advantage plans that include dental coverage would be required to pay for these costs.
What Dental Services Are Covered by Medicare Part B?
Medicare Part B dental coverage does not pay for routine dental care, treatment, removal, or replacement, but it does pay for dental services performed by a physician as an essential part of another covered procedure. Some instances are:
- Dental checkups before a kidney transplant.
- Getting ready for radiation therapy on the jaw often necessitates extractions.
- Due to trauma, a patient required jaw reconstruction surgery.
- There must be pre-operative outpatient examinations prior to any oral surgery.
Since these aren’t routine or preventative dental procedures, Medicare recipients could benefit from purchasing a separate dental plan to help defray the costs of routine dental care, which is crucial to preserving their oral health. Medicare does not pay for routine dental care like cleanings, fillings, extractions, dentures, dental plates, or even regular visits to the dentist.
