Dental Coverage with Medicare
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people with disabilities, people suffering from end stage renal disease, and people 65 years and older. However, most Medicare plans do not cover dental services. The majority of Medicare patients do not have dental insurance. Lack of dental coverage puts elderly and disabled patients at risk for gum disease and tooth decay, as well as other infections and diseases. If your Medicare plan does not cover dental, Sunrise Dental in Peoria can help you find the right coverage or payment plan to ensure you get the dental care you need.
Medicare and Dental Coverage
Medicare A covers hospital care, while Medicare B covers medical care. Medicare A and B do not cover dental exams, cleanings, fillings, extractions, root canals, crowns, implants or bridges. Dental equipment and prosthetics such as dentures, plates, orthodontic equipment or retainers are not covered either. Medicare Advantage Part C plans are the only Medicare plans that might include basic dental coverage. However, only a few dental services are covered. Patients with Medicare Advantage plans usually still have to pay out of pocket for fillings and most other treatments.
Good Dental Care Prevents Disease
Dental health is vital to overall health, especially for elderly patients. Many systemic diseases have been linked to oral infections. Untreated periodontal disease can lead to or complicate conditions such as oral cancer, heart disease, and diabetes. Regular checkups and cleanings help to detect cavities and gum disease and prevent more serious conditions. The sooner that periodontitis is diagnosed, the better the chances of reversing the damage.
Dental Insurance for Checkups
If your medicare plan does not include dental coverage, you might want to consider enrolling in a separate dental insurance plan. Some insurance providers even offer dental plans specifically for seniors. By paying a monthly premium, you can avoid costly emergencies and keep your teeth in good shape. Crowns, root canals, and tooth extractions can be expensive procedures, but early detection of periodontal disease symptoms during a routine examination can mitigate your risk.
Medicaid and Dental Coverage
Medicaid is a state-run public assistance program for low income individuals, regardless of age. Although benefits vary by state, Medicaid plans usually offer some dental benefits. Arizona Medicaid covers dental screening and treatment for children. For adults 21 and older, Arizona Medicaid only covers emergency dental services up to $1,000. Don’t wait for an emergency to visit the dentist! Cleanings and checkups are essential when it comes to detecting and preventing periodontal disease.
CareCredit® Financing
Sunrise Dental has many resources available to help our patients find dental coverage and get the treatment they need. We also offer CareCredit® Financing for any patients who may be seeking convenient monthly payments in line with their personal budgets. With CareCredit® you get the financial help and care you need, without delaying appointments or treatment. You can also use CareCredit® for all your future needs without reapplying.
Contact Us
Call Sunrise Dental at 623-487-4870 to learn more or visit our website to schedule an appointment. Our friendly dentists Dr. Timothy Mettler, Dr. Victoria Griego, and Dr. Andrew Mikhail are committed to providing the highest level of dental care. We look forward to giving you a reason to smile!