Health matters, regardless of age. However, seniors over 65 are more prone to severe complications as a result of poor oral health. This is where the need for some kind of dental coverage comes in. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), seniors with dental problems such as sores, dental caries (cavities) and periodontitis and receding gums need the right oral health care plan. Else, get ready to spend a hefty sum on dental visits.

A Medicare Advantage Plan that includes dental can help seniors with out-of-pocket expenses for certain dental treatments. If you’re a senior 65 or over, or have Medicare Part A and B, you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan now, if you are in your initial enrollment period. If you’re considering Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), it will only cover dental costs in emergencies or complex conditions. If you want a plan to cover routine oral healthcare, you will need a proper dental plan.

Unfortunately, Medicare doesn’t offer dental plans individually. If a beneficiary is looking for Dental Insurance Texas under Medicare, the only way for them is to get enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes dental benefits. The Medicare Advantage plan provides coverage for everything that Original Medicare covers. In some cases, the plan provides more coverage than Original Medicare offers. Please note that the dental benefits may vary with different Medicare Advantage plans so get to know in advance what the plan exactly covers. The best way is to keep your future dental needs in mind when choosing from the group of options. For instance, if you think you’ll need dentures soon, keep that in mind when searching for the right Medicare Advantage Plan with dental coverage. Taking this step before selecting a plan will help you greatly in the long run.

A Medicare Advantage Plan with dental coverage may offer:

• Routine Dental Care
• Diagnostic Services
• Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery
• Endodontic/Periodontal/Extractive and Prosthodontics
• Restorative Services

At a certain age, when the cost of your dental care exceeds the limits that you are comfortable with, you may want to consider a supplemental dental insurance plan. You may need a supplemental coverage plan for a year or two – depending on your circumstances – to help reduce out-of-pocket expenses for orthodontia (braces) or ultra-expensive care such as dental implants. People who already have Medicare have the liberty to add a supplemental plan.

Dental Supplement Plans may cover out-of-pocket costs, for example:

• Co-Insurance,
• Co-payments, and
• Deductibles

Keep in mind that a Medicare Supplement plan does not offer additional coverage for services like routine vision, routine dental such as check-ups, x-rays, cleanings, or extractions, routine hearing, or prescription drugs. Medicare does not cover most dental care. Medicare Part A will pay for certain dental services that you get when you are in a hospital and need to have an emergency or complicated dental procedures.

Shopping for senior dental coverage? You’ll need to do some research. Consider contacting Texas Medicare Solutions to help you in your search. The dental coverage offered by some Medicare Advantage Plans can help reduce out-of-pocket dental expenses.

Senior citizens in Texas should know how much dental care is essential in old age. Without proper dental care, dental conditions such as periodontal disease and increased cavities can cost a fortune per visit to the dentist. Also, with a good dental plan, poor health in the elderly can improve dramatically. Dental coverage will almost always be a more cost-effective solution for seniors 65 and over.