Do Cigna Medicare Plans Cover Dental Care?

Because Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) does not cover most dental care, many beneficiaries look elsewhere for dental insurance. 

Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans, like those sold by Cigna, may offer benefits not found in Original Medicare like dental coverage. 

What Dental Benefits Can Cigna Medicare Plans Cover?

The exact dental coverage may vary by plan and location, but Cigna Medicare Advantage plans that include dental coverage may include dental care benefits such as:

• Oral exams
• Dental X-rays
• Cleanings
• Fillings 
• Tooth extractions
• Root canals  
• Periodontics
• Orthodontics
• Dentures and bridges
• Oral surgery
• Emergency treatment 

Preventive services such as oral exams and teeth cleanings do not typically require a copayment. Some restorative dental services may not require a copayment for covered services up to a certain cost amount for the year. 

Cigna Medicare Advantage plans also cover the limited dental care benefits that are covered by Original Medicare, such as medically necessary oral surgery to treat jaw cancer, for example.

What Are Cigna Medicare Advantage Plans?

Medicare Advantage is a form of private Medicare insurance that serves as an alternative to Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans are required by law to include all Original Medicare benefits, and may feature some coverage for things not included under Original Medicare. 

A Medicare Advantage plan can take on the form of an HMO plan, PPO plan or other plan structure that can affect which providers accept the plan. There may be a monthly premium and most plans include deductibles, copayments or coinsurance that can vary from one plan to the next. 

What Else Can Cigna Medicare Plans Cover?

In addition to dental coverage, a Cigna Medicare Advantage plan may also include coverage for other services that federally-funded Original Medicare doesn’t cover. Not all benefits are guaranteed to be available in every location or plan. 

Hearing

Cigna Medicare plans that include hearing coverage may cover things like hearing exams, hearing aid evaluations and fittings, hearing aid maintenance and more. 

Vision

Cigna Medicare plans with vision benefits may cover eye exams, screenings for glaucoma and other eye conditions and eyewear including eyeglass frames, lenses and contact lenses. 

Prescription Drugs

Cigna Medicare Advantage plans may include Medicare Part D coverage for a wide variety of prescription medications.

Transportation

Some Cigna Medicare plans may cover non-emergency medical transportation to your doctor’s office and pharmacies. 

Fitness and Wellness Programs

Cigna Medicare Advantage plans can include a fitness center membership or home fitness program. 

Nurse Hotline

Cigna members may call a telephone hotline 24/7 to speak with a nurse about any questions related to their health.

Over-the-Counter Items

Certain over-the-counter items and other health-related products available in pharmacies may be covered by a Cigna Medicare plan.

Importance of Dental Care for Seniors

It’s important for older adults to maintain good oral health habits. An increase in age can mean an increased risk of tooth and gum decay, plaque buildup and gum disease. 

Good oral health is vital to maintaining a healthy diet and promotes proper chewing. Meanwhile, poor oral health has been linked to things like diabetes and heart disease.

Many older adults allow their oral health to diminish due to a lack of routine dental coverage through Original Medicare. But a Cigna Medicare Advantage plan is one way to maintain healthy dental habits as you age. 

Enrolling in Cigna Medicare Dental Coverage

The first step toward enrolling in dental coverage through a Cigna Medicare plan is to make sure you are eligible. You must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B before you can apply for a Medicare Advantage plan. 

You can only enroll in a plan that is available in the area in which you reside. A licensed insurance agent can help you gather up the available plan options near you and review the dental coverage with you. 

Lastly, there are only certain times of the year in which you may enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan from Cigna or any other carrier, which an insurance agent can guide you through.