Medicare Dental Coverage Options and Limitations Explained for 2026

The 2026 “Medicare & You” handbook clarifies that Original Medicare Parts A and B do not cover routine dental services such as cleanings, fillings, extractions, or dentures. Coverage is limited to dental services directly related to certain medical procedures. Individuals enrolled in Medicare and seeking dental coverage commonly find options through Medicare Advantage plans, which may offer dental benefits as part of extra coverage. However, some healthcare providers, including certain cardiology offices, might not accept Medicare Advantage plans, opting instead for traditional Medicare or group insurance coverage. This creates a challenge for beneficiaries who need to align dental insurance coverage with their healthcare providers’ accepted insurance types. Aside from Medicare Advantage, dental insurance options include traditional indemnity dental plans and discount dental plans. Traditional plans typically cover preventive care fully, while providing partial coverage for restorative and major dental procedures, often with no waiting periods for new claims. Discount plans offer reduced rates for services by participating dentists but require the dentist’s network participation. Beneficiaries should verify with their dentists which dental plans are accepted to ensure coverage compatibility. Dental coverage can be paired with Original Medicare with or without a supplemental plan, or Medicare Advantage plans. This guidance assists Medicare beneficiaries approaching eligibility or transitioning off COBRA benefits in understanding their dental insurance options within the Medicare framework. The information helps navigate coverage decisions amid provider network restrictions and coverage limitations intrinsic to Original Medicare.