Medicare Advantage dental benefits in Munster (Seniors 65+)

What Dental Insurance Options Are Available for Seniors?

Medicare benefits are available to people diagnosed with a chronic kidney disease, those who are permanently disabled, or are at least 65 years of age. In fact, seniors are automatically enrolled in Medicare once they turn 65. Although Medicare does have advantages, it typically doesn't provide coverage for basic dental services. This can include fillings, extractions, dentures, and even cleanings and exams. This can cause Medicare beneficiaries to look elsewhere for assistance paying for dental care. There are many options available, such as enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan, a discount plan, private insurance, or in-office financing. Please contact our office if you have any questions about dental benefits in Munster.

Take a look below to see some examples of average costs for many common dental procedures and services, although your total out-of-pocket costs will vary.

Checkups and Cleanings:

• Basic exam–$50 to $100
• Dental X-ray–$20 to $250
• Standard cleaning–$70 to $200

Fillings:

• Silver amalgam–$50 to $300
• Composite–$90 to $450

Extractions:

• Simple extraction–$75 to $450
• Surgical extraction–$150 to $650
• Wisdom tooth extraction–$75 to $3,000 based on the number and complexity of the extractions

Crowns:

The cost of a crown can range from $500 to $3,000 based on the type of material used.

Root Canals:

The cost of a root canal can range from $300 to $2,000 based on the location of the tooth and the complexity of the procedure.

What Should I Know About Medicare Advantage Plans?

A Medicare Advantage plan is an optional, supplemental plan designed for seniors. The plan expands on the initial coverage provided by traditional Medicare and is offered by private healthcare companies life Aetna, Humana, and UHC. Most supplemental plans include coverage for vision, hearing, and dental benefits, in addition to prescription drug coverage, but check with your provider for confirmation.

Recipients of a Medicare advantage plan can choose from certain network providers, although some plans let beneficiaries choose their own healthcare provider. Members of supplemental Medicare plans have the advantage of price protection and cost-sharing measures, including caps on out-of-pocket spending and lowered deductibles and premiums. These supplemental plans are unlike Medicare in that they're reimbursed by private insurance companies. Traditional Medicare is offered and subsidized by the federal government.

As these supplemental plans are distinct from traditional Medicare, beneficiaries will get a different ID card. This means that members will have their red, white, and blue Medicare card in addition to their Medicare supplemental card. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, most beneficiaries of Medicare Advantage plans in 2019 can expect to pay about $28.00 a month on average. Although this cost is affordable for most seniors, it's important to understand that dental coverage for this plan typically includes basic services only, such as x-rays, cleanings, and exams.

Should I Choose Standalone Dental Insurance?

Standalone dental insurance offers many advantages, whether you're only interested in receiving comprehensive coverage or just want to receive basic preventative dental services. With three different plan levels available, you can make a decision that's based on your budget and dental health needs.

Basic Plans:

Basic plans typically cover dental services that are preventative in nature, including professional exams, x-rays, and cleanings. Although they're the most affordable standalone plan available, they're not an ideal option for anyone who requires advanced dental work because you'll have significant out-of-pocket costs.

Mid-level Plans:

If you're interested in receiving a wider range of dental services, you might consider a mid-level plan. These types of plans cover expanded services that address common dental problems, including emergency treatment, specialized x-rays, orthodontic treatment, fillings, dentures, and inhalation anesthesia.

Premium Plans:

The majority of top-tier standalone plans offer partial coverage for the most complex dental procedures and services, such as:

• Inlays, onlays and other dental restoration services
• Complete or partial dentures
• Crowns
• Oral surgery
• Treatment for gum disease, such as endodontic and periodontal procedures

While it's the most expensive plan, a premium plan can save you money in the long-term if you ever need a complex procedure or treatment.

Insurance offered by private dental companies follows a pattern known as "100-80-50." In general, this means that diagnostic and preventative services are usually covered 100% by your provider, a filling may be covered at 80%, and a crown or a root canal may be covered at 50%. It's important to note that your premium fees are determined by which of the three standalone plans you choose. In addition, unlike a Medicare supplement plan, standalone plans usually don't provide benefits for vision, hearing, or prescription medications.

Should I Consider Dental Discount Plans as an Alternative to Insurance?

There are several private companies that sell dental discount plans, but they work differently than traditional insurance. Discount plans work by allowing members to pay a reduced rate for most common dental services, including:

• Exams
• Fillings
• Cleanings
• X-rays
• Extractions
• Dentures
• Crowns
• Root canals

Discount plan members don't pay a yearly or monthly premium. Instead, members pay an enrollment fee and a low monthly payment to the company offering the discount plan. Patients still pay their dentist directly, but they pay a discounted rate that's pre-negotiated.

Take a look at some of the other benefits associated with discount plans for dental services:

• You receive full benefits immediately after signing up.
• No more worries about paying deductibles or copays.
• There usually aren't any restrictions based on pre-existing conditions or age.
• You can visit your provider as often as you need.
• Members can change dentists whenever they want.

Despite these benefits, discount plans aren't a viable option for everyone. Since they don't offer as much coverage as traditional insurance, you may end up paying more for dental services if you need a complex procedure or extensive dental work. However, if you only need preventative cleanings and other basic services, a discount plan can help you save money.

Do I Have Options for Managing Larger Dental Expenses?

Are you without dental benefits in Munster and wondering if there are options available for helping seniors manage out-of-pocket dental costs? Fortunately, many dental providers allow qualified patients the opportunity to make flexible payments or take advantage of financing plans. One such example is CareCredit, a financing option that over 200,000 healthcare providers across the nation accept. In a similar way to a credit card, CareCredit lets qualified applicants make payments each month to pay their balance over time.

If you're looking for short-term financing, some medical credit companies offer financing for up to two years. For larger balances, some companies allow individuals to make payments over a period of five years. Many short-term financing options will not charge interest if the total balance is paid in full within a certain length of time. Just like other forms of credit, however, applicants must meet specific requirements and undergo a credit check. Some options also have very high interest rates, which can be as high as 20%.

For information about discounts on dental services and insurance options for seniors, it's a good idea to check with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and other similar organizations. Seniors can also call our office if they have any questions.