How to Add Dental Coverage to Your Medicare Plan

If you have Original Medicare, you already know that it does not cover most dental care. As we explain in our article on whether Medicare covers dental, routine services like cleanings, fillings, and dentures are excluded. But you are not stuck without options.

There are four main ways to add dental coverage when you have Medicare. This article walks through each option step by step, including costs, enrollment timing, and what to watch out for. Plans and coverage vary by location, so always verify the details of any plan available in your area.

Option 1: Switch to a Medicare Advantage Plan with Dental

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. They cover everything Original Medicare covers, and most also include dental, vision, and hearing benefits. According to CMS data, about 98% of Medicare Advantage plans in 2026 offer some dental coverage.

Here is how to enroll:

1. Check your timing: You can switch to Medicare Advantage during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), which runs October 15 to December 7. Coverage begins January 1. You can also switch during the Open Enrollment Period (OEP) from January 1 to March 31.
2. Compare plans in your area: Use the Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov to compare Medicare Advantage plans available where you live. Filter for plans that include dental benefits and check the details of what is covered.
3. Review the dental benefits closely: Look at the annual dental maximum, what services are covered (preventive only vs. comprehensive), copay amounts, and the dental provider network.
4. Check your doctors: Medicare Advantage plans use provider networks for all services, not just dental. Make sure your primary care doctor, specialists, and preferred dentist are all in the plan's network.
5. Enroll online, by phone, or through an agent: You can enroll directly through Medicare.gov, call 1-800-MEDICARE, or work with a licensed insurance agent.

Keep in mind that switching to Medicare Advantage means giving up your Medigap plan if you have one. This is a significant decision that should be considered carefully.

Option 2: Buy a Standalone Dental Insurance Plan

If you want to keep Original Medicare and your Medigap plan, you can purchase a standalone dental insurance plan from a private insurer. For a detailed comparison, see our article on Medicare Advantage vs. standalone dental.

Here is how to get a standalone dental plan:

1. Research plans online: Several large insurers offer dental plans for seniors. You can compare plans on insurer websites, through online marketplaces, or with the help of an insurance agent.
2. Compare key features: Look at premiums ($20 to $60 per month is typical), annual maximums ($1,000 to $2,000), waiting periods, and whether your dentist is in-network.
3. Check for waiting periods: Many standalone plans have waiting periods of 6 to 12 months for major services like crowns and dentures. If you need major work soon, look for plans with shorter or no waiting periods.
4. Enroll at any time: Unlike Medicare Advantage, standalone dental plans are not tied to Medicare enrollment periods. You can sign up at any time during the year. Coverage typically begins the first of the following month.

Option 3: Join a Dental Discount Plan

Dental discount plans are not insurance. They work like a membership that gives you reduced rates at participating dentists. You pay an annual fee, typically $80 to $200 per year, and receive discounts of 10% to 60% on dental services.

Here is how to get started with a discount plan:

1. Find a reputable plan: Look for discount plans with large provider networks and transparent pricing. Check online reviews and verify the plan's credentials.
2. Verify your dentist participates: Discount plans only provide savings at participating dentists. If your dentist does not participate, the plan will not help you.
3. Sign up and start saving: There are no enrollment periods or waiting periods. You can join at any time and often start receiving discounts within a few days.

Discount plans work well for people who need affordable access to dental care without waiting periods. However, since they are not insurance, you still pay for every service yourself, just at a lower rate.

Option 4: Check Medicaid for Dental Benefits

If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for Medicaid in addition to Medicare. People who have both Medicare and Medicaid are called dual eligibles. Many state Medicaid programs offer dental benefits that can fill the gap left by Medicare.

Here is how to find out if you qualify:

1. Check your state's Medicaid rules: Income limits and dental benefits vary by state. Some states offer comprehensive dental coverage through Medicaid, while others provide only emergency dental services.
2. Apply through your state Medicaid office: You can apply online, by phone, or in person. If you already receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you may be automatically enrolled in Medicaid in some states.
3. Ask about the Medicare Savings Programs: Even if you do not qualify for full Medicaid, you may be eligible for a Medicare Savings Program that helps pay for Medicare premiums and other costs.

Understanding Enrollment Periods

The timing of your enrollment depends on which option you choose. For a detailed look at all Medicare enrollment windows, see our guide to Medicare enrollment periods.

Here is a quick summary of the key enrollment windows:

• Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 to December 7. This is when you can switch to a Medicare Advantage plan or change your existing plan. Coverage starts January 1.
• Open Enrollment Period (OEP): January 1 to March 31. If you are already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to a different one or return to Original Medicare during this window.
• Special Enrollment Period (SEP): You may qualify for a SEP if you experience certain life changes, such as moving to a new area, losing employer coverage, or qualifying for Medicaid.
• Standalone dental plans: No enrollment period restrictions. You can enroll at any time.
• Dental discount plans: No enrollment period restrictions. Join at any time.

What to Watch Out For

Adding dental coverage to Medicare is not complicated, but there are some common pitfalls to avoid. Keep these in mind as you make your decision.

• Waiting periods on standalone plans: If you need dental work soon, a 12-month waiting period on major services will not help. Ask about waiting periods before you enroll.
• Low annual maximums: A plan with a $500 annual dental maximum will not cover much if you need a crown or root canal. Look for maximums of at least $1,000 to $2,000.
• Network restrictions: If you switch to Medicare Advantage for dental, you are also switching your medical coverage to a network-based plan. Make sure all of your doctors, not just your dentist, are in-network.
• Medigap implications: Dropping a Medigap plan to join Medicare Advantage is usually a one-way decision. In most states, you may not be able to return to Medigap later without medical underwriting or higher premiums.
• Discount plans are not insurance: Be clear on this difference. Discount plans give you lower rates, but you still pay the full (discounted) cost of every service. They do not pay a portion of your bill like insurance does.

Comparing Costs: Which Option Fits Your Budget?

Here is a quick cost comparison of the four ways to add dental coverage to Medicare:

• Medicare Advantage with dental: Many plans have $0 extra premium. Annual dental maximum typically $1,000 to $2,000. No waiting periods for most plans.
• Standalone dental insurance: $20 to $60 per month ($240 to $720 per year). Annual maximum $1,000 to $2,000. May have waiting periods of 6 to 12 months for major services.
• Dental discount plan: $80 to $200 per year. No annual maximum. No waiting periods. Savings of 10% to 60% on services.
• Medicaid dental: Free or very low cost if you qualify. Coverage varies by state.

The Bottom Line

Original Medicare does not cover most dental care, but you have four solid options for adding dental coverage. Medicare Advantage is the most popular choice because it bundles dental with medical coverage at little or no extra cost. Standalone dental plans give you more control and let you keep Original Medicare and Medigap. Dental discount plans are the most affordable entry point. And Medicaid may provide free dental coverage if you qualify.

The right choice depends on your dental needs, your budget, and how important it is to keep your current doctors and dentist. Take time to compare plans carefully, and remember that plans and coverage vary by location. Review the specific options available in your area before making a decision.