If you need extensive dental procedures that extends beyond a typical routine checkup, cleaning and fluoride treatment, you may wonder if Social Security benefits are enough to have this work done. The answer is: probably not. Getting dental care on Social Security requires some careful planning. However, with the right strategies and information, there is a way to get the dental care you need while still being able to afford it. Here are some strategies for getting dental care while on Social Security.
No, Social Security does not cover dental procedure!
The Social Security Act (in Section 1862(a)(12)) states that such dental care and treatment will not be paid for. This includes not just routine treatment for the teeth, but also its supporting structures, such as the gums, the jaw, tooth sockets and so on.
Under Medicare, dental work can only be covered when these are needed to be done to treat a covered illness. Additional conditions include: the need for the dental work to be done during the patient’s hospital stay, the fact that the dental procedures done are intrinsically part of the treatment for the illness for which the patient was hospitalized in the first place.
Know which services make the most sense
When Social Security benefits are tight, you need to prioritize the dental procedures that will make the greatest difference in your oral health. A few examples of such procedures are:
A tooth extraction when there are teeth that are decayed or that have already broken underneath the gum line
A filling when a tooth has a deep cavity
Partial dentures to replace lost teeth
A crown when a tooth has been fractured and the pulp remains expose
If you have cavities, you’ll need to have these filled. But cavities can be repaired with a standard filling
Cavities with decayed teeth at the root may require an extraction.
Check your coverage through medicare
If you are enrolled in Medicare, you will have access to dental coverage through Medicare Advantage plans and supplemental dental insurance plans. Make sure you know exactly what is covered by your plan. If you have a low income, you may qualify for a dental subsidy through Medicare. You qualify, you will be able to select from a list of dentists who provide low-cost services. If you do not qualify for a subsidy, you can still use this list to find a dentist who offers reduced rates.
Compare dental care costs
One way to make dental care more affordable is to compare the costs of a variety of dentists in your area. It may be that you can find a lower-priced dentist who will give you the same level of service. If you are in a Medicare Advantage program, you will have access to a directory of dentists who accept your coverage. You can use this directory to compare the rates of various dentists.
Find a good-value dentist and negotiate
If you have found a dentist who offers reduced rates, you can discuss with them the services you will need and how much they should cost. If so, please remember to let them know that you are using a reduced rate due to your limited income. Depending on what your dental needs are. You may be able to negotiate a lower cost for several procedures at once.
Ask your dentist about discounts
If you have found a dentist who charges you a higher rate than your income warrants. You can ask them if they offer any discounts. Some dentists offer a reduced rate for patients who pay cash. Some also offer a reduced rate if you are willing to pay the bill in installments. It may be that the dentist offers a reduced rate for people who are receiving government assistance.
Summing It Up
If you have dental coverage, you should use it. But if the benefits from your dental plan are not enough to cover the dental procedure you need, you should look for ways to cut costs. Finding a dentist who offers reduced rates. Comparing dental costs and negotiating a reduced rate for dental services can all help you get the dental care you need while still being able to afford it.
