Does Medicare Cover Braces?
In most cases, Medicare does not cover braces and other orthodontic care. However, if an accident or disease requires a medically necessary restoration procedure by an orthodontist, Medicare will cover it. Read on to learn more about how Medicare covers braces.
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- Medicare does not cover dental procedures unless required due to a related medical condition.
- The cost for braces can vary between $4,800 to $7,135 throughout one to two years of treatment.
- Many Medicare Advantage plans offer dental care as part of their expanded services.
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What Are Braces?
Dental braces are wire devices made of stainless steel alloys used to correct overbites and crowded teeth. Braces are most often used during adolescence but can be beneficial to adults as well for cosmetic or functional corrections. Dental braces help people to achieve a straight smile and bite by aligning their jaws and teeth over a period of two or more years.[mfn referencenumber=1]Mayoclinic.org, “Dental braces“, Accessed October 29, 2021[/mfn]
How Does Medicare Cover Braces?
In the event of an emergency or medical condition that requires a hospital stay, Medicare Part A may cover the inpatient hospital costs even if the costs related directly to the orthodontic procedure aren’t covered. However, standard orthodontic braces are not covered by Medicare Part A and Part B. [mfn referencenumber=2]Medicare.gov, “Dental Services“, Accessed November 8, 2021[/mfn]
How Much Do Braces Cost?
The cost of braces and other orthodontic treatments varies from one area to the next. The American Dental Association estimates the cost of braces to be $4,800 to $7,135 over the course of the treatment. These costs are not only for the initial installation of the braces, but also the one to two years of follow-up visits, cleanings, and adjustments.[mfn referencenumber=3]smileprep.com, ”Cost of Adult Braces in California”, Accessed November 8, 2021[/mfn]
Medicare Advantage
Although Original Medicare limits the circumstances that cover orthodontic care, many Medicare Advantage plans include dental insurance benefits. Because Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies, the packages available through these plans differ. Even though they may offer coverage for routine dental care, this may not include specialist care like braces or other orthodontic care. Check the list of benefits a plan offers to understand coverage, cost-sharing, and coverage limits.[mfn referencenumber=4]Medicare.gov, “How do Medicare Advantage Plans work?“, Accessed October 29, 2021[/mfn]
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Summary
Unfortunately, Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) will not cover the costs of your braces or other orthodontic devices. If you need coverage for braces to get the perfect smile, you should check the Medicare Advantage plans in your area. Many Medicare Advantage plans cover dental care services and orthodontics as part of their expanded dental services.