Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Cover Dental Implants?

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Dental implants don’t come cheap, so anyone with insurance will be keen to wonder if the implants are covered. 

While Original Medicare (Medicare Parts A and B) doesn’t typically cover any routine dental care, many Medicare Advantage plans ­– such as Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage plans – cover routine dental care.

Although plan benefits and availability can vary, some Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Medicare Advantage plans may cover dental implants. You should check directly with your plan provider or your plan Evidence of Coverage to learn more about whether dental implants are covered by your plan.

If you’re shopping for a Medicare Advantage plan, you can compare plan benefits online or call to speak with a licensed insurance agent who can help you find a plan that offers the dental benefits you need.

When Do BCBS Medicare Plans Pay for Dental Implants?

Dental implants that are considered a cosmetic or elective procedure may not covered by all insurance plans. Some plans may offer an annual allowance beneficiaries can use to help pay for certain dental care services or items. Depending on the plan you have, an annual allowance for dental care might be able to be used to help pay for dental implants.

While some Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare plans may not cover a dental implant itself, some plans may cover some of the things related to the procedure. For example, the process of getting implants will require an dental exam and some X-rays, both of which may be covered by a Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage plan that includes dental coverage. 

Preparation for oral surgery may require a tooth extraction to clear way for the implants, and tooth extractions may generally be covered by some plans. You will likely be put under anesthesia during the procedure, which may also be covered. A Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage plan that includes dental coverage may also pay for the crown or bridge that is used on top of the dental implant. 

So while the implant itself may not always be covered, you may be able to receive coverage for other important dental care services. 

What Does Blue Cross Blue Shield Dental Insurance Cover?

Blue Cross Blue Shield sells standalone dental plans that can be paired with a health insurance plan, and BCBS also sells Medicare Advantage plans, some of which may include dental coverage. 

Preventive dental care is typically covered in full. That includes routine exams, teeth cleanings and X-rays. It’s also common for Medicare Advantage plans with dental coverage plans to include oral health services and items such as:

• Fillings
• Extractions
• Dentures
• Bridges
• Crowns
• Advanced treatment such as root canals
• Orthodontics
• Oral surgery

Should I Get Implants Through BCBS?

Implants have some advantages over non-implanted dentures, such as more stability in the mouth, stronger chewing, and improved speech and appearance. 

Good candidates for dental implants include those in good overall health, non-smokers, healthy gums with strong jaw bones, and a commitment to proper oral hygiene and future dental visits. 

Dental implants are artificial tooth roots made of ceramic or metal that take the place of your natural roots in the upper and lower jaw bones. A bridge or denture is then attached the implant. 

Dental implants can cost anywhere between $1,500 and $6,000 per tooth out of pocket, depending on the exact nature of the implants and the specific type of issue being addressed.

Find a 2024 Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage Plan That Covers Dental Benefits

A Blue Cross Blue Shield standalone dental plan that covers dental implants may be available where you live, though plan benefits can vary. BCBS may not offer Medicare Advantage plans in your area that cover dental implants, so it’s important to carefully compare plans online or call to speak with a licensed insurance agent who can help you review the benefits of plans available in your area.