The Hidden Gap in Medicare

Every fall, millions of Americans review their Medicare options during Open Enrollment. You may feel confident about your coverage, after all, Medicare is designed to protect you in retirement. But here’s the truth that many people don’t realize until it’s too late: Medicare does not cover most dental care.

That means the very treatments you’re most likely to need as you age  (like fillings, crowns, dentures, implants, or even routine check-ups) could leave you facing bills that run into the thousands. And those bills? They can devastate a retirement budget if you’re not prepared.

What Medicare Covers (and Doesn’t) for Dental

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers hospital stays, doctor visits, and medical treatments. But dental? That’s a different story. Routine cleanings, x-rays, fillings, extractions, dentures, and implants are not covered. In fact, unless a dental procedure is directly tied to a covered medical service, you’ll be paying out-of-pocket.

Sure, some Medicare Advantage plans may offer limited dental benefits, but those often come with caps of $1,000 or $1,500 per year. That might sound helpful, until you realize one dental implant can cost $3,000–$5,000 or more.

A Smart Solution: Dental Savings Plans

Here’s where I want you to be proactive. A Dental Savings Plan (DSP) is not insurance, and that’s actually a good thing. Instead of paying high premiums for minimal coverage, you pay a low annual fee for access to a network of dentists who offer significant discounts on treatments.

1. Savings can range from 10%–60% on everything from cleanings to dentures and implants.
2. There are no annual limits. Your savings won’t “max out” after you hit a cap.
3. Plans activate quickly, so you don’t have to delay care.

Why It Matters for Your Financial Security

Dental health is not just about your smile. Poor dental health is linked to heart disease, diabetes complications, and more. Ignoring care because of cost isn’t an option, but draining your savings to pay for it shouldn’t be, either.

With a DSP, you can protect both your health and your budget. No surprise bills. No annual cap to worry about. Just consistent, reliable savings when you need care most.

So don’t let this Medicare gap blindside you. Add a Dental Savings Plan to your Medicare coverage, and give yourself the peace of mind that you’ll never have to choose between your health and your wallet.  For more info, visit http://www.dentalplans.com/SuzeAdvice.