Original Medicare (Parts A and B) generally does not cover routine dental care like cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, or dentures. It only covers specialized, medically necessary dental services, such as exams required before a kidney transplant or heart valve replacement. For routine coverage, individuals typically need a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) or separate dental insurance.
Some of the items and services Medicare doesn't cover include:
Does Medicare cover dental care? Dental care is not seen as medically necessary by Medicare. Original Medicare generally doesn't cover dental exams, procedures or supplies. Part A, however, may help with certain dental services while you're in the hospital.
No. Even though Medicare can cover many of your health care costs, you'll still have some out-of-pocket expenses, including premiums, deductibles, copayments and coinsurance.
Here are some of the biggest Medicare mistakes to avoid:
Generally, most vision, dental and hearing services are not covered by Medicare Parts A and B. Other services not covered by Medicare Parts A and B include: Routine physical exams. Cosmetic surgery.
Best for comprehensive Medicare dental coverage: HealthSpring (formerly Cigna) Medicare Advantage. Best Medicare dental coverage with high ratings: Aetna Medicare Advantage. Best for Part B Giveback with dental coverage: Humana Medicare Advantage.
Original Medicare‡ And Dental Coverage
For example, if you're in the hospital for dental surgery, Part A will cover your inpatient costs. For other dental care, such as teeth cleanings and root canals, you will pay 100% of the cost.
Here are some of the biggest Medicare mistakes to avoid:
Generally, you're first eligible to sign up for Part A and Part B starting 3 months before you turn 65 and ending 3 months after the month you turn 65. (You may be eligible for Medicare earlier, if you get disability benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.)
One of the most common reasons is that they do not feel that the reimbursements provided by Medicare cover the costs associated with providing care for these patients. Additionally, some doctors may have concerns about the paperwork or bureaucracy that comes along with treating Medicare patients.
If you have Medicare drug coverage (Part D), your yearly out-of-pocket Part D drugs will be capped at $2,100 in 2026. Once you reach this cap, you won't have to pay a copayment or coinsurance for covered Part D drugs for the rest of the calendar year (page 83).
Costs for Part B (Medical Insurance)
$202.90 each month (or higher depending on your income). The amount can change each year. You'll pay the premium each month, even if you don't get any Part B-covered services.
Simpler Billing and More Predictable Reimbursement
One of the main reasons doctors prefer Medicare Supplement plans is streamlined billing and payment. Medicare Supplement plans work directly with Original Medicare (Parts A and B).
Low payment complaints about Medicare are common. A survey by health policy organization KFF found that for physician services, private insurance paid on average 143% of Medicare rates, and paid nearly double Medicare rates for all hospital services (199% of Medicare rates, on average).
Across the country, health systems report that Medicare Advantage's growing administrative burden — from denied authorizations to delayed reimbursements — has become unsustainable. Some hospitals have already ended their contracts; others are limiting participation to only a few select plans.
Medicare Premiums Over $500
However, if you have a higher-than-average income, your Part B premiums start going up on a sliding scale. How much extra you pay is based on the income you reported to the IRS two years ago.
If you're already getting benefits from Social Security or the RRB, you'll automatically be enrolled in both Part A and Part B starting the first day of the month you turn 65.
Starting in 2025, there is an annual limit on what you pay out-of-pocket for prescription medications through Medicare and Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans. All prescription medications, including specialty medications, covered by Part D plans are included under this cap.
Original Medicare Part A and Part B doesn't cover most routine dental care. Good news is, If you're a senior on Medicare and need dental coverage, you have options. Two common coverage options include a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) or a standalone dental plan.
Public Dental Clinics
Many charge low, fixed prices or sliding fees based on how much you can afford. Most clinics offer exams, cleanings, X-rays, root canals, fillings, crowns, and surgical tooth extractions. Some may have emergency dentists on call.