Does UnitedHealthcare Medicare Cover Dental Implants?

Dental implants can be expensive, costing somewhere between $3,000 and $5,000 on average per tooth. Given that investment, it’s natural to wonder if UnitedHealthcare, one of the largest insurance companies in the U.S., will pay for dental implants. 

UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) plans may not always cover the cost of dental implants, though some UHC Medicare plans can cover dental implants. That’s because dental implants are sometimes considered cosmetic, and some insurance plans may not cover cosmetic procedures. 

However, some UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans that include dental coverage may cover the cost of the crown, bridge or denture that is supported by the implant. 

Dental benefits vary by plan, so be sure to check with your UHC Medicare plan carrier directly if you already have a plan, or carefully review the coverage information of a prospective plan you’re considering. You can compare Medicare Advantage plans online or get help by calling to speak with a licensed insurance agent.

When Do UHC Medicare Plans Pay for Dental Implants in 2024? 

A UnitedHealthcare Medicare plan that includes dental coverage may charge you a copay or coinsurance for dental services, and some preventive dental care may be offered with $0 copays and no costs towards your deductible. Plan costs vary from one plan to the next.

Medicare Advantage plans are an alternative way to receive Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) benefits, and many Medicare Advantage plans – such as those offered by UnitedHealthcare – offer extra coverage for things not covered by Medicare Part A or Part B.

Some of these benefits may include things like dental and vision care, prescription drugs, gym memberships, transportation, meal delivery and more. 

In addition to regular exams and teeth cleanings, some of the dental services covered by a UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plan may include things like:

• Diagnostic services such as X-rays, oral cancer screenings, evaluation of gum tissue and other preventive tests. 
  
  
• Restorative care, including fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures and other artificial treatments.
  
  
• Endodontics, which encompasses treatment of tooth pain, disease and infections. A root canal is a common endodontic treatment.
  
  
• Periodontics, which focuses on the treatment of the areas supporting the teeth. Surgery to install dental implants is generally performed by a periodontist.
  
  
• Tooth extractions, or the removal of teeth. 
  
  
• Prosthodontics and maxillofacial services. Prosthodontics is the area of dentistry that focuses on dental prostheses and concerns the design, manufacturing and fitting of artificial replacements for teeth and other parts of the mouth. 

A Medicare Advantage plan with dental benefits may charge a monthly premium and annual deductible, although some plans may offer $0 monthly premiums, and some may offer $0 deductibles.

Speak to a Medicare insurance agent licensed to sell UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans to learn more about the dental benefits available in the plans where you live and how you may enroll if you’re eligible.

Does AARP Cover Dental?

AARP offers Medicare Advantage plans from UnitedHealthcare, some of which include dental coverage. Some AARP plans provides coverage for dental services such as dental implants, crowns, periodontics, and TMJ, for example.