Kaiser Dental Care Coverage Under Medicare — Here’s What to Know
Many seniors are surprised to learn that dental care isn’t automatically included in their Medicare plan. If you have Kaiser coverage, your benefits may vary by location and plan type. Here’s how to tell exactly what’s covered—and what dental services may still cost you out-of-pocket.
1. Medicare Alone Doesn’t Include Routine Dental Care
Traditional Medicare (Parts A & B) doesn’t cover cleanings, fillings, dentures, or other dental services. That’s why many seniors turn to Medicare Advantage plans—like those offered by Kaiser Permanente—for extra benefits. But even then, dental coverage isn’t guaranteed.
Understanding what your Kaiser plan includes (or doesn’t) is key to avoiding surprise bills.
2. Kaiser Medicare Advantage Plans Often Include Dental — But It Varies
Many Kaiser Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans do include basic dental care, such as:
Annual exams and X-rays
Teeth cleanings (often 2 per year)
Fillings and simple extractions
However, the specifics can vary by region. Some plans include coverage for more advanced procedures—like crowns or root canals—while others offer only preventative care.
Before you schedule a visit, check your Evidence of Coverage (EOC) to see exactly what’s included.
3. Some Dental Benefits Require Copays or Limited Networks
Even with coverage, you may still owe a small copay per dental visit. And not all dentists accept Kaiser dental plans. Some plans work only with specific dental networks (like Delta Dental through Kaiser), meaning you must stay in-network to get full benefits.
Using an out-of-network dentist could leave you paying most of the bill yourself.
4. What About Dentures or Implants?
Here’s where it gets tricky. Most Kaiser dental plans don’t cover full dentures, implants, or cosmetic dentistry—unless you enroll in a higher-tier plan or optional supplemental dental coverage.
If you’re considering these services, make sure your plan includes “comprehensive” dental. Otherwise, you’ll be footing the entire bill.
5. Optional Supplemental Dental Plans Are Available
If your basic Kaiser Medicare plan doesn’t include the dental coverage you need, you may be able to add an optional supplemental plan during enrollment or renewal. These add-ons typically come with:
Higher annual maximums
Coverage for crowns, bridges, dentures
Access to larger dental networks
They cost extra—but for seniors who require more frequent or advanced dental care, they may be worth it.
6. How to Know Exactly What You’re Covered For
To check your dental benefits with Kaiser:
Log into your Kaiser Medicare account
Download your “Evidence of Coverage” (EOC)
Look for the “Dental Services” section
Call member services if anything is unclear
Still not sure? Call your Kaiser benefits advisor—they can walk you through what’s covered under your specific plan and zip code.
