Medicare Dental Coverage: What Is Included In the Coverage?
First of all, Medicare is a health insurance policy designed primarily for the elderly and the disabled. If you reach the age of 65 or if you are disabled, then you will automatically qualify for Medicare. Most people who are under Medicare know that hospitalization, prescription drugs as well as outpatient treatments are covered. However, not everyone knows that there is also dental coverage with Medicare.
Currently, Medicare will be able to cover dental services that are basically required for a particular procedure, such as reconstructing the jaw because of accidental injury. Also, tooth extractions can also be covered if the patient needs the procedure in preparation for radiation treatment for neoplastic diseases which involves the jaw.
Another covered dental procedure is oral examinations but not treatment prior to kidney transplant surgery or heart valve replacement surgery. And, you need to remember that Medicare will only cover such procedures if it is performed by a dentist who is on the hospital staff in Part A coverage or performed by a physician under Part B coverage.
These are the things that you need to know about Medicare and dental services. As you can see, Medicare will be able to cover dental services but only in a limited way.
You need to remember that dental care is primarily not covered by Medicare unless a procedure requiring dental surgery or services is needed.
So, before you rush on to your dentist to get another denture, you need to remember that Medicare will not be able to cover most types of dental procedures.
