Does Aetna Medicare Cover Dental Implants?

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Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) does not cover dental implants or most routine dental care services. Some Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans, such as the ones offered by Aetna, can cover dental care, however.

If your Aetna Medicare Advantage plan covers dental care, it may or may not cover dental implants. Some Aetna Medicare plans may offer an annual allowance that you can use toward certain dental care items, such as dental implants.

If you already have an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan, you can check with your plan carrier to find out whether your plan may pay for dental implants.  If you’re shopping for a Medicare plan, you can compare several plans online side-by-side or call to speak with a licensed insurance agent to find out what dental benefits are covered by plans available where you live.

When Will Aetna Medicare Pay for Dental Implants?

One major factor that can determine if your dental implants are covered by an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan is whether the implants are considered cosmetic or medically necessary. If cosmetic, some plans might not cover the implants. But if the dental implants are considered medically necessary, they may be covered. 

Some plans may include an annual allowance that you can use for things like dental implants. If your Aetna Medicare plan has this type of annual allowance, you may be able to apply for reimbursement for your dental implants.

Depending on what type of Medicare Advantage plan you have, it might have a network of participating dentists. You may be able to pay less in out-of-pocket costs by visiting these providers, if network restrictions apply to your dental implants coverage. 

Do Aetna Dental Savings Plans Cover Dental Implants?

Aetna also offers dental savings plans. With some dental savings plans, you can receive discounts for a range of dental services, including dental implants, from any dentist who accepts the plan. 

Dental savings plans can often help pay for cosmetic services and can be used for pre-existing conditions, such as teeth that were missing before the plan took effect. 

How Much Do Aetna Medicare Plans With Dental Coverage Cost?

The cost of an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan with dental benefits varies depending on the type of plan you have and where you live. 

In parts of Los Angeles, for example, there are five Aetna Medicare Advantage plans available in 2024, and all five plans include dental coverage. Monthly premiums range from $0 to $90, and annual deductibles are between $0 and $750. There are likely other plan options with higher or lower costs in many other parts of the country.

Plan selection differs everywhere, so connect with a licensed Medicare insurance agent to learn about Aetna Medicare Advantage plans with dental coverage that may be available where you live. The agent should be able to discuss each plan’s coverage of dental implants with you. 

Types of Dental Implants  

The way an Aetna Medicare Advantage plan or dental savings plan covers dental implants may depend partly on the type of implants used. 

The most common type of dental implants are endosteal. This type of implant uses a metal post that is inserted under the gum line that is attached to an abutment above the gum line. Crowns or artificial teeth are then attached to the visible abutment. 

If the patient’s bone structure is too weak or damaged to support an endosteal implant, a subperiosteal implant may be used. This type of implant is placed above or inside the jawbone.

Mini implants, or small diameter implants, are a newer type of dental implant that allows for a less invasive procedure than more standard implants. 

Can Aetna Medicare Plans Cover Additional Dental Services?

Aetna Medicare Advantage plans that include dental benefits can cover preventive and routine services like exams, X-rays, cleanings and fluoride treatments, typically with a small copay or no copay at all required when performed by an in-network dentist. 

Plans may typically also cover more advanced services such as restorative care, tooth extractions, root canals, oral surgery and more. 

Aetna Medicare Advantage plans are required by law to cover everything covered by Original Medicare, and many plans may also cover vision, hearing aids, prescription drugs and more.