I have Original Medicare, and I'm wondering if I'd save more on my dental cleanings if I switched to a Medicare Advantage plan instead.

Question

Melissa Barton · Accepted Answer

Yes you can save money on dental cleanings if you switch to a Medicre Advantage plan. Most Advantage plan include $0 copay for cleanings, x-rays, preventive care, and extraction.

Larry Dalton · Answer

Choosing between traditional Medicare with a supplemental plan and a Medicare Advantage plan involves careful consideration of your specific needs and priorities, particularly regarding dental coverage. 

Traditional Medicare, along with a supplemental plan, offers the advantage of immediate coverage at any provider that accepts Medicare, providing peace of mind with no unexpected costs. On the other hand, opting for a Medicare Advantage plan means transitioning to a private insurance group that may offer additional options, including dental coverage. 

However, it’s important to note that with these plans, you may have access to a more limited network through PPO and HMO options, and pre-approval for certain services might be required. Ultimately, the decision comes down to balancing your desired coverage with your plans for future travel or any specialized care needs outside of your local area.

Lt Col Tim Brown · Answer

Most Medicare Advantage plans (MAPD) come with Dental, hearing and vision and if you have an MAPD plan with a zero premium, then you certainly are getting that dental benefit at no charge to you.  I'd be glad to help you if you'd like to call. 

I'm licensed in 13 states.

Lt Col Tim Brown, LUTCF
Gallatin TN 37066
615-506-9024

Robert Moore · Answer

Depending upon the carrier and the Medicare Advantage plan, you can save money.  However, I may recommend that you choose a stand alone dental plan for yourself if your current situation calls for it.

Michael Ryan · Answer

Quick answer is most likely. Do your research first.. Many Advantage plans have dental coverage. Coverage and benifits will vary.. I would not make dental coverage your primary focus in choosing an Advantage plan.. If one doesn't find what they need for dental care in an Advantage plan there are many stand alone plans that will.

Answered by Michael Ryan on March 26, 2025

Broker Licensed in CA, AZ, CO & 7 other states

Answered by Michael Ryan Medicare Insurance Agent

Mary Turner · Answer

I would never change to a Medicare advantage plan for something like dental cleanings. Depending on your situation you could save in one area while adding more expense to another. If, however, you need extensive dental, the right plan could help you save.

Answered by Mary Turner on March 31, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL

Answered by Mary Turner Medicare Insurance Agent

Sandra Bailey · Answer

Medicare Advantage plans include routine checkups & cleaning plus some will include extra benefits.  You must use in network dentist.  Please compare your original plan & services before switching

Carolee Turner · Answer

Yes you would. Medicare only covers medically necessary services. A stand alone dental plan can cost money. Be sure when considering a Medicare Advantage that your doctors and specialists are in network. Make sure when considering a MA that there is dental embedded in the plan and that it covers your specific needs, such as cleanings, root canals or dentures.

Answered by Carolee Turner on April 18, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, IL, MI, OH, SC & TN

Answered by Carolee Turner Medicare Insurance Agent

Steven Bleicher · Answer

Apparently, you may not recall that Medicare DOES cover anything that is considered to be “routine dental”, like    x-rays, cleanings & fluoride treatment. But depending upon when this policy was written, it is imperative that you look in your new updated manual to locate all of the benefits of your policy.      

However, you are also remiss if thinking that dental cleaning should take precedence over so many other health benefits that Original Medicare and a Med. Supplemt. can provide you.           

Plus, you should insist on having an assigned agent to help you or call           1-800-Medicare.

Norman Smith · Answer

Please don’t do that!!! That would be one of the worst decisions of your life!
Currently you are in total control of your health decisions, you have coverage that carries anywhere in the ISA and have the choice of the BEST MEDICAL CARE AVAILABLE! To go to a MA plan is to voluntarily give those things up for the benefit of a dental cleaning? Compare that to needing the best Doctor for cancer, heart, lungs, blood issues, surgeries, and rehabilitation choices. 
You are better to find a dental plan through private options or AAA or AMAC. But don’t give the freedom of the best health options for that!

Gregg Matheny · Answer

You definitely would save more on an advantage plan in the dental category. Everybody’s needs vary and so it really depends on what is best for you but if you’re medical needs are very easily managed or non-existent then it’s not a bad idea to invest more into your vision, dental, and hearing (which original Medicare doesn’t cover) and Medicare advantage has a reputation for offering some high dental benefits. The first step is to talk to a broker about “good plans” with a good dental benefit.

Answered by Gregg Matheny on March 26, 2025

Agent Licensed in AZ & UT

Answered by Gregg Matheny Medicare Insurance Agent

Paul Dzierzanowski · Answer

Seeing as Original Medicare offers no coverage for dental cleanings, the general answer is yes. But exactly how much you would save depends on the details of the individual Medicare Advantage (MA) plan. Some MA plans offer extensive dental benefits no matter which dentist is seen, whereas some MA plans offer specific benefits, for example, cleanings, for in network dentists only. Please call me directly at 239.848.8893 for more information.

Answered by Paul Dzierzanowski on March 31, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL

Answered by Paul Dzierzanowski Medicare Insurance Agent

Frank Woerner · Answer

Most Medicare Advantage plans include a dental benefit. Preventive services like cleanings, exams often are covered. However, some plans may charge a small extra premium for these services. If you're working with an agent, check with them, or the individual carrier. Stand-alone dental insurance plans often provide better coverage. Worth considering.

Answered by Frank Woerner on April 14, 2025

Broker Licensed in IN & IL

Answered by Frank Woerner Medicare Insurance Agent

Fred Manas · Answer

Original Medicare, generally does not cover routine dental care, such as: 
dental exams,
cleanings,
fillings,
dentures,
and extractions. 
However, there are limited exceptions where Medicare may cover dental services. 
e.g. 
1.) dental care necessary for a medical condition, such as before or after surgery
2.) dental care provided as part of inpatient hospital care and/or
3.) dental care related to an emergency situation
NOTE:   Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, which are private health insurance plans, often include dental services that traditional Medicare does not. Individuals should do a side-by-side comparison of separate dental insurance policies to supplement their Medicare coverage in order to obtain comprehensive dental care.

Jaye Maxx Alexander II · Answer

If you get a MAPD or MA plan, don't get it just for the dental benefits. You must look at the ability to have a plan that will include your PCP and your hospital of choice . You can keep the original Medicare Part A and Part B with a separate dental plan that will cover all your needs .

Answered by Jaye Maxx Alexander II on April 21, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC, AK, AL & 47 other states

Answered by Jaye Maxx Alexander II Medicare Insurance Agent

Barbara Barnes, CMIP® · Answer

You might save money at the dentist, if they accept your plan, but end up spending more on your medical needs.

Medicare Advantage plans have copays for most medical services. With Original Medicare you are responsible for 20% of Medicare Assignment after deductible, so if Medicare allows $72 for an office visit, 20% of that would be $14.40, but a Medicare Advantage plan may charge a flat $20 for an office visit copay. Also, Original Medicare allows you to see any doctor that accepts Medicare, while most Medicare Advantage plans require that you see only doctors that participate in their network.


Before you make this change, make sure you understand all of the provisions of the Medicare Advantage plan, and check to be sure the dentist and doctors you want to see will all accept the plan.

Darko Bozic · Answer

Original Medicare does not cover dental cleanings. Most advantage plans do. You could add a stand-alone dental plan to your original Medicare.

Babs Atwell · Answer

It depends on other types of coverage you may have. If you do not have a Medicare Supplement to work with your Original Medicare, and you do not have a stand alone dental plan, then the short answer would be Yes. I recommend finding a local agent/broker to sit down with and discuss your current coverages specifically.

Answered by Babs Atwell on May 1, 2025

Broker Licensed in OH

Answered by Babs Atwell Medicare Insurance Agent

Robert Vitale · Answer

Yes, switching from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan could potentially save you money on dental cleanings, especially if the plan offers supplemental dental benefits. Loss of Coverage is a Qualifying Life Event: Losing health coverage through your employer is a qualifying life event that triggers a Special Enrollment Period, allowing you to enroll in a new health plan outside of the regular Open Enrollment period.

Answered by Robert Vitale on May 21, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL & OH

Answered by Robert Vitale Medicare Insurance Agent

Angela Olson · Answer

On the dental cleanings themselves, absolutely, but it could cost you way more than that on medical expenses. Find a good broker to walk you through the impacts.

Toni Johnson · Answer

Check to see if your employer provides dental with your major medical plan. If they do not, you may purchase a 'stand alone' dental plan, You do not have to purchase a Medicare Advantage Plan just to cover your dental needs.

Answered by Toni Johnson on May 14, 2025

Agent Licensed in FL, IN, MO & 5 other states

Answered by Toni Johnson Medicare Insurance Agent

Steve Dunn · Answer

The original medicare (parts A and B) don not cover routine dential cleanings. Medicare poart C usually covers preventiative services like cleanings (but not all part C plans are the same). Medicare Advantage (part D) will save you provided the dentist is in network.

Answered by Steve Dunn on June 3, 2025

Agent Licensed in CA

Answered by Steve Dunn Medicare Insurance Agent

Theresa Waltersdorff · Answer

Although you would save on your biannual cleanings, you would need to start paying copays for some of your care. There are many things to consider before switching plans.

Jeanne LaChance · Answer

Original Medicare does not include dental coverage. Many Medicare Advantage Plans include dental coverage with cleanings. A broker can review your overall health plan needs and show you options that include dental coverage.

Answered by Jeanne LaChance on June 2, 2025

Broker Licensed in RI, CT, MA & NJ

Answered by Jeanne LaChance Medicare Insurance Agent

I have Original Medicare, and I'm wondering if I'd save more on my dental cleanings if I switched to a Medicare Advantage plan instead.

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I have Original Medicare, and I'm wondering if I'd save more on my dental cleanings if I switched to a Medicare Advantage plan instead.

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