Does Medicare Cover Dental Bridges?

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) typically do not cover dental bridges. Original Medicare has never covered dental services unless it is under severe circumstances.

For example, Part A, which covers inpatient hospital care, may cover a dental bridge procedure if you are hospitalized for a dental issue. Similarly, if a dental bridge procedure was deemed medically necessary in an outpatient setting, then Part B would provide coverage.

Since most dental bridge procedures are considered cosmetic, they are typically not covered under Original Medicare.

The cost for a dental bridge without insurance range between $500 to $5000 per unit, depending on the type of bridge you require.

The Medicare Part A deductible is $1,676 and Part B deductible is $257. Should Medicare cover your dental bridge procedure, know that you must meet your deductible before your coverage kicks in.

You can determine whether Medicare coverage will approve your dental bridge procedure by understanding the exceptions that deem it medically necessary.

Original Medicare will only cover a dental bridge if it is required to perform another Medicare-covered service or if the dental procedure requires hospitalization.

For example, if you suffer a serious face injury and require facial reconstruction, a dental bridge will likely be covered by Original Medicare.

If your current condition doesn’t fall under any of the exceptions listed, then you may find coverage under another plan.

Many Medicare Advantage plans cover dental bridges. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, 94% of Medicare Advantage beneficiaries have access to dental coverage.

Most Medicare Advantage plans offer 100% coverage for preventive dental services such as teeth cleanings and oral exams. Extensive treatments, such as dental bridges, are usually 50% to 80% covered.

A traditional fixed crown and bridge normally costs around $500 without coverage — with Medicare Advantage, your cost could be reduced by half.

Confirm that your Medicare Advantage plan covers dental bridges before undergoing a procedure to avoid unexpected costs. On the rare occasion a dental bridge is not covered, there are still alternative options to help reduce costs.

Private dental insurance and most Medicaid plans offer dental coverage. Note that these insurance options are separate from Medicare, meaning you would have to manage multiple premiums and plans at once.

While private dental insurance plans cost between $20 to $60 a month, Medicaid dental coverage and costs are determined by state.

The Center for Health Care Strategies provides a chart with each state’s Medicaid coverage, costs and restrictions. Most states offer coverage for emergency dental procedures for adults, but less than half of states offer comprehensive dental care, which includes dental bridges.

As for private dental insurance, you will have monthly premiums and possibly deductibles and coinsurance costs as well. Since a dental bridge is not considered a preventive service, there is likely additional costs involved for this procedure.

If your state doesn’t offer Medicaid coverage for dental bridges or if private dental insurance is too costly for you, there are lower-cost options available.

There are reduced-cost options for those without coverage, such as dental schools, community health clinics and the dental lifeline network.