Medicare Answers D
ear Marci, Does Medicare ever cover dental care? —Betsey
Dear Betsey, for the most part, Medicare does not cover dental care by law. In general, Medicare does not cover routine dental care or dental care that you need primarily for the health of your teeth. For example, Medicare will generally not cover routine checkups or cleaning. However, Medicare will pay for dental services in very limited circumstances if the services are required to protect your general health or if you need dental care in order for a Medicare-covered health service to be successful. For example, Medicare will pay for dental services if: • You have a disease like oral cancer that involves the jaw and you need dental services for radiation treatment;
• You need dental splints and wiring as a result of jaw surgery; or
• You need surgery to treat jaw or face fractures.
Note that while Medicare may pay for initial dental services for the reasons mentioned above, Medicare will not pay for any follow-up dental care after the underlying health condition has been treated. For example, if Medicare paid for a tooth extraction as part of a procedure to repair a facial injury you had, Medicare will not pay for any other dental care you need in the future due to the loss of your tooth. Keep in mind that some Medicare Advantage plans may cover limited dental care, depending on the plan’s specific benefits. If you get your Medicare benefits through a Medicare Advantage plan, contact your plan to see what dental services may be covered. —Marci
ASK THE EXPERT Kelly M. Akerley, MA
Kelly M. Akerley earned a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology From Edinboro University of PA and began her career at PA State Psychiatric Hospital. In 1990 she continued her career at a community mental health facility in Pasco County where she became a program manager. In 2003 she became Director of Community-Based Care Programs and in 2006 she accepted the position of Executive Director for Children’s Home Society of Florida. In 2011 she accepted a position providing outreach and education to the new adult psychiatric unit at Brandon Regional Hospital within HCA Healthcare. She continues her position with HCA at Brandon Regional Hospital and serves on the board of directors for Hillsborough NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness).
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Lifestyles After 50 • May 2014 • page 15