If you are one of 57 million Original Medicare recipients, you may not have the dental coverage you need. Many seniors and Medicare recipients under the age of 65 who qualify due to a disability look into supplemental dental insurance to make sure they have the coverage they need to maintain their oral health. In fact, in the United States, over 30 percent of Medicare recipients are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans that include Part A and Part B benefits but usually provide additional benefits including dental care. These Medicare Advantage plans are sold by private insurance companies, like Humana, that contract with Medicare.
Located in the United States, Humana Inc. is a private health insurance company with a Medicare contract. Humana offers Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, PFFS, and stand-alone prescription drug plans (PDPs).
Medicare Advantage plans are required to provide at least the same coverage as Original Medicare Parts A and B, but many include additional services like vision care, hearing exams, dental services, and other health and wellness programs. Many policies also include prescription drug coverage (Medicare Part D).
Having coverage for dental care is important, especially for Medicare recipients who may need extra dental care on a regular basis. Insurance companies like Humana have special dental plan options that may be valuable to you. Discuss all your options with a knowledgeable and licensed sales agent to find out which plans are available in your area and which one is right for you.
Does Humana Medicare Cover Dental Care?
With only a few exceptions, Original Medicare benefits do not include coverage for most routine dental work. That is why many Medicare beneficiaries choose to get supplemental insurance.
Many companies that sell Medicare Advantage insurance policies include optional dental coverage. Humana, for example, has what they call their MyOption dental plans which provide different levels of coverage.
Depending on where you live, you may be able to enroll in dental coverage offered by Humana. The options are: MyOption Dental High PPO, MyOption Enhanced Dental PPO, or MyOption Enhanced Dental HMO.
The coverage you can get through the dental plans include:
• Up to 100 percent coverage for two routine dental examinations per year.
• Up to 100 percent coverage for one set of bite-wing x-rays.
• Coverage for up to two routine teeth cleaning procedures per year.
• Discounts or allowances for some basic dental care such as fillings, and
crowns; the amount depends on which plan you have.
• Partial coverage for other procedures like root canals, extractions,
dentures, and adjustments; the amount is dependent on your plan.
Original Medicare benefits do not cover dentures or denture repair, but Medicare Advantage plans may give you a discount for them. If you currently have dentures, or your dentist suggests that you get them, you should take this into consideration when choosing the right dental plan.
Be sure to review and compare your options. Plans may vary in deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, and annual fees. Not all plans are available everywhere and premiums and benefits also depend on what your area offers.
Cost Benefits of Humana Medicare Dental Care Coverage
Most Medicare recipients are seniors over the age of 65 and are more vulnerable to dental problems. The natural aging process takes its toll on the teeth, and studies show that 70 percent of people over the age of 65 have some level of periodontal disease. After 65, teeth also become more brittle and prone to damage. Dental care can be expensive and expenses can add up quickly. For this reason, dental insurance can help alleviate your stress over dental care bills.
Of course, dental care costs vary depending on location, the type of procedure, the technology involved, and the dentist’s fees, but the U.S. average price for cleaning is between $75.00 and $200.00 per visit. If you need dentures you may pay between $600.00 for basic and $8,000.00 for premium dentures without the discounts that private insurance companies like Humana offer.
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