Does Medicare Cover Dental Implants?

As you age, your teeth might require more care, and you might even lose some or all of your teeth. In fact, one in five adults 65 and older have lost all of their teeth, which can take a major toll on their overall health. Dental implants can help, but they can be quite expensive. If you are considering getting a dental implant, you are probably wondering how much it will cost and if Medicare will cover it.

Dental Implant Surgery Costs

green price tag
The average price for a single implant can be around $3,500 to $6,000.

Dental implant surgery is a procedure in which artificial teeth with metal posts are secured in your jawbone to replace damaged or missing teeth. The price of dental implants can vary depending on how many teeth you need to have replaced, but the average price for a single implant can be around $3,500 to $6,000. This can feel like an overwhelming amount of money if you need multiple implants, so is there any way to get them covered?

What Medicare Covers

Unfortunately, Medicare does not generally cover routine dental services, including implants. There are exceptions, though: for example, Medicare Part A will pay for some dental services if you are in an inpatient setting. And if you are in an accident and require dental services, Medicare will cover the costs. 

In addition, there are several stand-alone dental plans available that will help cover the cost of dental implants. These plans often group dental coverage with additional coverage for vision and hearing, as Original Medicare doesn’t cover those services, either. 

If you do choose to pay for dental surgery, and there are any health concerns or issues after the surgery, Original Medicare will cover the costs of treatment.

Extra Coverageillustration of hands with a network of people

If you are looking for extra coverage apart from a dental and vision plan, a Medicare Supplement Plan is the way to go. Although Medicare Supplement Plans, like Original Medicare, do not provide dental coverage, if your procedure occurs in an inpatient setting or additional health issues arise after you get dental implants, your Medicare Supplement Plan will cover those related costs. This extra coverage can save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars each year. 

There are 10 different types of Medicare Supplement Plans to choose from, each offering different coverage options and rates. It’s worth looking into a Medicare Supplement Plan to save as much money as you can, so speak to an EZ agent for all of your options. EZ’s agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation and can compare plans for you in minutes at no cost. To get free instant quotes for plans that cover your current doctors, simply enter your zip code in the bar on the side, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.

Ready To Travel? Make Sure You’re Insured!

Now that travel restrictions are finally being lifted, and people are getting back to traveling, you might be thinking that it’s time for you to get back out there, too. But before you do, you should check a few things off of your list: along with grabbing your passport, vaccination card, and itinerary, you need to make sure you are fully insured before you travel! This is especially important if you are older and on Medicare, because Medicare coverage for overseas travel is limited. If you travel to another country and get hurt, you’ll have to pay your medical bills out-of-pocket, unless you are properly insured.

person's hand holding a boarding pass
Medicare will cover you anywhere in the U.S. but not when you travel outside of the U.S.

Medicare Coverage For Travel

If you are a Medicare beneficiary and are traveling within the U.S., you will have coverage anywhere in the U.S. and its territories. This includes all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. As long as the hospital and/or doctor that you visit accept Medicare assignment,  you will be fully covered. If you are traveling abroad, however, it’s a different story.

When Medicare Will Cover You Abroad

There are very few scenarios in which Original Medicare will actually cover you when you are in a foreign country. These include:

  • If you live in the United States and have a medical emergency, but the nearest foreign hospital is closer to you than the nearest U.S. hospital.
  • If you have a medical emergency while you’re traveling to Canada, without unreasonable delay, between Alaska and another U.S. state, and the closest hospital that can treat you is in Canada. Medicare will determine on a case-by-case basis what qualifies as “without unreasonable delay.”
  • If you live in the United States and the foreign hospital is closer to your home than the nearest U.S. hospital, you can get coverage for certain healthcare services, whether it is an emergency or not.
  • If you are on a cruise ship and you need to receive medically necessary care while the ship is in U.S. waters or a U.S. port (or within six hours of arrival or departure from a U.S. port).

Extra Coverage

a hand with a bubble over it with an airplane and suitcase in the bubble
If you want extra coverage when traveling, then a Medicare Supplement Plan can offer you that at an affordable price.

All of this means that you won’t be fully covered by Original Medicare when traveling abroad, so the best option for getting adequate coverage is a Medicare Supplement Plan. These plans work alongside Original Medicare to provide you with coverage for things, like foreign travel, that Medicare does not cover. Medicare Supplement Plans C, D, F, G, M, and N all provide some sort of foreign travel coverage. 

There are 10 different Medicare Supplement Plans to choose from, each offering different coverage options and rates. It’s worth looking into a Medicare Supplement Plan to save as much money as you can, so speak to an EZ agent for all of your options. EZ’s agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation and can compare plans in minutes for you at no cost. To get free instant quotes for plans that cover your current doctors, simply enter your zip code in the bar on the side, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.

Does Medicare Cover Nutrition Counseling?

Most of us know how important nutrition is to our overall health, but unfortunately, we don’t always eat the way we should. Instead of planning and eating healthy meals, we often grab something quick. or something that tastes delicious, but lacking in nutritional value. But as you age, focusing on nutrition becomes especially vital, because poor nutrition can lead to a number of chronic diseases, or make some of them worse. If you’re struggling with your nutritional habits, you should know that nutrition counseling is available – but will Medicare cover it, so you can make better choices?

Consequences of Poor Nutrition

According to the CDC, 6 in 10 adults have a chronic disease brought on by lifestyle choices, including poor nutrition. In the short term, poor nutrition can lead to stress and tiredness; in the long term, it can contribute to the risk of developing conditions like being overweight or obese, type-2 diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, osteoporosis, and even some cancers.  

If your diet is less than ideal, you’ll probably notice:black and white picture of an asian man looking down and tired

  • Decreased energy levels– Eating processed foods, or foods high in salt, sugar, and starch, can lead to a spike in your blood sugar, leaving you feeling lethargic afterward. 
  • Reduced immunity– Eating food that does not fuel your body will mean your body will be less able to fight off illness. 
  • Disrupted sleep– Unhealthy diets can lead to obesity, which is linked to sleep apnea, snoring, and restless leg syndrome.
  • Increase in memory problems– Many studies show a link between a poor diet and long-term cognitive decline. 

Medicare & Nutrition Counseling

Nutrition counseling, or medical nutrition therapy (MNT), has been shown to lower the chances of getting sick or developing conditions associated with poor nutrition, and improve your overall quality of life, especially if you have a chronic disease. So, since 2002, Medicare beneficiaries have been given access to medical nutrition therapy benefits, depending on their health status. 

For example, if you have diabetes or kidney disease, you could be covered for MNT under Medicare Part B. If you meet the qualifications, you will pay nothing out-of-pocket, because your nutrition counseling will be considered a preventative service. 

If you qualify for MNT, you will get services including:

  • An initial nutrition and lifestyle assessment
  • Individual and/or group therapy sessions
  • Help with managing your chronic disease
  • Follow-up visits to check your progress

Medicare will generally cover three hours of MNT in the first year, and up to two hours of MNT for each year after. 

Extra Coverage

illustration of a doctor and medical equipment around
Medicare Supplement Plans can help cover costs that Original Medicare does not cover.

If you choose to get nutrition counseling that is not a preventative service, you will pay coinsurance as well as your Part B deductible. Remember that Medicare Part B only covers 80% of the cost of treatments, leaving you the remaining 20% to pay out-of-pocket. This can be quite expensive, especially if you are living on a fixed income, as many Medicare beneficiaries are. Fortunately, though, you can save money on medical expenses and get extra coverage by purchasing a Medicare Supplement Plan. 

There are 10 different Medicare Supplement Plans to choose from, each offering different coverage options and rates. It’s worth looking into a Medicare Supplement Plan to save as much money as you can, so speak to an EZ agent for all of your options. EZ’s agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation and can compare plans in minutes for you at no cost. To get free instant quotes for plans that cover your current doctors, simply enter your zip code in the bar on the side, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.

Don’t Leave Money On The Table, Compare Medicare Supplement Plan Prices Today With EZ

It’s no secret that Medicare is great, but still doesn’t cover all of the costs of the medical services you receive. This is why a Medicare Supplement Plan comes in handy; one of these plans will pick up the rest of the costs that Medicare does not cover. And these plans are 100% worry-free: all Medicare Supplement Plans are standardized and regulated by federal and state laws. There’s no doubt that these plans are well-managed money-savers, which is why they are so popular. So don’t leave money on the table! Come to EZ to find a Medicare Supplement Plan – we can help you find the best plan with the most savings and the right coverage for you!

Medicare Supplement Plan Options multiple white doors in a row

One of the many great things about Medicare Supplement Plans is that you have options. There are 10 different Medicare Supplement Plans, meaning there is a plan that will meet your medical needs and fit your budget, since each plan offers different levels of coverage at different price points. 

To find the right plan for you, it’s important to review your lifestyle and your medical needs. For example, do you need a lot of coverage or just the basics?  How much can you afford to pay each month in premiums? Do you like to travel, and need a plan that will cover you overseas? The best way to figure this out is to work with a licensed EZ agent. Our knowledgeable agents work with all the top-rated companies in the country, and can find the perfect plan for you. 

You Can Enroll All Year! year calendar

Talk about convenience! If you think you missed your opportunity to get a Medicare Supplement Plan when you turned 65, you’re wrong. Medicare Supplement Plans are available all year round and yes, you can get a plan whenever you feel like you want to save some money. The only difference between getting a plan when you turn 65 and getting one later on is that you won’t have guaranteed issue rights, so you might have to answer some health questions. These rights are offered to you when you first enroll in Medicare when you turn 65, and mean that you are guaranteed to be approved and will be given the standard rate, no matter your health. But if you want a Medicare Supplement Plan today, don’t let health questions stop you or scare you off!

Even if you have health conditions, you can still find a great, affordable Medicare Supplement Plan. EZ has helped thousands of people find the right Medicare Supplement Plan for them, a plan that has allowed them to get more coverage and save more money. Medicare Part B bills can become overwhelming, so a Medicare Supplement Plan is just what you need to keep your medical expenses under control. 

At EZ, we are trained to be on your side and to help you get the best plan to fit your budget. We want to help you get coverage, not help insurance companies get right. We know how hard it is to deal with a ton of phone calls and agents hounding you, so we’ll never hassle you or bounce you around from agent to agent –  we work for you. Let us help you today! To get free instant quotes for plans that cover your current doctors, simply enter your zip code in the bar on the side, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.

What to Look for in a Medicare Healthcare Provider

Medicare provides great coverage for a lot of necessary medical services; one of the other great things about it is that it also covers most doctors. The question, then, is how to choose a Medicare provider who is right for you. Whether you are new to Medicare and need a doctor, or are looking to change providers, there are some important things to consider. Otherwise, you could not only get stuck with a doctor who doesn’t suit your needs or who you don’t get along with, but with an unexpected bill as well. 

clipboard with information on it and a medical cross
First you will want to make sure your doctor is licensed and accepts Medicare.

Are They Licensed & Qualified?

If you like your current doctor, great! But if you are looking for a new doctor, or are new to Medicare and are looking for an approved provider, the first thing you will want to do when checking out providers is to make sure they are licensed and qualified to handle your specific needs. Ask the provider how they would coordinate your care and what services they offer. 

Do They Accept Medicare?

As a Medicare beneficiary, you can receive care from any doctor and hospital that accepts Medicare, so the next thing you will need to make sure of is that they accept Medicare assignments. This is just as important as knowing what services they provide, because if they don’t accept Medicare, all of their fees will come solely out of your pocket. 

How Much Will Medical Services Cost You?

Again, Medicare is great, but the coverage it provides is not actually free, unfortunately, You will have monthly premiums and copays to pay, as well as deductibles to meet. Not only that, but with Medicare Part B, you will pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount of services. It’s important to remember that some doctors – especially specialists – will charge more than others, so you should check how much the provider you are looking into charges for their services. 

Are They Easily Accessible?

Nothing is more frustrating than trying to get an appointment with a doctor who is constantly booked for weeks on out. Before choosing a provider, take a look at their reviews online, paying special attention to what people say about their accessibility and wait times. 

scheduling calendar
Make sure that you can get in to see the doctor and they aren’t booked all of the time or too far away.

In addition, make sure the doctor’s office is close to where you live, so it won’t be a hassle to get to them, or a long drive to each appointment.

Your doctor is an important part of your care plan as you get older. You want to make sure that you have someone who listens to you, will give you the card you need, and will not cost a fortune. Make sure to do some research before choosing a Medicare provider, and remember that, although Medicare will cover the majority of costs when you seek medical services, it doesn’t cover everything. 

So if you need help covering your 20% coinsurance, consider a Medicare Supplement Plan. Medicare Supplement Plans can cover your Part A deductible, and coinsurance costs, as well as your Medicare Part B copayment, coinsurance, and deductible. There are 10 different plans to choose from, and depending on which plan you choose, you could get anywhere from 75% coverage of your medical expenses, all the way up to 100%. Each plan offers a range of coverage at different price points.

EZ can compare all 10 Medicare Supplement Plans and find the one that will meet your financial and medical needs. Our agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation, which makes comparing plans easy, quick, and free – our services come at no cost to you because we just want to help you save money so you can focus on your health. To get free instant quotes on plans that cover your doctors, simply enter your zip code in the bar above, or to speak to a local licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.

Medicare Reimbursement: How It Works

If you’re on Medicare, you know by now that Medicare doesn’t cover everything. You have to meet your deductibles each year, and pay your copays and coinsurance for your doctor visits. There are also some doctors who will charge more than the Medicare-approved amount for services, meaning you’ll have to pay more out-of-pocket to see them. But did you know that you can submit a claim to Medicare to receive some of your money back for some of the care that you receive? So how does Medicare reimbursement work?

Medicare Payment Processhundred dollar bill puzzle

Medicare billing works pretty similarly to that of private health insurance, except that you can see any medical provider, as long as they accept Medicare assignment. As long as they accept Medicare, your medical provider will bill Medicare, who will then pay the agreed-upon rate to the medical provider. You’ll then be left to pay the remaining out-of-pocket costs, or the coinsurance/copay.

But if you see a non-participating provider who does not agree to accept Medicare rates, they can choose to charge more than the Medicare reimbursement amount for services. Medicare allows out-of-network providers to charge up to 15% more than the approved amount for their services, also known as the limiting charge. Whatever rate they charge, you will need to pay the bill out-of-pocket and then file a claim for Medicare reimbursement. 

Original Medicare

If you ever find yourself needing to pay for services upfront, you will need to file a claim with Medicare to get reimbursed. Here’s what you need to know: 

  • The provider has 1 year to submit a bill for their services to a Medicare Administrative Contractor.
  • If the provider does not file within the time limit, you must complete Patient Request for Medical Payment Form 1490S. 
  • You will have to provide itemized bills and a letter explaining why you are submitting a claim.
  • You will receive a Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) in the mail every 3 months, which will outline any claims for reimbursements.
  • Medicare Part B will reimburse 80% of the Medicare-approved amount for the healthcare services you received.

Medicare Supplement Plans

gold piggy bank
A Medicare Supplement Plan can help you save hundreds of dollars a year on medical expenses.

If you want to avoid having to pay for medical services out-of-pocket, you should consider a Medicare Supplement Plan. These plans work with Original Medicare to provide extra coverage for what Medicare doesn’t cover. There are 10 different types of Medicare Supplement Plans to choose from, each offering different coverage options and rates. It’s worth looking into a Medicare Supplement Plan to save as much money as you can, so speak to an EZ agent for all of your options. EZ’s agents work with the top-rated insurance companies in the nation and can compare plans for you in minutes at no cost. To get free instant quotes for plans that cover your current doctors, simply enter your zip code in the bar on the side, or to speak to a licensed agent, call 888-753-7207.

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