It surprises a lot of people: Original Medicare doesn’t cover most dental care. In most cases, it doesn’t pay for routine cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, dentures, or implants (Medicare.gov).
Medicare may cover dental care only in limited cases tied to a medical treatment, like an exam before a heart valve replacement or organ transplant (Medicare.gov).
Option 1: A Medicare Advantage plan with extras
Virtually all Medicare Advantage plans offer some dental, vision, and hearing benefits (Newsweek). But “dental coverage” can mean very different things:
- Some plans cover cleanings and X-rays only.
- Others include a yearly allowance for bigger work like crowns or dentures.
- Many plans trimmed extra benefits for 2027, so read your Annual Notice of Change (Newsweek).
Short on time? Book a free 30-minute Medicare check-up and we’ll do the comparing for you.
Option 2: A stand-alone dental plan
If you have Original Medicare and a Medigap plan, you can buy a separate dental plan. Stand-alone plans often have waiting periods for major work, so it’s smart to enroll before you need it.
Questions to ask about any dental benefit
- What’s the yearly maximum the plan will pay?
- Are cleanings and exams covered at 100%?
- What percentage does the plan pay for fillings, crowns, and dentures?
- Is there a waiting period?
- Is my dentist in network?
Vision and hearing
Original Medicare generally doesn’t cover routine eye exams for glasses or hearing aids. Many Medicare Advantage plans include an eyewear allowance and hearing aid benefit. Compare the dollar amounts, not just the checkmarks.
Key Medicare dates
- October 15 to December 7: Annual Enrollment Period. Changes start January 1
- Missed it? Most people can’t change plans again until next fall, unless they qualify for a special enrollment period
Quick answers
Do you offer stand-alone dental plans?
Yes. We can compare stand-alone dental options alongside your Medicare coverage.
When can I buy a stand-alone dental plan?
Most stand-alone dental plans can be bought any time of year. Check for waiting periods.
Not sure if your Medicare plan still fits?
Book a 30-minute Medicare check-up. A licensed agent reviews your doctors, prescriptions, and costs, then tells you plainly whether to stay or switch. No cost and no obligation.
Book My Medicare Check-Up or call (786) 730-9658
Prefer to read first? Download the 2027 Medicare Check-Up Checklist.
Related guides
- Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap: which is right for you?
- Top 5 Medicare myths debunked
- How to avoid Medicare late enrollment penalties
- Medicare Advantage 2027: 5 changes to know
- Medicare Part D 2027: the $2,400 cap explained
Sources
- Medicare.gov: Dental services
- Newsweek: How Medicare Advantage benefits are changing
- Anthem: Medicare Advantage enrollment periods
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 4 organizations which offer 57 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. Simple Start Insurance is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage organizations and stand-alone prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. Not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. This article is general information.
