Olde Hornet
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Retirees, Create a Plan to Pay for Dental Care
Medicare doesn’t include dental coverage, and some retirees don’t realize the costs and complications of paying for oral care.
getpocket.com
Medicare doesn’t include dental coverage, and some retirees don’t realize the costs and complications of paying for oral care.
But finding dental coverage after 65 isn’t simple. More than half of adults ages 50 to 64 told researchers they didn’t realize that dental care isn’t included in Medicare, says Beth Truett, chief executive officer of Oral Health America, a nonprofit advocacy group.
It’ll take some time and effort to find the right fit, whether it’s paying for care yourself or buying insurance. “You have to do your homework,” Jones says.
Start by getting an idea of what dental work costs. Go to FAIR Health, a nonprofit medical and dental claims data organization whose website allows you to plug in your zip code, select a procedure and determine the average cost for it in your location. For example, getting a crown replaced will cost you about $1,200 in Orlando, Fla.
Consider your own health. If you have frequent gum problems or trouble brushing your teeth because of illnesses, such as arthritis, you’ll need more visits and more care. “How often you need care depends on each person,” Jones says. She says most plans offer two visits per year and two cleanings per year. If you need more, you’ll pay for them yourself. And you’ll be on the hook for any additional procedures.